📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Graphic Designer Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$54,436
per year
Median
$52,771
per year
Hourly
$26.17
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,880
25th Percentile — Junior$46,601
50th Percentile — Median$52,771
75th Percentile — Senior$72,973
90th Percentile — Top Earners$83,310
💡 Top-earning Graphic Designers in North Carolina make up to $83,310 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$48.1k
2021
$49.3k
2022
$50.5k
2023
$51.8k
2024
$53.1k
2025
$54.4k
2026
📈 Graphic Designer salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Graphic Designer Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $52,259 -4.0% Medium
Raleigh $53,347 -2.0% Medium
Greensboro $48,992 -10.0% Medium
Durham $52,803 -3.0% Medium
Winston-Salem $47,359 -13.0% Medium
🔍
Graphic Designer Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Graphic Designers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $54,436 per year, North Carolina's Graphic Designer salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $34,880–$46,601, while experienced Graphic Designers can command $72,973–$83,310.

Looking ahead, the Graphic Designer profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Graphic Designer salary in North Carolina is $54,436 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $59,820.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Graphic Designers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Graphic Designer employment.
  • At $54,436/year, North Carolina Graphic Designer salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $59,820/year.