Graphic Designer Salary in North Carolina, United States
North Carolina places a mid‑level graphic designer at about $47,000 a year. The figure is salaries in Raleigh and Charlotte.
Salary by experience level
Entry-level (0-2 years)
Salary range (per year)
$35,500 to $42,000
Average (per year)
$38,500
Entry-level designers in Gaston County may work for small agencies, print shops, or local businesses, handling a range of visual tasks.
Mid-level (3-5 years)
Salary range (per year)
$42,000 to $51,000
Average (per year)
$47,000
Designers may draw on experience in manufacturing, healthcare, or retail sectors.
Senior (6-9 years)
Salary range (per year)
$52,000 to $61,000
Average (per year)
$56,000
Senior designers work on branding for organizations with regional influence.
Principal/Lead (10+ years)
Salary range (per year)
$61,500+
Principal designers direct creative strategy for larger employers or manage in-house teams at manufacturing firms.
Hourly Rates
For freelance or contract work, hourly rates are typically higher than equivalent salaried positions.
Junior
$18 - $25
per hour
Mid-level
$25 - $33
per hour
Senior
$33 - $45
per hour
Nationally, graphic designers earn around $55,000, placing North Carolina slightly below the average. However, lower living costs in many towns help offset the gap.