Graphic Designers Salary in Raleigh-Cary, NC
The median pay for a graphic designers in Raleigh-Cary, NC is $59,910/year ($28.8/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $95K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 98.16), that's roughly $61,033 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/month — about 43.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $60K get you in Raleigh-Cary?
About graphic designers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Raleigh-Cary, NC
Entry-level graphic designers (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $60K.Top earners bring in $95K or more - a $58K spread from bottom to top.
Graphic Designers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $91K | +48% | 1,280 |
| California | $76K | +25% | 28,310 |
| Massachusetts | $76K | +25% | 4,890 |
| Washington | $76K | +24% | 5,460 |
| New York | $75K | +22% | 16,730 |
| Virginia | $70K | +14% | 5,500 |
| New Jersey | $67K | +9% | 5,870 |
| Maryland | $66K | +8% | 3,880 |
| Connecticut | $65K | +7% | 1,980 |
| Rhode Island | $64K | +5% | 820 |
| Oregon | $64K | +4% | 3,080 |
| Vermont | $62K | +1% | 470 |
| Texas | $62K | +1% | 19,360 |
| Illinois | $60K | -2% | 7,900 |
| Utah | $59K | -4% | 3,070 |
Track graphic designers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Raleigh-Cary numbers change.
Related careers in Arts & Media
Frequently asked questions
How much do graphic designers make in Raleigh-Cary, NC?
The median is $59,910 a year - that works out to about $28.8 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,040, and experienced graphic designers can clear $94,590. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $60K enough to live in Raleigh-Cary?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,957/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,750/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 44.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a graphic designers salary go in Raleigh-Cary?
Raleigh-Cary has a Regional Price Parity of 98.16 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median graphic designers salary is worth about $61,033 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do graphic designers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.