Graphic Designer Salary in South Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$57,170
$27.49/hr
vs National Average
$60,609
-5.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $90K
2K employed in South Carolina
The median Graphic Designer salary in South Carolina is $57,170 per year, falling 6% below the national average. Currently, approximately 1,930 workers are employed in this field across the state, with salaries typically ranging from $37,190 to $90,000 annually.
Several factors can influence a Graphic Designer salary in South Carolina. These include the designer's experience level, specific skill set (e.g., UI/UX, motion graphics), the size and type of employer, and the geographic location within the state. Negotiation skills also play a role in determining an individual's compensation.
Salary Distribution — Graphic Designer in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,190 |
| 25th percentile | $44,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,170 |
| 75th percentile | $72,530 |
| 90th percentile | $90,000 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,860 |
| 2023 | $47,740 |
| 2024 | $56,180 |
| 2025 | $57,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,177 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,860 | $53,507 |
| 2023 | $47,740 | $54,331 |
| 2024 | $56,180 | $57,115 |
| 2025 | $57,170 | $60,609 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,177 | $61,677 |
Graphic Designer Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $90,000 |
Graphic Designer Salary in Other States
Related Graphic Designer Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Graphic Designer ($57,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Graphic Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in SC | $87,990 | +53.9% | $42.30/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in SC | $77,300 | +35.2% | $37.16/hr |
| Interior Designer in SC | $63,790 | +11.6% | $30.67/hr |
| Producer and Director in SC | $56,030 | -2.0% | $26.94/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in SC | $52,000 | -9.0% | $25.00/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in SC | $56,580 | -1.0% | $27.20/hr |
| Police Officer in SC | $58,070 | +1.6% | $27.92/hr |
| Electrician in SC | $58,740 | +2.7% | $28.24/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in SC | $55,390 | -3.1% | $26.63/hr |
| School Counselor in SC | $60,340 | +5.5% | $29.01/hr |
| Plumber in SC | $53,940 | -5.6% | $25.93/hr |
| Paralegal in SC | $53,880 | -5.8% | $25.90/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a graphic designer typically make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a graphic designer in South Carolina is $57,170 per year, which averages out to about $27 per hour. This means that half of graphic designers in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
- In South Carolina, graphic designers can expect to earn between $37,190 and $90,000 annually. The lower end represents entry-level or less experienced roles, while the higher end is for senior or specialized positions.
Is the salary for graphic designers in South Carolina lower than the national average?
- Yes, graphic designers in South Carolina earn approximately 5.7% less than the national average. While the median national salary is higher, the $57,170 median in South Carolina still offers a competitive wage.
How many graphic designer jobs are there in South Carolina?
- There are currently 1,930 graphic designers employed in South Carolina. This indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state's job market.