Updated 2026

Visual Designer Salary in San Diego 2026

Average Base
$86,000
+4.2% from 2025
Typical Range
$65,000$140,000
10th - 90th percentile
Total Comp
~$103,200
Includes Equity/Bonus

Hiring momentum in San Diego, CA remains strong for Visual Designer positions across growth, platform, and core product areas. Local teams are prioritizing user-centered design to improve retention and reduce churn. The strongest candidates demonstrate end-to-end ownership from discovery through delivery. San Diego, CA teams often prioritize collaboration across product, engineering, and go-to-market partners.

Median pay for Visual Designer roles in San Diego, CA tends to track the local cost of living while rewarding specialized skills. Visual Designers in San Diego, CA often collaborate across research, product strategy, and design systems. Many employers prefer designers who can partner closely with product managers and engineers. If you are exploring a move, San Diego, CA offers a mix of enterprise stability and startup growth. Use the filters below to compare roles by seniority, work type, and compensation range.

Salary Distribution

Cost of Living Analysis

San Diego has a cost of living index of 137, which can influence take-home value even when salaries appear higher. Consider housing, transportation, and tax differences when evaluating offers.

CityMedian
New York$111,000
San Francisco$115,000
Seattle$107,000
Boston$103,000
Los Angeles$103,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Visual Designer salary in San Diego, CA?
The median salary depends on seniority and company stage, but most teams pay a competitive market rate for proven UX impact. Use the salary section on this page for up-to-date benchmarks and percentile ranges.
Are Visual Designer roles in San Diego, CA mostly remote or on-site?
Many employers offer hybrid flexibility, with a mix of in-office collaboration and remote focus days. Fully remote roles are common for senior candidates, especially at distributed teams.
Which industries are hiring Visual Designers in San Diego, CA?
Fintech, healthcare, SaaS, and consumer marketplaces are all hiring Visual Designers in San Diego, CA. Enterprise teams also invest in UX to improve retention and satisfaction.