Graphic Designer Pay

Greensboro vs Salisbury: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Greensboro, NC and Salisbury, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Greensboro, NC
$57,096
$27.45/hr
Salisbury, NC
$55,915
$26.88/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreensboro, NCSalisbury, NC
Median Salary$57,096$55,915
Hourly Rate$27.45$26.88
Entry Level (P10)$39,876$35,235
25th Percentile$48,434$43,138
75th Percentile$73,778$70,303
Top Earner (P90)$95,040$86,667
Total Employed4706
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greensboro ($57,096) and Salisbury ($55,915) graphic designer salaries.GreensboroSalisburyMedian Salary$57,096$55,915Entry Level (P10)$39,876$35,235Top Earner (P90)$95,040$86,667US Median $65,075

Verdict

Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.

The salary gap between Greensboro and Salisbury is $1,181 (2.11%). Greensboro's median is -12.26% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greensboro spans $55,164,Salisbury spans $51,432. Greensboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Greensboro
P10 (Entry)$39,876
P25$48,434
Median$57,096
P75$73,778
P90 (Top)$95,040
Salisbury
P10 (Entry)$35,235
P25$43,138
Median$55,915
P75$70,303
P90 (Top)$86,667

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($61,483 effective) pays 2.92% more than Salisbury ($59,738 effective).

Greensboro
Nominal: $57,096
CoL Index: 92.865
Adjusted: $61,483
Salisbury
Nominal: $55,915
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $59,738

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Greensboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,096/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($95,040)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,483)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Salisbury if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Greensboro grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Salisbury over the same period.

Greensboro, NC

+21.0%

$45,640 (2019) → $55,240 (2025)

Salisbury, NC

+6.9%

$50,589 (2024) → $54,097 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Greensboro or Salisbury?

Greensboro has a higher median graphic designer salary at $57,096/year, compared to Salisbury at $55,915/year — a difference of $1,181 (2.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Salisbury?

Greensboro graphic designers earn $27.45/hr while Salisbury hygienists earn $26.88/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Greensboro to Salisbury as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greensboro and Salisbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greensboro = $61,483, Salisbury = $59,738), job availability (470 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Greensboro vs Salisbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $39,876 in Greensboro and $35,235 in Salisbury. The Greensboro area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

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