North Carolina ranks 38th of 51 states and D.C. for graphic designers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($90,710) by $40,110 — a 79% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,270 to $92,990 — a $57,720 spread, 12% tighter than the national $65,430 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.4% of all graphic designers in the country (7,210 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,270 | $16.96 |
| 25th percentile | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $50,600 | $24.33 |
| 75th percentile | $71,700 | $34.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $92,990 | $44.71 |
| Mean (average) | $61,010 | $29.33 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $50,600 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $90,710 | +79% |
| California | $76,440 | +51% |
| Massachusetts | $76,370 | +51% |
| Washington | $76,010 | +50% |
| New York | $74,530 | +47% |
| Virginia | $70,060 | +38% |
| New Jersey | $66,600 | +32% |
| Colorado | $66,360 | +31% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $50,620 | 6,230 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $50,830 | 1,800 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $50,340 | 15,430 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $50,270 | 2,290 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $50,990 | 14,300 |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | $50,100 | 4,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Graphic Designers salary in North Carolina?
The mean graphic designers salary in North Carolina is $61,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $50,600 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Graphic Designers in North Carolina?
Entry-level graphic designerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $35,270 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $43,680 per year.
What is the highest Graphic Designers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $92,990 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $71,700 per year.
How does the North Carolina Graphic Designers salary compare to the national average?
The median graphic designers salary in North Carolina is $50,600, which is -17% below national average of $61,300.