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2D Designer Salary in California

How much does a 2D Designer make in California? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2D Designer in California is $118,852 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.

However, a 2D Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $140,290
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $109,303 to $130,073
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $100,610
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 2D Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 2D Designer Salaries

A 2D Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 2D Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 2D Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $79,706
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $94,359
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $116,514
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $137,001
  • Expert (over 8 years): $111,120
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Graphic Design Specialist II less than 1 year $79,706
Graphic Design Specialist III 1-2 years $94,359
2D Designer 2-4 years $116,514
Graphic Design Specialist V 5-8 years $137,001
Graphic Design Supervisor over 8 years $111,120

How Do 2D Designer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 2D Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $119,304.
  • California: $118,852.
  • Massachusetts: $117,268.

Top Paying Cities for 2D Designer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $119,056
  • West Hollywood: $118,970
  • Dodgertown: $119,055

2D Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 2D Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 2D Designer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2D Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 2D Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $142,622 $69.0 20%
Software & Networking $142,622 $69.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $136,679 $66.0 15%
Internet $136,679 $66.0 15%
Energy & Utilities $130,737 $63.0 10%

2D Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 2D Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$109,303
Average $118,852/year
$130,073
$9,109
Average $9,904/month
$10,839
$2,102
Average $2,286/week
$2,501
$53
Average $57/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $130,073 $10,839 $2,501 $63
Average $118,852 $9,904 $2,286 $57
25th Percentile $109,303 $9,109 $2,102 $53

Find Your Next 2D Designer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 2D Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Pivot Interiors, Inc. | Costa Mesa, CA

    Designer

    Pivot Interiors, Inc. | Costa Mesa, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. PIVOT INTERIORS. Our organization includes a strategic team of big thinkers and creatives who truly work interdependently... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Phaxis LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Designer

    Phaxis LLC | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. 12 months contract. Pay rate $34-36/hr W2. ONSITE Universal City CA. Work with the Creative Director to support the gener... more

    8 Days Ago

  • SFJAZZ | San Francisco, CA

    Designer

    SFJAZZ | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. SFJAZZ is seeking a creative and collaborative Designer to join our Marketing Team.  The Designer creates engaging, accur... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Coordinated Resources Inc | San Francisco, CA

    Designer

    Coordinated Resources Inc | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. About CRI. Over the past 30+ years, CRI has partnered with countless companies to create workplaces that bec... more

    8 Days Ago

  • AVANTI RESTAURANT SOLUTIONS INC | Irvine, CA

    Designer

    AVANTI RESTAURANT SOLUTIONS INC | Irvine, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Summary. The Designer supports the Design Department by collaborating with Senior Designers and Account Managers on proje... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Jakks Pacific Inc | Santa Monica, CA

    Designer

    Jakks Pacific Inc | Santa Monica, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. JAKKS Pacific, Inc., a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that fe... more

    10 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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