Answered: Graphic Designer Salary Colorado
Are you a graphic designer in Colorado? Or are you thinking about becoming a graphic designer in Colorado? If so, you probably want to know – what is the graphic designer salary in Colorado?
In this article, we will answer that question. We’ll look at how much graphic designers make in Colorado. We’ll also look at what factors affect a graphic designer’s pay in Colorado.
Average Graphic Designer Salary in Colorado
So how much does a graphic designer in Colorado make on average? The average graphic designer salary in Colorado is $54,000 per year.
That number comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS tracks salaries for all kinds of jobs across the United States.
Of course, $54,000 is just an average number. Some graphic designers in Colorado make more than that. And some make less.
Factors Affecting Graphic Designer Pay in Colorado
There are a few key factors that affect how much a graphic designer makes in Colorado:
1. Experience Level
2. City and Cost of Living
3. Industry
4. Education Level
Let’s look at each of those factors in more detail.
Experience Level
Just like in any job, the more experience you have as a graphic designer, the more money you can typically make. Entry-level graphic designers in Colorado make around $40,000 per year on average.
But if you have 5-10 years of experience under your belt, you can make $60,000 or more per year as a graphic designer in Colorado.
Graphic designers in Colorado with over 10 years of experience can command salaries of $70,000+ per year in many cases.
City and Cost of Living
Where in Colorado you live and work also impacts your potential graphic designer salary. Salaries tend to be higher in major cities with a higher cost of living.
For example, graphic designers in Denver make an average of $57,000 per year. But in Colorado Springs, the average is around $50,000 per year.
So if you live and work in an expensive city like Denver, salaries will be higher to make up for the higher cost of living.
Industry
The industry you work in as a graphic designer also affects your pay in Colorado. Some of the highest paying industries for graphic designers include:
- Advertising and marketing agencies
- Tech and software companies
- Video game design studios
In these industries, average graphic designer salaries in Colorado can exceed $60,000 per year.
On the other hand, industries like publishing or non-profits may pay on the lower end for graphic designers.
Education Level
Having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in graphic design can help boost your salary potential in Colorado. Most employers prefer to hire graphic designers with a formal education.
Those with just a high school diploma may have a harder time landing the highest paying graphic design jobs in Colorado.
Salaries for Entry, Mid-Level, and Senior Graphic Designers
To give you a clearer picture, here are some typical salary ranges for graphic designers in Colorado at different levels:
Entry-Level (0-3 years experience):
- Denver: $40,000 – $50,000
- Colorado Springs: $35,000 – $45,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years experience):
- Denver: $50,000 – $70,000
- Colorado Springs: $45,000 – $60,000
Senior Level (7+ years experience):
- Denver: $65,000 – $90,000
- Colorado Springs: $55,000 – $75,000
Of course, these are just general ranges. Top graphic designers at big companies can make over $100,000 per year in some cases.
How to Increase Your Graphic Designer Salary in Colorado
If you want to maximize your earning potential as a graphic designer in Colorado, here are some tips:
- Get as much experience as possible, even through internships
- Develop specialized skills that are in high demand (UI/UX design, motion graphics, etc.)
- Consider getting certified in specific design software
- Build an outstanding portfolio of your best design work
- Earn a bachelor’s degree if you haven’t already
Be willing to relocate to a higher paying city - Stay up-to-date on the latest design trends and technology
By following these steps, you can move up into the highest paying graphic design roles and companies in Colorado over time.
The Bottom Line on Graphic Designer Salaries in Colorado
So in summary, the average graphic designer salary in Colorado is $54,000 per year according to the latest data.
As you’ve seen, entry-level graphic designers in Colorado may start around $40,000. But senior designers can make $70,000 – $90,000 or more at the highest-paying companies.
If you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a graphic designer in Colorado, get experience, develop specialized skills, earn a degree, and be willing to go where the top opportunities are.
With hard work and the right strategy, you can earn a very good living as a graphic designer in the state of Colorado.
