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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Graphic Designers salary in San Francisco, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Francisco metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$89,490
Mean annual$104,770
Range (10th to 90th)$50,810 to $145,990
San Francisco, California employment4,050
State vs national+43.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Francisco graphic designers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$50,81025TH$66,990MEDIAN$89,49075TH$115,42090TH$145,990

The middle 50% of workers earn between $66,990 and $115,420, with a median of $89,490.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5

  • Fine Arts

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5

  • Communications and Media

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5

  • Originality

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

  • Fluency of Ideas

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.

  2. 02

    Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.

  3. 03

    Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.

  4. 04

    Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.

  5. 05

    Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.

  6. 06

    Use computer software to generate new images.

  7. 07

    Prepare digital files for printing.

  8. 08

    Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.

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Other metros in California

How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for graphic designers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Graphic Designers in San Francisco, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Graphic Designers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $89,490.
Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Graphic Designers?
The San Francisco metro median is +17.1% versus the California state median of $76,440.
How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Graphic Designers?
The San Francisco metro median is +43.5% versus the BLS national figure of $62,356.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers in San Francisco?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,810 and the 90th-percentile at $145,990 for the San Francisco 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco 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.