Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Concord, NC: $30.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Concord, NC runs $30.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Concord's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,705 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Concord, North Carolina, the graphic designer hourly rate is projected to be $30.21 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $31.29. This figure provides a baseline for various work arrangements, appealing to part-time designers, who might work three days a week, or freelance professionals seeking per-diem opportunities. Given the flexible environments—ranging from bustling agency studios to home offices and remote collaboration on platforms like Adobe and Figma—the hourly pay in Concord reflects a broad range. Entry-level positions start at about $18.28 per hour, while seasoned designers can earn up to $46.82 per hour, showcasing a significant income potential as professionals advance in their careers or specialize in high-demand areas.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.28 | $146.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.74 |
| Median (P50) | $30.21 | $241.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.67 | $309.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.82 | $374.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Concord
Based on $30.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.21/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Concord, NC can expect to earn approximately $62,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,255. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Concord.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Concord
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.49 | $5,237 | $62,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.09 | $3,142 | $37,705 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.39 | $2,095 | $25,136 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Concord) | $30.21 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.87 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $62.64 |
| Special Effects / Animator (National Avg) | $45.53 |
| Industrial Designer (National Avg) | $41.73 |
Graphic Designers in Concord, NC earn a median of $62,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.45% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 10.40% above the North Carolina state average of $56,912.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.21/hr = $37,705/year (purchasing power: $40,283).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,841/year (purchasing power: $67,138).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Concord grew 20.8% from $24.19/hr (2019) to $29.23/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Graphic Designer in Concord
Focusing on part-time employment, a graphic designer working 24 hours per week in Concord could expect to earn approximately $37,000 annually, which highlights the trade-offs compared to full-time roles with steadier pay and benefits. In the per-diem or contract realm, graphic designers often command rates between $50 and $95 per hour, especially within agencies where brand identity and motion graphics skills are in high demand. Meanwhile, in-house corporate positions—such as those at banks or tech companies—might offer lower hourly rates but come with health benefits and job security. For those working freelance, project fees can range significantly from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on project scope. Negotiating effectively around these dynamics is crucial for graphic designers, encouraging conversations about hourly rates based on expertise, location, and the nature of specific roles in Concord's diverse market.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for graphic designers in Concord. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov