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Graphic Designer Salary in Wilmington, NC

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

Median Salary
$58,517
per year in Wilmington
Entry Level
$34,303
Starting salary
Senior Level
$82,731
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
105
5% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,303$58,517$82,731
Monthly$2,859$4,876$6,894
Biweekly$1,319$2,251$3,182
Weekly$660$1,125$1,591
Hourly$16$28$40

Wilmington vs National Average

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

Wilmington Salary
$58,517
COL Index: 105
National Average
$63,330
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,813
Lower in Wilmington

Cost of Living in Wilmington

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
115,451
residents
Rent % of Income
31.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 105 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wilmington 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
+30%
Los Angeles, CA
$75,820
+30%
Chicago, IL
$62,490
+7%
Houston, TX
$56,380
-4%
Phoenix, AZ
$52,450
-10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Graphic Designer Salary in Wilmington, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a graphic designer in Wilmington, NC is $58,517 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wilmington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level graphic designer professionals in Wilmington can expect to earn around $34,303 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level graphic designers earning approximately $82,731 per year. This represents a 141% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wilmington's cost of living index of 105 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Wilmington 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 Wilmington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 26.7% 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 Wilmington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.