Graphic Designers Salary in Santa Maria, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Median annual salary $78,500 +28.1% vs national
Median hourly $37.74
10th percentile $49,350
90th percentile $127,920
Employed locally 210
National median $61,300

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Graphic Designers
in
Santa Maria, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,350
    25th
    $60,740
    50th (median)
    $78,500
    75th
    $98,690
    90th
    $127,920

    Santa Maria economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $95,977 2023 • Census ACS
    Graphic Designers salary vs area income 82% Median Graphic Designers salary is 18% 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
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $82,630
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $82,360
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $78,000

    Nearby metros — Graphic Designers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,530
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    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 Santa Maria, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Coaches and Scouts $45,020
    Public Relations Specialists $79,110
    Producers and Directors $77,950
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,150
    Interior Designers $79,350
    Fashion Designers $100,230

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Graphic Designers make per hour in Santa Maria?

    The median hourly wage for Graphic Designers in Santa Maria, CA is $37.74, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $61.50 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Maria above or below average for Graphic Designers salaries?

    The median Graphic Designers salary in Santa Maria, CA is 28.1% 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 Santa Maria?

    Entry-level Graphic Designers (10th percentile) earn around $49,350 per year in Santa Maria, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $60,740.