Graphic Designers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $98,530 +60.7% vs national
Median hourly $47.37
10th percentile $57,030
90th percentile $170,940
Employed locally 1,510
National median $61,300

Compare Graphic Designers salary & buying power

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Graphic Designers
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,030
    25th
    $75,040
    50th (median)
    $98,530
    75th
    $128,990
    90th
    $170,940

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Graphic Designers salary vs area income 63% Median Graphic Designers salary is 37% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Graphic Designers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $90,710
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    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 Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $54,520
    Public Relations Specialists $101,200
    Technical Writers $135,880
    Art Directors $170,760
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $45,110
    Editors $96,270

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Graphic Designers in San Jose, CA is $47.37, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $79.10 or more per hour.

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

    The median Graphic Designers salary in San Jose, CA is 60.7% 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 Jose?

    Entry-level Graphic Designers (10th percentile) earn around $57,030 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $75,040.