Graphic Designer Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $61,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $61,720/year (≈ $29.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $58,781 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, graphic designers can anticipate a median annual salary of $61,720 in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $65,075. Salary estimates in this region showcase a broad range from $41,899 at the 10th percentile to $95,667 at the 90th percentile, indicating varied opportunities based on experience and specialization. Data derived from state-level projections and regional cost adjustments can help prospective designers understand their earning potential. For those focused on motion graphics or brand identity, achieving specialized skills can significantly boost earning potential, making these lucrative pathways worth pursuing in Wheat Ridge’s evolving job market.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,899 | $20.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,790 | $23.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,720 | $29.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,002 | $37.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,667 | $46.00 |
Median Salary Position
5.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,768 (2026 est.). At $61,720, the local median is 5.16% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $61,720/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $64,158 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -5.16% less |
Graphic Designers in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $61,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.16% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $64,158.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,720 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,781 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,423
2025 BLS Actual
$59,714
2026 Current Est.
$61,720
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,423 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,628 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,873 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,714 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,794 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $49,423 (2019) to $59,714 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,794 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,371 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $41,899 – $49,790 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,790 – $61,720 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,720 – $79,002 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,002 – $95,667 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Wheat Ridge
The local graphic designer job market in Wheat Ridge consists of about eight employed professionals. Despite what seems like a small community, the demand for design expertise remains high, especially as businesses seek to establish strong brand identities. With a cost-of-living index of 105, designers in the area might find their take-home pay impacted by everyday expenses. Organizations in sectors like technology and consumer packaged goods tend to offer the highest compensation, especially when compared to smaller retail or production environments. The disparity in pay between entry-level and more seasoned positions often hinges on specialty skills, the reputation of the employing agency, and the strength of an applicant's portfolio. For designers aiming to maximize their earnings in this environment, focusing on in-demand specialties, developing a persuasive portfolio, and exploring both freelance opportunities and corporate roles can lead to better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 $59,714 for graphic designersin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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