Colorado Springs vs Denver: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,833 | $74,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.20 | $36.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,975 | $49,602▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,956 | $59,928▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,523 | $93,820▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,740 | $128,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | 2,590▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $12,103 (19.26%). Denver's median is +15.15% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $60,765,Denver spans $78,461. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($70,840 effective) pays 13.54% more than Colorado Springs ($62,392 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,063)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,840)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in Denver over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$51,290 (2019) → $60,790 (2025)
Denver, CO
$56,650 (2019) → $72,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Colorado Springs or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Denver?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Denver as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Colorado Springs vs Denver?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov