Graphic Designer Salary in North Carolina (2026)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designer wages in North Carolina vary by metro area, experience, and specialization. Below you will find detailed salary data and wage percentile breakdowns.
Graphic-Design Salary in North Carolina
Salary Range
Employment & Outlook
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.
Understanding Wage Percentiles
Wage percentiles show how graphic designer salaries are distributed across North Carolina. The 10th percentile represents entry-level wages, while the 90th percentile reflects what experienced professionals earn. The median (50th percentile) is the midpoint where half of graphic designers earn more and half earn less.
These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect reported wages for North Carolina. Actual earnings depend on employer, certifications, and years of experience.
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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/.