Graphic Designer Salary in Apex, NC: $57,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Apex, NC earns a median $57,284/year (≈ $27.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Apex's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $61,201 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the graphic designer salary is projected to be $57,284 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $65,075. This disparity suggests a more localized market where graphic designers have a salary range spanning from $35,426 at the lower end to $88,790 at the high end. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances. Designers here who opt to work in-house often find steadier pay and benefits, whereas those in agency settings might face a more volatile income stream, albeit with increased creative opportunities. The diverging pay structures have implications for job seekers in Apex, particularly given the city's evolving economy and demand for design talent.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,426 | $17.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,975 | $22.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,284 | $27.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,324 | $35.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,790 | $42.69 |
Median Salary Position
11.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apex
In Apex, NC, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,364 (2026 est.). At $57,284, the local median is 11.97% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apex: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apex Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Apex median: $57,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apex Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $56,886 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -11.97% less |
Graphic Designers in Apex, NC earn a median of $57,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.97% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $56,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apex has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apex, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,284 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,201 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,871
2025 BLS Actual
$55,422
2026 Current Est.
$57,284
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,047 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,857 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,828 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,422 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,209 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apex metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,871 (2019) to $55,422 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,209 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,338 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,426 – $45,975 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,975 – $57,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,284 – $73,324 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,324 – $88,790 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Apex
With only 16 graphic designers currently employed in Apex, the local job market reflects a niche segment in need of specialized talents. The cost of living index for the area sits at 93.6, indicating that take-home pay can stretch further compared to many other regions. Among various employers, in-house corporate roles in financial services and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) tend to offer the highest compensation, while top-tier advertising agencies pay a premium for highly sought-after skills like motion graphics and brand identity. The range in salaries is influenced by factors such as portfolio strength, agency tier, and freelance models, with experienced freelancers potentially commanding higher rates on specialized projects. For those looking to maximize their graphic designer pay in Apex, concentrating on developing a unique skill set and building a solid portfolio can significantly enhance earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,422 for graphic designersin the Apex metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex 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