Skip to content
AffordMap
Arts & Media · North Carolina

How to Become a Commercial and Industrial Designers in North Carolina

Commercial and Industrial Designers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $74,330/year, which is 6% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a commercial and industrial designers takes home approximately $3,366/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$74K
Median salary in North Carolina
-6%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
1,220
Employed in North Carolina

What a commercial and industrial designers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$74,330
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$4,778/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home29.6% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$74,330/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,366/mo

Becoming a commercial and industrial designers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Commercial and Industrial Designers positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many commercial and industrial designers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for commercial and industrial designerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 1,220 commercial and industrial designers. The highest concentrations are in Durham-Chapel Hill and Raleigh-Cary.

Commercial and Industrial Designers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Durham-Chapel Hill$84K$40.59/hr40
Raleigh-Cary$79K$37.95/hr170
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$79K$37.93/hr320
Asheville$77K$36.82/hr70
Greensboro-High Point$75K$35.84/hr190
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$71K$33.99/hr70
Winston-Salem$66K$31.84/hr50

Commercial and Industrial Designers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$47K
25th percentile
$59K
Median (50th)
$74K
75th percentile
$99K
90th percentile (senior)
$125K
View jobs for Commercial and Industrial Designers
Currently hiring in North Carolina
View →
More openings for Commercial and Industrial Designers
Currently hiring in North Carolina
View →
Build creative skills online
Design, UX, branding, and portfolio-building courses
View →
Full commercial and industrial designers salary breakdown in North Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in North Carolina
After federal + 4.5% state tax
Calculate →
Compare North Carolina cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Commercial and Industrial Designers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a commercial and industrial designers make in North Carolina?

The median commercial and industrial designers salary in North Carolina is $74,330 per year ($35.73/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $79,450. Salaries range from $47,490 to $125,350.

What are the requirements to become a commercial and industrial designers in North Carolina?

Commercial and Industrial Designers positions in North Carolina typically require Bachelor's degree. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a commercial and industrial designers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $74,330, a commercial and industrial designers in North Carolina would take home approximately $4,778/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 29.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for commercial and industrial designers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for commercial and industrial designers in North Carolina are Durham-Chapel Hill ($84,430), Raleigh-Cary ($78,940), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($78,890). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for commercial and industrial designers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $74,330 salary, this means roughly $3,345/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.