Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Greenville, SC: $29.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Greenville, SC runs $29.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Greenville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,286 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Greenville, South Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $29.08, which is somewhat below the national median of $31.29. This rate holds significance for individuals working part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially within environments like agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, or even remote settings. A designer working three days a week, for instance, can expect a stable income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly wage for graphic designers in the area ranges from $19.45 for entry-level positions to $44.56 for top earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and skill. This data is drawn from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, set to offer insights for employment considerations in 2026.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.45 | $155.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.50 | $195.97 |
| Median (P50) | $29.08 | $232.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.98 | $295.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.56 | $356.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greenville
Based on $29.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.08/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greenville, SC can expect to earn approximately $60,476 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,890. With a cost-of-living index of 93.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greenville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greenville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.01 | $5,040 | $60,476 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.80 | $3,024 | $36,286 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.20 | $2,016 | $24,191 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Greenville) | $29.08 |
| 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 Greenville, SC earn a median of $60,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.08% lower than the national median of $65,075.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.08/hr = $36,286/year (purchasing power: $38,908).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,476/year (purchasing power: $64,847).
CoL index: 93.26 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Greenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Greenville grew 24.5% from $22.60/hr (2019) to $28.13/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.05/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 Greenville 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 Greenville
Examining the earning potential for part-time graphic designers reveals crucial differences in income compared to full-time positions. For instance, a designer working just 24 hours a week can accrue an annual income that is more modest than someone in a full-time role. In the per-diem sector, rates can soar, with many billing $50-$95 per hour for contract work. Senior roles, such as brand designers and motion graphics specialists, command even higher pay, with hourly rates reaching $75-$180 depending on expertise and project demands. Furthermore, the variation in compensation often correlates with the type of employer; in-house positions may offer steadier pay and benefits, while agencies might entice with a more diverse range of projects but lower base rates. Negotiating for higher pay while weighing the benefits trade-off is essential for many in this field, particularly given the competitive market in Greenville, SC.
More salary data for Greenville, SC:
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 Greenville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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