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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Graphic Designer in California is $67,785 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Associate Graphic Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Associate Graphic Designer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,386 | $6,199 | $1,431 | $36 |
| Average | $67,785 | $5,649 | $1,304 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,701 | $4,975 | $1,148 | $29 |
ANINE BING - Los Angeles, CA
Madhappy - Los Angeles, CA
Image 360 - Palm Desert, CA
K-1 Speed Inc - Irvine, CA
An Associate Graphic Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Graphic Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate... Level Associate Graphic Designer | $67,300 |
| Graphic D... Level Associate Graphic Designer | $78,853 |
| Graphic D... Level Associate Graphic Designer | $95,731 |
| Graphic D... Level Associate Graphic Designer | $118,221 |
| Graphic D... Level Associate Graphic Designer | $138,980 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Graphic Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Associate Graphic Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate Graphic Designer positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Graphic Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $81,342 | $39.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Associate Graphic Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,386 | $6,199 | $1,431 | $36 |
| Average | $67,785 | $5,649 | $1,304 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,701 | $4,975 | $1,148 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Graphic Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
cabi, LLC
Long Beach, CA
cabi, LLC | Long Beach, CA
Job Description. Job Description. At Cabi, we're redefining what it means to build a fashion brand, one rooted in connection, confidence, and purpose. As a... more
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Kinder's
Walnut Creek, CA
Kinder's | Walnut Creek, CA
Job Description. Job Description. BUILT ON FLAVOR. FUELED BY PEOPLE. What's it like to work at Kinder's. Well, there's a lot of snacking and geeking out ov... more
8 Days Ago
Go Rentals
Newport Beach, CA
Go Rentals | Newport Beach, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Design where 5-star service meets unforgettable style. Salary Range. $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 / year. . Position. Full Tim... more
8 Days Ago
Bay Central Printing, Inc
Union City, CA
Bay Central Printing, Inc | Union City, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Company parties. Competitive salary. Employee discounts. Flexible schedule. Health insurance. Opportuni... more
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BendPak Inc
Agoura Hills, CA
BendPak Inc | Agoura Hills, CA
Job Description. Job Description. ABOUT BENDPAK. BendPak is one of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle repair equipment including automotive servi... more
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Remote VA
Salida, CA
Remote VA | Salida, CA
Job TitleKey Responsibilities :Design Imprints & Virtuals :You will create custom imprints for a variety of promotional items (e.g., pens, tote bags, mugs,... more
9 Days Ago
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