Graphic Designer salary in Boulder, CO
Graphic Designers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $67,680 a year ($32.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 400 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,430 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 2% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $66,330. There are 2.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $77,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,720 | $22.46 |
| 25th percentile | $56,060 | $26.95 |
| Median | $67,680 | $32.54 |
| 75th percentile | $89,410 | $42.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,430 | $59.82 |
| Average (mean) | $77,360 | $37.19 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,640 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,820 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,603.08 |
| Weekly | $1,301.54 |
| Hourly | $32.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $72,500 | 2,590 |
| Greeley, CO | $64,640 | 110 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $62,060 | 240 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $60,790 | 400 |
| Pueblo, CO | $56,730 | 30 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $51,540 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Interior Designer | $80,850 | $38.87 |
| Art Director | $107,130 | $51.51 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $107,990 | $51.92 |
| Floral Designer | $46,030 | $22.13 |
| Fashion Designer | $98,680 | $47.44 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $81,180 | $39.03 |
| Editor | $81,090 | $38.99 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| Technical Writer | $105,840 | $50.89 |
| Writers and Authors | $83,540 | $40.16 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | $49,460 | — |
| Musicians and Singers | — | $64.45 |
| Photographer | $60,930 | $29.29 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in Boulder, CO?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Boulder, CO metro area is $67,680 a year, or $32.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $46,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $124,430 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $124,430 a year. The top 25% earn $89,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,720 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $56,060 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Boulder, CO?
About 400 graphic designers are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.