Graphic Designer Salary in North Charleston, SC: $64,869 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in North Charleston, SC earns a median $64,869/year (≈ $31.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $70,895 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, SC, graphic designers can expect a median annual salary of $64,869 in 2026, reflecting a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $65,075. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $37,660 to $100,547, illustrating significant variability based on experience, portfolio strength, and specialization. Employers may utilize a day rate for freelance positions or a project-based model, adding flexibility to income potential. The figures provided stem from estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price considerations, hinting at a market where cost-effective pricing is essential. Overall, with the job market supporting 22 graphic designers locally, North Charleston presents a unique environment for those in the field to navigate their compensation pathways effectively.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,660 | $18.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,888 | $24.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,869 | $31.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,032 | $39.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,547 | $48.34 |
Median Salary Position
0.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,887 (2026 est.). At $64,869, the local median is 0.32% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Charleston Graphic Designer Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $64,869/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $60,455 | +7.30% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -0.32% less |
Graphic Designers in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $64,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.30% above the South Carolina state average of $60,455.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston 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.
North Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $64,869 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,895 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,944
2025 BLS Actual
$62,760
2026 Current Est.
$64,869
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,806 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,723 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,869 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,048 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $51,944 (2019) to $62,760 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,048 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,104 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $37,660 – $51,888 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,888 – $64,869 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,869 – $83,032 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,032 – $100,547 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in North Charleston
The local graphic designer pay in North Charleston benefits from a cost-of-living index of 91.5, which indicates that take-home purchasing power stretches further than in many national urban centers. This market context offers compelling opportunities, especially for employment within in-house corporate marketing teams, where industries like banking or consumer packaged goods often yield higher salaries compared to smaller advertising firms. While freelance work can be plentiful, graphic designers should be mindful that commoditized platforms often lead to lower initial pay. Compensation discrepancies in this field can arise from various factors, including the tier of the hiring agency or company, specialization in areas like motion graphics and brand identity, and the strength of one’s portfolio. To maximize earnings, designers should consider honing niche skills, building a robust online portfolio, and actively pursuing collaborations with reputable brands to enhance their marketability and salary potential in North Charleston.
More salary data for North Charleston, 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 $62,760 for graphic designersin the North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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