How to Become A Graphic Designer in North Carolina
North Carolina employs approximately 5,660 graphic designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,450 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a graphic designer in North Carolina, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Graphic Designer in North Carolina
How do I become a graphic designer in North Carolina? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for graphic designers in North Carolina.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do graphic designers earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for graphic designers in North Carolina is $58,450 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $37,680 and experienced professionals can earn $95,380 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (North Carolina): $58,450 per year 1
Graphic Designer Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Graphic Designers Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), graphic designers wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,640 | $59,810 | $64,580 | $39,380 | $95,380 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 1,040 | $61,700 | $66,820 | $39,010 | $96,430 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 570 | $60,150 | $65,450 | $36,940 | $100,230 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 470 | $55,240 | $60,400 | $38,580 | $91,950 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 370 | $63,580 | $67,480 | $39,310 | $99,320 |
| Winston-Salem | 270 | $49,920 | $57,350 | $36,990 | $85,620 |
| Wilmington | 260 | $54,720 | $64,160 | $39,800 | $92,120 |
| Asheville | 240 | $56,760 | $59,390 | $34,430 | $95,780 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 140 | $50,540 | $56,430 | $35,860 | $82,580 |
| Fayetteville | 130 | $49,160 | $55,000 | $34,040 | $87,500 |
| Burlington | 70 | $56,990 | $61,170 | $39,780 | $92,380 |
| Greenville | 70 | $54,860 | $57,640 | $36,070 | $76,640 |
| Jacksonville | 30 | $58,230 | $59,470 | $34,360 | $88,710 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | 30 | $50,230 | $55,310 | $37,680 | $77,550 |
| Rocky Mount | 30 | $52,070 | $58,290 | $34,330 | $90,190 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Graphic designers in North Carolina
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest graphic designer employment within North Carolina according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 1,640 | $59,810 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 1,040 | $61,700 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 470 | $55,240 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 370 | $63,580 |
| Winston-Salem | 270 | $49,920 |
Explore graphic designer programs in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for graphic designers in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 5,660 graphic designers 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Carolina.
How much do graphic designers earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for graphic designers in North Carolina is $58,450, which is $2,850 below the national median of $61,300 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.