Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $26.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wake Forest, NC runs $26.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,654 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, graphic designers earn a median hourly rate of $26.97, which falls below the national median of $31.29. For part-time designers working three days a week, the hourly pay allows for flexibility while still offering a reasonable income. Per-diem roles or freelance opportunities in the area can vary, with designers often working in diverse settings such as open agency studios, in-house marketing teams, or their home offices. The hourly rates for graphic designers range from $17.93 at the entry level to as much as $41.81 for top earners, indicating that there is substantial room for growth in the profession. The figures provided are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the varied nature of graphic design work in Wake Forest.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $17.93 | $143.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.96 | $167.69 |
| Median (P50) | $26.97 | $215.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.52 | $276.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.81 | $334.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $26.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.97/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $56,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,360. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,078.66 | $4,674 | $56,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.20 | $2,805 | $33,654 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.47 | $1,870 | $22,436 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wake Forest) | $26.97 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $56,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.79% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $56,895.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.97/hr = $33,654/year (purchasing power: $35,955).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,091/year (purchasing power: $59,926).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wake Forest grew 20.8% from $21.59/hr (2019) to $26.09/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.87/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
For part-time designers, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual income of approximately $33,509, compared to a full-time worker’s income, emphasizing the potential for a balanced lifestyle versus the traditional full-time workload. Freelance and contract positions often provide higher per diem graphic designer pay in Wake Forest, with rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, depending on the complexity and scope of the projects. In-house corporate teams typically offer steadier wages, while agencies may pay lower starting rates but provide broader project experiences. Designers often face a trade-off between accepting lower wages for security and benefits versus pursuing higher rates as freelancers without health coverage. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s beneficial to highlight specialized skills, particularly in motion graphics or brand identity, as these areas tend to command premium rates in the local design market.
More salary data for Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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