Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $31.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $31.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,756 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, NC, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.86, slightly higher than the national median of $31.29. This competitive pay reflects the city’s robust creative environment and diverse opportunities across agency works and in-house positions. For part-time workers, such as those committing to a standard three-day work week, this amounts to approximately $61,258 annually, which can significantly support a flexible lifestyle without full-time commitment. The hourly rate can vary across different job levels, ranging from $19.27 for entry-level positions to as high as $49.39 for top earners. Contextually, graphic designers in Chapel Hill can find work within agency creative floors, remote setups with tools like Adobe CC, or in packaging design environments, catering to a range of clients and project types.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.27 | $154.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.03 | $192.25 |
| Median (P50) | $31.86 | $254.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.78 | $326.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.39 | $395.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $31.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.86/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,260 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,227. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.22 | $5,522 | $66,260 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.53 | $3,313 | $39,756 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.69 | $2,209 | $26,504 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Chapel Hill) | $31.86 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.87 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $62.64 |
| Special Effects / Animator (National Avg) | $45.53 |
| Industrial Designer (National Avg) | $41.73 |
Graphic Designers in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $66,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 16.50% above the North Carolina state average of $56,881.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.86/hr = $39,756/year (purchasing power: $42,474).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,260/year (purchasing power: $70,790).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Chapel Hill grew 20.8% from $25.51/hr (2019) to $30.82/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.93/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Graphic Designer in Chapel Hill
For part-time graphic designers, working approximately 24 hours a week can yield an annual income of around $61,258, providing a stable income while allowing for personal projects or additional employment. The per diem graphic designer pay in Chapel Hill varies considerably, with contractors generally billing between $50 and $95 per hour, depending on their experience and specialization. Senior roles, particularly in brand design or motion graphics, command higher rates, sometimes reaching $75 to $150 per hour, illustrating the significant earning potential in specialized niches. However, while in-house positions often offer steadier hourly pay and benefits, freelance work can bring in more substantial pay but may lack health insurance and other perks. For those considering a contract role, it's vital to negotiate effectively by emphasizing unique skills and portfolio strength, particularly in the competitive markets of Chapel Hill's advertising and branding industries.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for graphic designers in Chapel Hill. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chapel Hill is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov