In Los Angeles, CA, Graphic Designers earn a median of $74,050 a year — about 14% above the U.S. median of $64,700. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #9.
What that pay is worth in Los Angeles
Local prices run 114 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $78,360 salary buys less than it looks — about $69,000 in national-average buying power.
Can Graphic Designers afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 — 11.2 times the average Graphic Designer salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,879/mo takes roughly 29% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Graphic Designer pay ladder in Los Angeles
Entry-level (10th percentile) Graphic Designers earn about $41,240; the top 10% reach $121,440 — a $80,200 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Graphic Designer job market in Los Angeles
Los Angeles employs roughly 14,140 Graphic Designers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Los Angeles with other cities
See the full Graphic Designer salary by city ranking to weigh Los Angeles against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Graphic Designers make in Los Angeles?
The average Graphic Designer in Los Angeles, CA earns about $78,360 per year, 21.1% above the national average of $64,700.
What is the take-home pay for Graphic Designers in Los Angeles after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $78,360 salary is worth about $60,745 a year - roughly $5,062 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 22%.
What do the highest-paid Graphic Designers earn in Los Angeles?
The top 10% of Graphic Designers in Los Angeles earn about $121,440 a year, versus about $41,240 for the bottom 10%.
Can Graphic Designers afford a home in Los Angeles?
A typical Los Angeles home runs about $879,500 - roughly 11.2x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.