Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $31.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Durham, NC runs $31.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.6, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,433 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Durham, NC, graphic designers can expect a median hourly pay of $31.60, which slightly outpaces the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This competitive rate is advantageous for both part-time and per-diem workers who often operate in diverse settings such as agency offices, in-house marketing departments, and remote environments concentrated on collaboration through tools like Adobe CC and Figma. For graphic designers just starting their careers, hourly earnings typically begin at around $19.54, while seasoned professionals can command upwards of $49.35. These figures are based on official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting the projected landscape for 2026, where designers in various creative roles navigate the evolving needs of clients and industries.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.54 | $156.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.63 | $197.05 |
| Median (P50) | $31.60 | $252.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.63 | $317.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.35 | $394.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $31.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.60/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,722 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,917. With a cost-of-living index of 97.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,263.89 | $5,477 | $65,722 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.33 | $3,286 | $39,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.55 | $2,191 | $26,289 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Durham) | $31.60 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $65,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.99% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 15.50% above the North Carolina state average of $56,897.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.60/hr = $39,433/year (purchasing power: $40,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,722/year (purchasing power: $67,358).
CoL index: 97.572 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Durham grew 36.3% from $22.43/hr (2019) to $30.57/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.66/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 Durham 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 Durham
When considering part-time opportunities, a graphic designer working three days a week, for 24 hours, could earn approximately $39,155 annually, a fraction of a full-time salary but still significant in a thriving market. Freelance and per-diem graphic designers frequently charge rates ranging from $50 to $95 per hour, with more experienced roles like senior brand designers and motion graphics specialists commanding rates as high as $150 or even $180. Various employer types in Durham influence hourly rates; in-house positions may offer steadier pay, while agencies often allow for diverse projects but at a lower starting rate. It's crucial for graphic designers to evaluate the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates with comprehensive packages. Engaging in clear and persistent negotiations for hourly rates can be advantageous, enhancing the pursuit of fair compensation while factoring in the local context of Durham's flourishing design community.
More salary data for Durham, 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 Durham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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