Creative & Education South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Graphic Designer Salary in South Carolina

The median graphic designer salary in South Carolina is $51,611 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,990.

Median Salary
$51,611
vs National
$-6,379
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Graphic Designer Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for graphic designer compensation. Graphic Designer salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,611 per year, graphic designers in South Carolina earn $6,379 less than the national median of $57,990.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $51,611 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,990 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: graphic designers at the 10th percentile earn $32,396, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,398 — a $55,002 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $60,890.

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for graphic designers across the country.

Graphic Designer Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $33,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,820
$-4,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $51,611? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $32,396
25th Percentile $40,406
Median (50th) $51,611
75th Percentile $66,394
90th Percentile $87,398

Graphic Designer Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for graphic designers in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Graphic Designer in South Carolina

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 281,500 other Graphic Designers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Graphic Designer Roles in South Carolina?

Get matched with recruiters hiring graphic designers in South Carolina at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Graphic Designer make in South Carolina? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in South Carolina is $51,611 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $32,396 (10th percentile) to $87,398 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,611, a graphic designer in South Carolina earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for graphic designers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for graphic designer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level graphic designers earn $33,820, while senior professionals earn $78,320.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for graphic designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for graphic designers is Hawaii at $98,583. South Carolina's median of $51,611 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($52,191) and Iowa ($51,611).
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level graphic designer in South Carolina earns approximately $33,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,620. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,320.
What city in South Carolina pays graphic designers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for graphic designers, with a median salary of $60,890. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.