Graphic Designer Jobs in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, California$73,125 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Graphic Designer Jobs in Sacramento

Looking for a Graphic Designer job in Sacramento? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Graphic Designer in Sacramento, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Sacramento has a strong job market for Graphic Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Graphic Designer Salary in Sacramento

Entry Level
$44,753
Median
$73,125
Senior Level
$107,640

Graphic Designer salaries in Sacramento are 17% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

Purchasing power in Sacramento is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignBrand IdentityVisual Communication

Graphic Designer Job Market in Sacramento

Sacramento, CA is a major regional employment hub for Graphic Designer professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 525K residents, Sacramento balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Government leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Graphic Designer roles across various sectors. The market for Graphic Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Graphic Designers in Sacramento

State of CaliforniaCity of SacramentoSacRTSMUD

Major employers hiring Graphic Designers in Sacramento include State of California, City of Sacramento, SacRT, SMUD. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Graphic Designers in Sacramento

Living in Sacramento as a Graphic Designer means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 117% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Graphic Designer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

117
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Graphic Designer in Sacramento

Sacramento Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Graphic Designers in Sacramento: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Graphic Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Graphic Designer earning $73,125 might pay approximately $5,850 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Graphic Designers

The job outlook for Graphic Designers in Sacramento is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Sacramento's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Brand Identity.

Relocating to Sacramento

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Graphic Designer salary in Sacramento, CA?

The average Graphic Designer salary in Sacramento, CA is $73,125 per year. Entry-level Graphic Designers typically start around $44,753, while experienced professionals can earn $107,640 or more. The national average for Graphic Designer roles is $62,500.

How many Graphic Designer jobs are available in Sacramento?

Sacramento has a strong job market with regular openings for Graphic Designer professionals. Major employers hiring Graphic Designers include State of California, City of Sacramento, SacRT, SMUD. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Sacramento a good city for Graphic Designers?

Sacramento is an very good choice for Graphic Designers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's government industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Graphic Designers in Sacramento?

Top skills for Graphic Designers in Sacramento include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Brand Identity, Visual Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Graphic Designers in Sacramento?

Sacramento's cost of living is above the national average (117% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Sacramento is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Graphic Designers in Sacramento?

Sacramento Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Creative & Design Jobs in Sacramento