Graphic Designer salary in Denver, CO
Median pay, Denver metro
$72,500/year
about $34.86 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $57,980 – $90,770
Half of graphic designers in the Denver metro area earn more than $72,500 a year and half earn less. That's 15% higher than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #10 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,990 | $23.07 |
| 25th | $57,980 | $27.88 |
| Median (50th) | $72,500 | $34.86 |
| 75th | $90,770 | $43.64 |
| 90th (top earners) | $123,900 | $59.57 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a graphic designer job in the Denver metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $57,980 ($27.88/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $57,980 to $90,770 ($27.88 to $43.64/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $90,770 ($43.64/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Watch for roles that bundle design, video, social media and web work into one job at one salary.
- Unpaid "test projects" are a common red flag. A short, paid test is fair; a full campaign for free isn't.
- In-house design roles tend to be steadier than agency roles, which can pay more but come with heavier deadlines.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Denver metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.