Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Spartanburg, SC: $26.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Spartanburg, SC runs $26.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,070 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Spartanburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,048 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, the graphic designer hourly pay stands at a median of $26.48, which is notably below the national hourly median of $31.29. This figure not only reflects the local market but also provides insight for those considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities. For instance, a graphic designer working three days a week at this rate would earn $26,204 annually, assuming a typical schedule of 24 hours per week. The hourly range in Spartanburg varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $18.39 and experienced designers capable of earning upward of $43.90, making it a viable field for both full-time and freelance work. This information, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics, illustrates the current trends and potential earning structures in various environments, such as agency studios, corporate marketing departments, and freelance setups.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.39 | $147.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.71 | $173.64 |
| Median (P50) | $26.48 | $211.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.78 | $302.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.90 | $351.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spartanburg
Based on $26.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.48/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spartanburg, SC can expect to earn approximately $55,080 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,777. With a cost-of-living index of 91.05 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spartanburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spartanburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,059.23 | $4,590 | $55,080 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $635.54 | $2,754 | $33,048 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.69 | $1,836 | $22,032 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Spartanburg) | $26.48 |
| 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 Spartanburg, SC earn a median of $55,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.37% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.90% below the South Carolina state average of $60,450.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.48/hr = $33,048/year (purchasing power: $36,296).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,080/year (purchasing power: $60,494).
CoL index: 91.051 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Spartanburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Spartanburg grew 20.3% from $21.30/hr (2019) to $25.62/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.37/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 Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg
Part-time graphic designers in Spartanburg have the opportunity to earn a decent income, with annual take-home pay reflecting their reduced hours. For those working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate, the figures can seem modest, particularly when compared to full-time earnings. Conversely, per diem graphic designer pay in Spartanburg often ranges dramatically based on specialization and project scope, with contract designers routinely billing between $50 to $95 per hour, and senior roles fetching even higher rates. In-house positions, particularly in corporate settings like banks or tech companies, generally offer steadier pay with added benefits, while agency environments may present a more competitive, fast-paced landscape where designers can explore diverse projects. Freelancers in the area often navigate a blend of project-based work, with brand identity projects ranging from $3,000 to upwards of $30,000 based on project complexity. Designers must also consider the trade-offs between lower hourly rates with employer benefits versus higher pay for freelance opportunities that come without security. Negotiation skills are essential, especially in understanding local market rates and positioning oneself appropriately within Spartanburg's diverse graphic design sector.
More salary data for Spartanburg, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Spartanburg in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Spartanburg?
Are graphic designers in Spartanburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Spartanburg?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Spartanburg?
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 Spartanburg. 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