Graphic Designer Salary in Lexington, SC: $57,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lexington, SC earns a median $57,113/year (≈ $27.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $62,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lexington, South Carolina, reaching a median annual salary of $57,113 as a graphic designer can be significantly enhanced by specializing in motion graphics or brand identity, both of which carry a premium in compensation. The salary range for this role varies widely, from $36,151 at the 10th percentile to as much as $88,001 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting regional adjustments that affect earning potential. Despite the local median being notably lower than the national average of $65,075, the specialized skill sets widely sought in Lexington can lead to higher compensation for experienced designers.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,151 | $17.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,178 | $21.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,113 | $27.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,312 | $34.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,001 | $42.31 |
Median Salary Position
12.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,850 (2026 est.). At $57,113, the local median is 12.24% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lexington median: $57,113/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,437 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -12.24% less |
Graphic Designers in Lexington, SC earn a median of $57,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.24% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $60,437.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $57,113 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,419 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,734
2025 BLS Actual
$55,256
2026 Current Est.
$57,113
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,734 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,702 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,032 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $45,734 (2019) to $55,256 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,032 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,298 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $36,151 – $44,178 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,178 – $57,113 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,113 – $71,312 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,312 – $88,001 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lexington
The job market for graphic designers in Lexington shows signs of modest strength, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. This limited pool creates an environment where employers, especially those in corporate marketing, can pay more competitive rates to attract top talent. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, designers might find their purchasing power slightly better than what a higher-cost area could offer, making the local salaries more appealing. Employers such as banks and consumer packaged goods companies typically offer the highest compensation, especially for in-house positions, while top-tier advertising agencies may provide a broader range of project exposure at potentially lower initial salaries, which can lead to higher earnings based on portfolio strength. Those looking to maximize their graphic designer pay in Lexington should consider building specialized skills, especially in motion graphics, and pursuing high-value freelance projects to boost their overall income prospects.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
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 $55,256 for graphic designersin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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