Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 1K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$80,620
$38.76/hr
vs National Average
$81,843
-1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $134K
1K employed in North Carolina
The Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in North Carolina presents a compelling picture for professionals in this creative field. With a median annual earning of $80,620, this figure sits just 1% below the national average, offering a strong opportunity within the state's vibrant design sector, which employs approximately 1,000 individuals.
Several factors influence the Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in North Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, with salaries ranging from $48,830 for entry-level positions to $134,040 for seasoned professionals. Location within the state, the specific industry of employment, and the size and success of the employing company can also impact overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,830 |
| 25th percentile | $61,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,620 |
| 75th percentile | $102,000 |
| 90th percentile | $134,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Commercial and Industrial Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Commercial and Industrial Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Commercial and Industrial Designers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $108,060 | 40 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,000 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,570 | 4K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $98,160 | 8K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $91,860 | 890 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Commercial and Industrial Designer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,360 |
| 2023 | $76,250 |
| 2024 | $74,330 |
| 2025 | $80,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,457 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,360 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $76,250 | $75,423 |
| 2024 | $74,330 | $77,357 |
| 2025 | $80,620 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,457 | $86,754 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,000 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,040 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Other States
Related Commercial and Industrial Designer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Commercial and Industrial Designer ($80,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Commercial and Industrial Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in NC | $90,000 | +11.6% | $43.27/hr |
| Producer and Director in NC | $63,700 | -21.0% | $30.63/hr |
| Interior Designer in NC | $61,400 | -23.8% | $29.52/hr |
| Graphic Designer in NC | $58,450 | -27.5% | $28.10/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NC | $46,700 | -42.1% | $22.45/hr |
| Logistician in NC | $80,780 | +0.2% | $38.84/hr |
| Tax Examiner in NC | $80,900 | +0.3% | $38.89/hr |
| Computer Programmer in NC | $81,070 | +0.6% | $38.98/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in NC | $80,090 | -0.7% | $38.50/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NC | $81,230 | +0.8% | $39.05/hr |
| Accountant in NC | $82,050 | +1.8% | $39.45/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NC | $82,220 | +2.0% | $39.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Commercial and Industrial Designers make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for Commercial and Industrial Designers in North Carolina is $80,620 per year, which breaks down to about $39 per hour. Most professionals in this field in North Carolina earn between $48,830 and $134,040 annually.
What is the average salary for an Industrial Designer in NC compared to the national average?
- Commercial and Industrial Designers in North Carolina earn an average salary that is 1.5% lower than the national average. This means the typical salary in NC is slightly below the national median for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for this role in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the salary range for Commercial and Industrial Designers typically falls between $48,830 on the lower end and $134,040 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How many Commercial and Industrial Designers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,000 Commercial and Industrial Designers currently employed in North Carolina. This indicates a moderate demand for these specialized design professionals within the state.