Graphic Designer salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Graphic Designers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $72,500 a year ($34.86 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,590 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $123,900 for the top 10%. That is 15% higher than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 9% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $66,330. There are 1.6 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $77,600, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| 25th percentile | $57,980 | $27.88 |
| Median | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| 75th percentile | $90,770 | $43.64 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $123,900 | $59.57 |
| Average (mean) | $77,600 | $37.31 |
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 | $6,041.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,020.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,788.46 |
| Weekly | $1,394.23 |
| Hourly | $34.86 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $72,500 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $67,680 | 400 |
| 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| Interior Designer | $80,150 | $38.53 |
| Art Director | $99,990 | $48.07 |
| Floral Designer | $47,140 | $22.66 |
| Fashion Designer | $99,420 | $47.80 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $84,230 | $40.49 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $91,290 | $43.89 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $77,100 | $37.07 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $83,000 | $39.90 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $64,510 | $31.01 |
| Craft Artist | $53,680 | $25.81 |
| Designers, All Other | $69,620 | $33.47 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $82,930 | $39.87 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $47,110 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $72,500 a year, or $34.86 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,990 for the lowest-paid 10% to $123,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $123,900 a year. The top 25% earn $90,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,990 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $57,980 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 2,590 graphic designers are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.