Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $31.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in North Charleston, SC runs $31.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, South Carolina, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $31.18, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. This level of compensation is significant for part-time workers, such as those engaged three days a week, as it enables them to earn a decent income while balancing professional and personal commitments. Typically, graphic designers work in diverse environments, including agency studios, corporate offices, and remote settings utilizing Adobe CC and Figma for collaboration. The hourly pay ranges considerably, starting at $18.11 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $48.34 for top earners in the region. These hourly rates have been estimated from projected annual salary data for 2026, reflecting the ongoing evolution in the demand for design talent across various sectors in North Charleston.
About the North Charleston 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) | $18.11 | $144.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.95 | $199.61 |
| Median (P50) | $31.18 | $249.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.92 | $319.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.34 | $386.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $31.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.18/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $64,862 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,420. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.35 | $5,405 | $64,862 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.41 | $3,243 | $38,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.94 | $2,162 | $25,945 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (North Charleston) | $31.18 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $64,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.30% above the South Carolina state average of $60,455.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.18/hr = $38,917/year (purchasing power: $42,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,862/year (purchasing power: $70,888).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in North Charleston grew 20.8% from $24.97/hr (2019) to $30.17/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.23/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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
Freelance and part-time graphic designers in North Charleston may find significant earning potential. For instance, a part-time graphic designer working 24 hours a week could net $39,063 annually, compared to $64,869 for full-time positions. The per diem graphic designer pay in North Charleston varies widely; contract rates typically fall between $50 and $95 per hour, while senior roles may command $75 to $150 per hour. Motion graphics specialists and brand identity consultants can earn even more, with some projects resulting in fees ranging from $3,000 to over $30,000. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type, such as in-house marketing teams or high-paced advertising agencies. Additionally, many designers weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates with benefit packages versus higher pay without stability. For those negotiating hourly rates in the competitive North Charleston market, understanding these variables can create more leverage, whether for freelance gigs or exclusive in-house roles.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in North Charleston?
Are graphic designers in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in North Charleston?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in North Charleston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston 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