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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Graphic Designers salary in San Jose, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Jose 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$98,530
Mean annual$119,250
Range (10th to 90th)$57,030 to $170,940
San Jose, California employment1,510
State vs national+58.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Jose graphic designers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$57,03025TH$75,040MEDIAN$98,53075TH$128,99090TH$170,940

The middle 50% of workers earn between $75,040 and $128,990, with a median of $98,530.

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 Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for graphic designers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Graphic Designers in San Jose, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Graphic Designers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $98,530.
Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Graphic Designers?
The San Jose metro median is +28.9% versus the California state median of $76,440.
How does San Jose compare to the national median for Graphic Designers?
The San Jose metro median is +58.0% versus the BLS national figure of $62,356.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers in San Jose?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $57,030 and the 90th-percentile at $170,940 for the San Jose 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 Jose 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.