Average Graphic Designers Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs, CO, can expect an average annual salary of $64,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $68,540, a common trend in markets where local economic factors and industry demand may not perfectly align with broader national compensation benchmarks. The specific pay rates in Colorado Springs are influenced by the concentration of creative industries and the overall demand for design services within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs appears stable, with a local workforce of 400 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.91 suggests a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced demand and supply dynamic. With 1.266 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Graphic Designers is consistent with national employment patterns, pointing to a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, level of opportunity.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs, CO earns-5.7%below the national average.
$31.1
$1,242
$5,383
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Colorado Springs is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Graphic Designers nationwide have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation and the increasing importance of digital design. This general growth likely extends to Colorado Springs, though local market conditions could moderate the pace of salary increases compared to more dynamic national hubs.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
The career trajectory for Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a strong portfolio can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial career progression and earning potential available as designers advance through junior, mid-level, and senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,810 | $19.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $48,450 | $23.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $58,500 | $28.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $80,750 | $38.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $94,260 | $45.3 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
A nominal salary of $64,600 in Colorado Springs aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
1.266
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Colorado Springs, CO has 0.91x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.91, Colorado Springs exhibits a Graphic Designer concentration that is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market; while not oversaturated, the demand for talent is consistent with broader trends. Professionals entering this market will find a landscape where their skills are valued, but significant differentiation through specialization or a robust portfolio will be key to standing out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $64,970↑ 1% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Graphic Designers Salary | $65,650↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Graphic Designers Salary | $62,970↓ 3% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Graphic Designers Salary | $75,900↑ 17% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs, CO is $64,600. This typically ranges from $40,810 for entry-level positions to $94,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 5.7% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $64,600 is stable, it falls slightly below the national average of $68,540. The cost of living being at the national average means purchasing power is comparable, but not superior.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($64,970) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does Colorado Springs compare to national salary averages for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs earn an average of $64,600 annually, which is approximately $3,940 less than the national average of $68,540.
What is the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs relative to the national average?
Colorado Springs has a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning it is exactly at the national average. This implies that your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would on average across the United States.
How concentrated is the Graphic Designer job market in Colorado Springs?
The market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.91, indicates that Graphic Designers are slightly less concentrated in Colorado Springs than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs?
With 1.266 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment rate for Graphic Designers in Colorado Springs is consistent with national figures, indicating a steady demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 1.266 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO