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Graphic Designer Salary in Charleston, SC

How much does a graphic designer make in Charleston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charleston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$62,080
per year in Charleston
Entry Level
$36,391
Starting salary
Senior Level
$87,769
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how graphic designer salaries break down across different pay periods in Charleston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$36,391$62,080$87,769
Monthly$3,033$5,173$7,314
Biweekly$1,400$2,388$3,376
Weekly$700$1,194$1,688
Hourly$17$30$42

Charleston vs National Average

How Charleston's graphic designer salaries compare to national figures.

Charleston Salary
$62,080
COL Index: 118
National Average
$63,330
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,250
Lower in Charleston

Cost of Living in Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
150,227
residents
Rent % of Income
34.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charleston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Graphic Designer

Overview

Create visual designs for print and digital media.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteVisual DesignTypographyDigital Art

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Graphic Designer Salary

See Graphic Designer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$75,850
+22%
Los Angeles, CA
$75,820
+22%
Chicago, IL
$62,490
+1%
Houston, TX
$56,380
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$52,450
-16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Graphic Designer Salary in Charleston, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a graphic designer in Charleston, SC is $62,080 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level graphic designer professionals in Charleston can expect to earn around $36,391 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level graphic designers earning approximately $87,769 per year. This represents a 141% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charleston's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charleston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,330, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a graphic designer's salary in Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 31.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Graphic Designers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Charleston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.