Graphic Designer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $49,871 (2026)

Graphic Designer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median graphic designer salary of $49,871, which is $3,480 below the North Carolina state average of $53,351. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $49,871 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Winston-Salem spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $84,452 at the 90th percentile — a $53,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Graphic Designer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,680

$-5,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$49,880

$-8,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$75,680

$-12,320 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$31,304	$33,488	$36,400
25th Percentile	$39,044	$41,768	$45,400
Median (50th)	$49,871	$53,351	$57,990
75th Percentile	$64,156	$68,632	$74,600
90th Percentile	$84,452	$90,344	$98,200

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$31,304

25th Percentile

$39,044

Median (50th)

$49,871

75th Percentile

$64,156

90th Percentile

$84,452

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median graphic designer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $84,452 (90th percentile).

How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,871, a graphic designer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for graphic designer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median graphic designer salary of $49,871 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $53,351. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $49,871 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most graphic designer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Graphic Designer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina