Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $28.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Summerville, SC runs $28.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,203 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Summerville, South Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.47. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29, indicating some regional differences in designer compensation. For those entering the field or seeking part-time employment—say, a graphic designer working three days a week—this rate suggests a weekly income of about $341, allowing for flexibility in various environments, from open agency studios to in-house marketing departments and remote freelance settings. The hourly pay for graphic designers in Summerville ranges from $18.60 at the entry-level to $44.11 for seasoned professionals, showing ample room for growth and specialization within the industry.
About the Summerville 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) | $18.60 | $148.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.51 | $180.09 |
| Median (P50) | $28.47 | $227.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.43 | $291.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.11 | $352.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $28.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.47/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $59,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,158. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,138.61 | $4,934 | $59,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.17 | $2,960 | $35,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.45 | $1,974 | $23,683 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Summerville) | $28.47 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $59,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.02% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $60,472.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.47/hr = $35,525/year (purchasing power: $38,825).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,208/year (purchasing power: $64,708).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Summerville grew 20.8% from $22.79/hr (2019) to $27.54/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.42/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
The earning potential for part-time graphic designers working in Summerville can be quite appealing. If a designer limits their work to 24 hours per week, they might take home around $17,740 annually, which is considerable for a flexible position. However, those pursuing per-diem work can command significantly higher rates, with contract graphic designers typically billing between $50 to $95 per hour. Experienced motion graphics specialists and brand designers can command even higher hourly rates, reflecting the demand for their specialized skills. Different employer types influence compensation levels; for example, in-house corporate marketing teams may offer steadier pay along with benefits, while agencies and freelance opportunities often have varied pricing structures and project scopes. Designers should weigh the value of benefits against higher hourly wages and negotiate effectively for their worth in the Summerville market. This insight into graphic designer hourly pay in SC helps industry professionals make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Summerville, 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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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