Graphic Designer Salary in Matthews, NC: $56,245 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Matthews, NC earns a median $56,245/year (≈ $27.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Matthews's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $60,091 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer salary in Matthews is projected to be $56,245 annually, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national median of $65,075. Local estimates reveal a salary range from $35,821 at the 10th percentile to $87,180 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diversity of opportunities in the market. The earnings derived from freelancing in graphic design can vary significantly depending on project complexity and client demands, which allows for flexibility in income potential. Understanding these dynamics is imperative for designers navigating the Matthews market, where compensation can be influenced by both self-employment and traditional employment settings.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,821 | $17.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,805 | $21.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,245 | $27.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,076 | $34.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,180 | $41.91 |
Median Salary Position
13.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
In Matthews, NC, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,359 (2026 est.). At $56,245, the local median is 13.57% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Matthews: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Matthews Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Matthews median: $56,245/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Matthews Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $56,871 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -13.57% less |
Graphic Designers in Matthews, NC earn a median of $56,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.57% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $56,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Matthews 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.
Matthews, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $56,245 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,091 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,039
2025 BLS Actual
$54,417
2026 Current Est.
$56,245
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,829 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,121 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,245 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,135 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Matthews metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,039 (2019) to $54,417 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,135 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,096 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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) | $35,821 – $43,805 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,805 – $56,245 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,245 – $71,076 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,076 – $87,180 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Matthews
With only eight graphic designers currently employed in the Matthews area, the job market remains limited yet stable. The cost of living index in Matthews stands at 93.6, indicating a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average, which can significantly enhance the purchasing power of a graphic designer's salary. Among employers, in-house corporate positions—specifically within banks, retail, and consumer packaged goods companies—often yield higher pay than typical freelance gigs, especially for specialties like motion graphics or brand identity. This disparity stems from the varying complexity of tasks and the level of demand for particular skills. To maximize pay in Matthews, graphic designers should focus on building a strong portfolio that emphasizes specialty skills, seek employment with top-tier marketing agencies or corporate teams, and consider project pricing strategies that reflect their expertise in the competitive freelance market.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
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
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 $54,417 for graphic designersin the Matthews 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 Matthews 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