Salary distribution
Where Sacramento graphic designers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $59,090 and $94,850, with a median of $75,470.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Fine Arts
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Originality
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Fluency of Ideas
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- 02
Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- 03
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- 04
Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- 05
Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- 06
Use computer software to generate new images.
- 07
Prepare digital files for printing.
- 08
Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the Sacramento metro compares to other major California metro areas for graphic designers.
- San Jose$98,530
- San Francisco$89,490
- Los Angeles$75,820
- Riverside$62,040
- San Diego—
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Graphic Designers in Sacramento, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Graphic Designers in the Sacramento metropolitan area is $75,470.
- Does Sacramento pay more than the California state average for Graphic Designers?
- The Sacramento metro median is -1.3% versus the California state median of $76,440.
- How does Sacramento compare to the national median for Graphic Designers?
- The Sacramento metro median is +21.0% versus the BLS national figure of $62,356.
- What is the salary range for Graphic Designers in Sacramento?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $45,460 and the 90th-percentile at $118,880 for the Sacramento metro area.
- What education is required for Graphic Designers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Sacramento CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.