How to Become A Graphic Designer in Colorado
Colorado employs approximately 4,200 graphic designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $66,330 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a graphic designer in Colorado, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Graphic Designer in Colorado
How do I become a graphic designer in Colorado? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for graphic designers in Colorado.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do graphic designers earn in Colorado? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Colorado is $66,330 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,030 and experienced professionals can earn $118,560 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Colorado): $66,330 per year 1
Graphic Designer Wages by Metro Area in Colorado
Graphic Designers Wages by Metro Area in Colorado
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), graphic designers wages in Colorado vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | 2,590 | $72,500 | $77,600 | $47,990 | $123,900 |
| Boulder | 400 | $67,680 | $77,360 | $46,720 | $124,430 |
| Colorado Springs | 400 | $60,790 | $68,380 | $44,480 | $103,270 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | 240 | $62,060 | $70,880 | $44,600 | $120,950 |
| Greeley | 110 | $64,640 | $71,500 | $44,550 | $107,540 |
| Grand Junction | 60 | $51,540 | $58,920 | $37,190 | $76,770 |
| Pueblo | 30 | $56,730 | $68,200 | $40,970 | $123,220 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Graphic designers in Colorado
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest graphic designer employment within Colorado according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | 2,590 | $72,500 |
| Boulder | 400 | $67,680 |
| Colorado Springs | 400 | $60,790 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | 240 | $62,060 |
| Greeley | 110 | $64,640 |
Explore graphic designer programs in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for graphic designers in Colorado? Colorado currently employs approximately 4,200 graphic designers 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Colorado? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Colorado.
How much do graphic designers earn in Colorado compared to the national average? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Colorado is $66,330, which is $5,030 above the national median of $61,300 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |