Columbia vs Fort Mill: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Columbia, SC and Fort Mill, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Fort Mill, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,561 | $58,200▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.67 | $27.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,460 | $38,986▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,163▲ | $46,396 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,835 | $73,964▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,138 | $90,210▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Mill, SC offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Fort Mill is $639 (1.11%). Fort Mill's median is -10.56% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $50,678,Fort Mill spans $51,224. Fort Mill has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Mill ($63,607 effective) pays 3.50% more than Columbia ($61,456 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Mill if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,200/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,210)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,607)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Columbia grew 37.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Fort Mill over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$40,530 (2019) → $55,690 (2025)
Fort Mill, SC
$44,035 (2024) → $56,308 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Fort Mill, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Columbia or Fort Mill?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Fort Mill?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Fort Mill as a graphic designer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov