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Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salary in California

How much does an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer in California is $200,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $97.

However, an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $237,190
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $183,808 to $219,838
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $168,357
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salaries

An Associate Art Director/Graphic 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 Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Art Director/Graphic 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): $134,167
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $108,804
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $130,885
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $161,950
  • Expert (over 8 years): $196,809
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Graphic Design Specialist V less than 1 year $134,167
Graphic Design Supervisor 1-2 years $108,804
Graphic Design Manager 2-4 years $130,885
Graphic Design Senior Manager 5-8 years $161,950
Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer over 8 years $196,809

How Do Associate Art Director/Graphic 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 Associate Art Director/Graphic Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $201,544.
  • California: $200,779.
  • Massachusetts: $198,103.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Art Director/Graphic 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: $201,125
  • West Hollywood: $200,979
  • Dodgertown: $201,123

Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Art Director/Graphic 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 Energy & Utilities and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $240,935 $116.0 20%
Software & Networking $240,935 $116.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $220,857 $106.0 10%
Chemicals $220,857 $106.0 10%
Financial Services $220,857 $106.0 10%

Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Art Director/Graphic 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 September 01, 2026
$183,808
Average $200,779/year
$219,838
$15,317
Average $16,732/month
$18,320
$3,535
Average $3,861/week
$4,228
$88
Average $97/hour
$106
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $219,838 $18,320 $4,228 $106
Average $200,779 $16,732 $3,861 $97
25th Percentile $183,808 $15,317 $3,535 $88

Find Your Next Associate Art Director/Graphic Designer Job

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

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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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