Creative & Education Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Graphic Designer Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median graphic designer salary in Raleigh, NC is $56,830 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$56,830
vs State Avg
+$3,479
vs National
$-1,160
Cost of Living
98%

Graphic Designer Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)

Raleigh offers a median graphic designer salary of $56,830, which is $3,479 above the North Carolina state average of $53,351. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for graphic designers in Raleigh spans from $35,672 at the 10th percentile to $96,236 at the 90th percentile — a $60,564 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,240, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $37,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,240
$-760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $35,672
25th Percentile $44,492
Median (50th) $56,830
75th Percentile $73,108
90th Percentile $96,236

Graphic Designer Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$56,830
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$55,091
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$51,031
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$49,871
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Raleigh

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open graphic designer positions in Raleigh, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $56,830 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $35,672 (10th percentile) to $96,236 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,830, a graphic designer in Raleigh earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Raleigh's median graphic designer salary of $56,830 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $53,351. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $56,830 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Raleigh? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Raleigh require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.