1

Graduate Graphic Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer

Carson, CA ยท Hybrid

$75K - $80K/yr

Bolstered by our International Dermal Institute - the apex of post-graduate skin and body therapy ... We are looking for a talented Graphic Designer who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment ...

Graphic Designer

Carson, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Bolstered by our International Dermal Institute the apex of post-graduate skin and body therapy ... We are looking for a talented Graphic Designer who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment ...

Graphic Designer

Carson, CA ยท Hybrid

$75K - $80K/yr

Bolstered by our International Dermal Institute the apex of post-graduate skin and body therapy ... We are looking for a talented Graphic Designer who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment ...

The Turner's Outdoorsman Graphic Designer Associate is responsible for preparing advertisements ... High school graduate (or GED) required, college graduates preferred * 3+ years of strong graphic ...

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent ... Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree) EEO Statement Starz is an equal employment ...

The graphic designer will play an important role in the growth of our design team, and will be ... Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program. Education: Candidate must be ...

Digital Media Intern

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$10.50/hr

The graphic designer will play an important role in the growth of our design team, and will be ... Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program. Education: Candidate must be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Graphic Designer information

See California salary details

$12

$26

$42

How much do graduate graphic designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate graphic designer in California is $26.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate graphic designer?

A Graduate Graphic Designer is an entry-level role for individuals who have recently completed a degree in graphic design or a related field. They assist in creating visual content for digital and print media, working under the guidance of senior designers or creative directors. Responsibilities typically include designing marketing materials, branding assets, and social media graphics while refining technical skills in software like Adobe Creative Suite. This role provides hands-on experience and helps build a professional portfolio, paving the way for career growth in the design industry.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate graphic designer typically expect in their first role?

As a Graduate Graphic Designer, you can expect to work on a variety of design projects such as creating digital graphics, layouts for print or web, social media assets, brand materials, and assisting in larger campaigns. Entry-level designers often collaborate closely with senior designers, copywriters, and marketing teams, taking direction while also contributing fresh ideas. Responsibilities may also include supporting administrative tasks like file management and preparing artwork for production. Over time, as you gain experience and confidence, you'll likely be given more creative autonomy and the opportunity to take ownership of entire projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate graphic designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Graphic Designer, you need a solid grounding in design principles, image editing, and layout, usually supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and an up-to-date digital portfolio are typically expected. Strong communication, creativity, time management, and receptive attitude to feedback enable collaboration and ongoing improvement. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering effective visual solutions that meet client or organizational objectives while developing professionally in the field.

How much does a graduate graphic designer make?

A graduate graphic designer typically earns between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and level of experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of this range, with salaries increasing as skills and portfolios develop.

How to become a graduate graphic designer after graduation?

To become a graduate graphic designer, individuals should complete a relevant degree such as a Bachelor's in Graphic Design or a related field, build a strong portfolio showcasing their work, and gain experience through internships or entry-level positions. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite and understanding of design principles are essential for entry into the profession.

What all can you do with a graduate graphic designer degree?

A graduate graphic designer degree prepares individuals for roles in visual communication, branding, advertising, and digital media. Graduates can work as graphic designers, art directors, or visual content creators, utilizing tools like Adobe Creative Suite and developing skills in layout, typography, and color theory. The degree also provides a foundation for freelance work or further specialization in areas such as UI/UX design.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California?

For Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Graphic Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Graphic Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Graphic Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Graphic Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,218 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Lead Graphic Designer

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

Associated Students, Inc.
Non-Profitsย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$18.40/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Definition and Purposeย 

Theย Leadย Graphic Designer reports to theย Assistant Coordinator-Marketing (Creative Operations). Theย Leadย Graphic Designerย isย responsible forย creating and supporting the graphics needs for ASI promotional, collateral, and digital materials. In addition, the Lead Graphic Designer will provide schedulingย assistance, review concepts or campaigns to ensure brand standards,ย prepareย and revise training materials,ย create,ย andย monitorย daily or weekly task lists, and support the technical needs of the other graphic designers. The team of designers mustย deliverย creativeย solutionsย while stillย maintainingย a consistent ASI branded appearanceย that is attentive to the Cal Poly brandย in the design, layout, artwork, and color for all promotionalย print and digitalย materials.ย 

ASI is committed to supporting the aspirations of theย universityย learningย objectives. Our employees are expected to make reasoned decisions based on ethics, respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues of sustainability.ย Additionally,ย they will work productively as individuals and in groups while communicating effectively.

This position is based at the Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Requirements

Educationalย Requirements and Qualifying Experienceย 
  • Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units.ย Graduate students must carry 4 units.ย 
  • Knowledge and experienceย inย creation ofย original artwork.ย 
  • Knowledge and experience in the study of typography.ย 
  • Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Mac computers.ย 
  • Working knowledge of video or motion graphicsย preferred.ย 
  • Ability to be highly organized, work independently,ย and have good planningย skills.ย 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.ย 
  • Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office.ย 
  • Ability toย initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork bymaintainingย a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere.ย ย 
  • Ability toย establishย and maintain effectiveworking relationships within a diverse population and with those fromvarious cultural backgrounds, specific needs, or limitations.ย 
Supervisory Responsibilitiesย 
  • Noneย 
Essential Duties and Responsibilitiesย 
  • Ability to use graphic creation skills.ย 
  • Prepare graphics forย print and digitalย marketing materials, such asย fliers, brochures, posters, T-shirts,ย web advertisements, social media posts,ย etc.ย 
  • Coordinate photographyย or video graphics as needed forย assignments.ย 
  • Plan and implement print layouts for multi-page publications,ย integrated marketing campaigns,ย and individual collateralย pieces.ย 
  • Adhere toย establishedย projectย deadlinesย and maintain an up-to-date work calendar.ย 
  • Establish andย monitorย daily and/or weekly priorities and taskย lists.ย ย 
  • Work with on-ย andย off-campus vendors to obtain quotes, set production timeline, send product to print, check proofs,ย and receive finalย product.ย 
  • Maintain consistent communication directly with clients to coordinate project details to ensure deadlinesย and the mostย appropriateย designย applications, including but not limited to scheduling, assessing photography or video needs, original artwork creation,ย andย revisions.ย ย 
  • Maintain archives of individual project specifications, drafts,ย and finalย proofs.ย 
  • Adhere to ASI styleย and brandingย guidelines.ย ย 
  • Adhere to Cal Poly brand guidelines as required by project.ย 
  • Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, andย retreats.ย 
  • Provide quality customer service for all staff andย customers.ย 
  • Willingย to learnย new technologyย and provide training to the other graphic designerย staff.ย 
  • Give attention toย detail.ย 
  • Conduct inventory of supplies and communicate needs toย supervisor.ย 
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the other graphic designerย staff.ย 
  • Awareness of safety concerns and risk management.ย 
  • Maintain prompt hours and follow absenceย procedures.ย 
  • Maintain a working relationship with staff andย co-workers.ย 
  • Adhere andย enforceย all ASI departmental policies andย procedures.ย 
  • Ensure a safe environment for allย participants.ย 
  • Commitment to student development andย leadership.ย 
  • Work well with others and beย self-motivated.ย 
  • Other duties asย assigned.ย ย 
Period of Employmentย 

Employment with this organization is of an "at will" nature, which means that the employee may resign at anyย timeย and ASI may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.ย 

Benefits

Compensation and Hoursย 
  • Hourlyย Pay Rate:ย $18.40ย per hourย 
  • Hourly Pay Range: $18.40ย per hour - $18.40ย per hourย 

Requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability

Location: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.

The Associatedย Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.ย