Graphic Designer salary in Charlotte, NC
Median pay, Charlotte metro
$59,810/year
about $28.75 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $49,510 – $75,290
Half of graphic designers in the Charlotte metro area earn more than $59,810 a year and half earn less. That's 5% lower than the national median of $62,960, and ranks #25 of the 29 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $39,380 | $18.93 |
| 25th | $49,510 | $23.80 |
| Median (50th) | $59,810 | $28.75 |
| 75th | $75,290 | $36.20 |
| 90th (top earners) | $95,380 | $45.86 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a graphic designer job in the Charlotte metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $49,510 ($23.80/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $49,510 to $75,290 ($23.80 to $36.20/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $75,290 ($36.20/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Watch for roles that bundle design, video, social media and web work into one job at one salary.
- Unpaid "test projects" are a common red flag. A short, paid test is fair; a full campaign for free isn't.
- In-house design roles tend to be steadier than agency roles, which can pay more but come with heavier deadlines.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Charlotte metro. Occupation: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.