Graphic Designer Salary in Colorado
Based on 4K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$66,330
$31.89/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
+9.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $119K
4K employed in Colorado
Graphic designer salary in Colorado averages $66,330 per year, positioning the state 9% above the national average. With approximately 4,200 graphic designers employed throughout Colorado, the field offers competitive compensation compared to other regions. Salaries in the state range from $47,030 to $118,560 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels in this creative profession.
Several factors influence graphic designer compensation in Colorado, including years of experience, specialized skills, and industry sector. Designers working in high-growth tech hubs like Denver typically command higher salaries than those in smaller markets. Education level, portfolio quality, and whether a designer works in-house, freelance, or for an agency also significantly impact earning potential in the state.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,030 |
| 25th percentile | $55,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,330 |
| 75th percentile | $85,810 |
| 90th percentile | $118,560 |
Top-Paying Industries for Graphic Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Graphic Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Graphic Designers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $100,350 | 130 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,930 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,530 | 9K |
| Finance and Insurance | $77,600 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $70,920 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Graphic Designer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,470 |
| 2023 | $61,700 |
| 2024 | $66,360 |
| 2025 | $66,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,330 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,470 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $61,700 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $66,360 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $66,330 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,330 | $60,609 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $55,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $118,560 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Graphic Designer ($66,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in CO | $99,990 | +50.7% | $48.07/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in CO | $90,590 | +36.6% | $43.55/hr |
| Interior Designer in CO | $78,390 | +18.2% | $37.69/hr |
| Producer and Director in CO | $78,060 | +17.7% | $37.53/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CO | $56,790 | -14.4% | $27.30/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CO | $67,010 | +1.0% | $32.22/hr |
| Social Worker in CO | $65,620 | -1.1% | $31.55/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in CO | $67,230 | +1.4% | $32.32/hr |
| School Counselor in CO | $64,780 | -2.3% | $31.14/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in CO | $68,730 | +3.6% | $33.04/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CO | $63,760 | -3.9% | $30.65/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | -4.0% | $30.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Colorado?
- Graphic designers in Colorado earn a median salary of $66,330 per year, or $32 per hour. This is 9.4% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive market for design professionals.
What is the salary range for graphic designers in Colorado?
- Graphic designer salaries in Colorado range from $47,030 at the lower end to $118,560 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state's 4,200 employed graphic designers.
Is Colorado a good state for graphic designer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for graphic designers with a median salary of $66,330 annually, which is 9.4% higher than the national average. This makes it an attractive location for design professionals seeking competitive wages.
How many graphic designers work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 4,200 graphic designers currently employed in Colorado. This substantial workforce indicates a healthy job market for design professionals in the state.