Graphic Designer salary in North Carolina
Graphic Designers in North Carolina earn a median of $58,450 a year ($28.10 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,660 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,380 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $62,960. North Carolina ranks 29th of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $63,250, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,680 | $18.12 |
| 25th percentile | $46,710 | $22.46 |
| Median | $58,450 | $28.10 |
| 75th percentile | $74,410 | $35.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $95,380 | $45.86 |
| Average (mean) | $63,250 | $30.41 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,870.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,435.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,248.08 |
| Weekly | $1,124.04 |
| Hourly | $28.10 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $58,450 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in cities in North Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $63,580 | 370 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $61,700 | 1,040 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $60,150 | 570 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $59,810 | 1,640 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $58,230 | 30 |
| Burlington, NC | $56,990 | 70 |
| Asheville, NC | $56,760 | 240 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $55,240 | 470 |
| Greenville, NC | $54,860 | 70 |
| Wilmington, NC | $54,720 | 260 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $52,070 | 30 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $50,540 | 140 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $50,230 | 30 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $49,920 | 270 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $49,160 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
Related jobs in North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $37,960 | $18.25 |
| Interior Designer | $61,400 | $29.52 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $80,620 | $38.76 |
| Floral Designer | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Fashion Designer | $74,990 | $36.05 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $88,350 | $42.48 |
| Designers, All Other | $51,740 | $24.88 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $81,850 | $39.35 |
| Art Director | $90,000 | $43.27 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $49,410 | $23.76 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $67,230 | $32.32 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $43,840 | — |
| Producers and Directors | $63,700 | $30.62 |
| Technical Writer | $86,320 | $41.50 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in North Carolina?
The median salary for graphic designers in North Carolina is $58,450 a year, or $28.10 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $95,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of graphic designers in North Carolina earn at least $95,380 a year. The top 25% earn $74,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,680 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $46,710 or less.
How many graphic designers work in North Carolina?
About 5,660 graphic designers are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.