Graphic Designer Salary in Lakewood, CO: $64,193 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lakewood, CO earns a median $64,193/year (≈ $30.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $61,136 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, the projected salary for graphic designers in 2026 is $64,193 annually, which is slightly below the national median of $65,075. This figure illustrates the competitive nature of the local creative market. Salaries span a wide range, with the bottom 10% earning around $41,328 and the top 90% reaching up to $99,498. Reports indicate that these estimates reflect adjustments for cost of living and market conditions based on 2025 BLS data. For graphic designers, the freelance model often prevails, with day rates varying according to expertise and project type. This local market offers unique opportunities, although variations in payment can frequently hinge on specialization and employer type.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,328 | $19.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,414 | $24.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,193 | $30.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,167 | $39.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,498 | $47.84 |
Median Salary Position
1.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,170 (2026 est.). At $64,193, the local median is 1.36% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $64,193/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $64,129 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -1.36% less |
Graphic Designers in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $64,193 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $64,129.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,193 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,136 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,403
2025 BLS Actual
$62,106
2026 Current Est.
$64,193
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,022 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,203 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,193 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $51,403 (2019) to $62,106 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,947 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,328 – $50,414 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,414 – $64,193 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,193 – $82,167 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,167 – $99,498 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lakewood
With only 27 graphic designers employed in Lakewood, CO, the job market is relatively niche, impacted by a cost-of-living index of 105. This index suggests that although salaries are competitive, the purchasing power of designers can be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. The highest-paying opportunities generally come from in-house corporate marketing teams in sectors such as CPG and finance, where designers can command higher salaries due to their strategic importance. Conversely, agencies often pay less initially but offer diverse experiences and the potential for rapid growth. The discrepancies in earnings highlight factors like the demand for specialized skills in motion graphics or brand identity, where talented individuals can capture the premium segment of the market. Designers looking to optimize their pay may focus on building a strong portfolio paired with advanced skills in Adobe CC while considering both in-house and freelance opportunities within this growing, yet competitive, community.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,106 for graphic designersin the Lakewood metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov