Graphic Designers Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $89,490 +46% vs national
Median hourly $43.02
10th percentile $50,810
90th percentile $145,990
Employed locally 4,050
National median $61,300

Compare Graphic Designers salary & buying power

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Graphic Designers
in
San Francisco, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $50,810
    25th
    $66,990
    50th (median)
    $89,490
    75th
    $115,420
    90th
    $145,990

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Graphic Designers salary vs area income 67% Median Graphic Designers salary is 33% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Graphic Designers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,530
    District of Columbia $90,710
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $82,630
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $82,360
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $78,500
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $78,000

    Nearby metros — Graphic Designers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,530
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $78,500
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $78,000
    California $76,440
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $75,820
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $75,470

    Related occupations in San Francisco, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $98,460
    Coaches and Scouts $47,260
    Producers and Directors $122,210
    Media and Communication Workers, All Other $99,420
    Editors $99,720
    Art Directors $158,690

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Graphic Designers make per hour in San Francisco?

    The median hourly wage for Graphic Designers in San Francisco, CA is $43.02, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $68.49 or more per hour.

    Is San Francisco above or below average for Graphic Designers salaries?

    The median Graphic Designers salary in San Francisco, CA is 46% above the national median of $61,300. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Graphic Designers in San Francisco?

    Entry-level Graphic Designers (10th percentile) earn around $50,810 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,990.