Graphic Designer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 6K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$58,450
$28.10/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
-3.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $95K
6K employed in North Carolina
Exploring the **Graphic Designer salary in North Carolina** reveals a median annual earning of $58,450. This figure positions North Carolina's graphic designers 4% below the national average, with the typical range for this profession spanning from $37,680 to $95,380. Currently, approximately 5,660 individuals are employed in this creative field across the state.
Several factors influence the **Graphic Designer salary in North Carolina**. Experience level, the specific industry or company size, and geographic location within the state all play significant roles. Designers in major metropolitan areas or those specializing in high-demand niches may command higher salaries than those in smaller towns or with more generalized skill sets.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,680 |
| 25th percentile | $46,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,450 |
| 75th percentile | $74,410 |
| 90th percentile | $95,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Graphic Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Graphic Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Graphic Designers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $100,350 | 130 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $78,930 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $78,530 | 9K |
| Finance and Insurance | $77,600 | 4K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $70,920 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Graphic Designer in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,620 |
| 2023 | $53,710 |
| 2024 | $50,600 |
| 2025 | $58,450 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,957 |
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 | $51,620 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $53,710 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $50,600 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $58,450 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,957 | $64,246 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,450 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,380 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Graphic Designer ($58,450 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in NC | $90,000 | +54.0% | $43.27/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in NC | $80,620 | +37.9% | $38.76/hr |
| Producer and Director in NC | $63,700 | +9.0% | $30.63/hr |
| Interior Designer in NC | $61,400 | +5.0% | $29.52/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NC | $46,700 | -20.1% | $22.45/hr |
| Social Worker in NC | $58,210 | -0.4% | $27.99/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in NC | $58,710 | +0.4% | $28.23/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | -1.4% | $27.72/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | -1.4% | $27.71/hr |
| Police Officer in NC | $59,300 | +1.5% | $28.51/hr |
| Paralegal in NC | $57,500 | -1.6% | $27.64/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | -2.3% | $27.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a graphic designer make in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a graphic designer in North Carolina is $58,450 per year, which translates to about $28 per hour. Most graphic designers in the state earn between $37,680 and $95,380 annually.
What is the average graphic designer salary in NC compared to the national average?
- Graphic designers in North Carolina earn 3.6% less than the national average. The median salary here is $58,450 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many graphic designers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 5,660 graphic designers employed in North Carolina. This indicates a significant presence of design professionals within the state's workforce.
Is the salary range for graphic designers in North Carolina wide?
- Yes, the salary range for graphic designers in North Carolina is quite broad, spanning from $37,680 at the lower end to $95,380 at the upper end. This suggests opportunities for both entry-level and experienced professionals.