Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Mount Pleasant, SC: $29.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Mount Pleasant, SC runs $29.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Mount Pleasant's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mount Pleasant, SC, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to sit at $29.50 in 2026, just below the national hourly median of $31.29. This median wage reflects the local market dynamics where part-time graphic designers working three days a week could earn around $1,416 weekly, or approximately $73,632 annually if consistently applied. Those involved in per-diem work, whether in remote, hybrid, or traditional settings like agency studios or in-house marketing teams, will find the entry-level hourly rate begins at $18.58 and can peak at $45.72 for the highest earners. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections but give a clear perspective on entry-level positions and more experienced roles in various setups, showcasing the breadth of opportunity in places where creativity thrives.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.58 | $148.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.18 | $177.45 |
| Median (P50) | $29.50 | $235.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.76 | $302.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.72 | $365.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Pleasant
Based on $29.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.50/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Pleasant, SC can expect to earn approximately $61,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,399. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Pleasant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Pleasant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.96 | $5,113 | $61,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.97 | $3,068 | $36,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.98 | $2,045 | $24,543 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Mount Pleasant) | $29.50 |
| 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 Mount Pleasant, SC earn a median of $61,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.72% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.50% above the South Carolina state average of $60,446.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.50/hr = $36,815/year (purchasing power: $40,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,358/year (purchasing power: $67,058).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Mount Pleasant grew 20.8% from $23.62/hr (2019) to $28.54/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.49/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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Considering the potential for part-time or contracted work, a graphic designer at 24 hours per week could take home about $35,064 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who secure steadier salaries. Per-diem graphic designers in Mount Pleasant often charge between $50 and $95 per hour, with specialists in brand design and motion graphics commanding even higher rates of $75 to $180 per hour, depending on project complexity. Work environments play a significant role in pay levels; in-house positions tend to offer more stability and benefits, while agencies provide a wider variety of projects but often start at lower rates. Freelancers who can negotiate effectively may find themselves on the higher end of the scale, particularly in brand identity or motion graphics projects that can yield flat fees ranging from $3,000 to over $30,000. Being aware of these nuances, along with the health insurance benefits offered by some employers, can be critical in making informed decisions about employment options in the graphic design field.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant 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