Graphic Designer salary in Tucson, AZ
Graphic Designers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $57,710 a year ($27.74 an hour), based on BLS data for 380 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,080 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 1% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $58,510. There are 0.97 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $61,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,670 | $18.59 |
| 25th percentile | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| Median | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| 75th percentile | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,080 | $44.75 |
| Average (mean) | $61,570 | $29.60 |
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 | $4,809.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,404.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,219.62 |
| Weekly | $1,109.81 |
| Hourly | $27.74 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | $61,630 | 60 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $59,090 | 2,810 |
| Yuma, AZ | $57,730 | 30 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $54,150 | 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 Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| Interior Designer | $58,110 | $27.94 |
| Floral Designer | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| Art Director | $74,510 | $35.82 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $52,200 | $25.10 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,630 | $29.63 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,080 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $64,530 | $31.03 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $57,920 | $27.85 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,010 | $20.68 |
| Technical Writer | $75,070 | $36.09 |
| Editor | $59,420 | $28.57 |
| Broadcast Technician | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Writers and Authors | $47,990 | $23.07 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, AZ
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 Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $57,710 a year, or $27.74 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $93,080 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $93,080 a year. The top 25% earn $72,500 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,670 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $46,790 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Tucson, AZ?
About 380 graphic designers are employed in the Tucson, AZ metro area, not counting the self-employed.