Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| North Carolina | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $58,450 | $64,771 | -10% |
| Median hourly wage | $28.10 | $31.14 | -10% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $61,983.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $63,242 | $42,000 | $84,000 | 101 |
| Charlotte | $61,435 | $40,800 | $81,600 | 100 |
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designer in North Carolina is $58,450, or about $28.10 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Graphic Designers is $64,771. North Carolina is -10% below the national median.
Entry-level graphic designers in North Carolina typically earn from $42,000 depending on the city and employer.
With 5,660 graphic designer jobs on record and a median salary of $58,450, North Carolina offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.