Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Wilson, NC: $26.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Wilson, NC runs $26.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Wilson's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,726 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilson, North Carolina, the graphic designer hourly pay sits at $26.22, which is significantly lower than the national average of $31.29. This rate reflects the local cost of living, estimated at 93.6, underscoring how designers in Wilson may have different financial dynamics compared to those in larger urban areas. For part-time professionals working about three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,054 weekly, which amounts to around $54,546 annually if sustained. The hourly range for graphic designers in Wilson extends from $17.64 for entry-level positions to $40.65 for top earners, illustrating a considerable disparity based on experience and expertise. The local job market includes various settings, such as agency creative floors, in-house marketing departments, and freelance roles, where flexibility and adaptability may influence one’s earnings.
About the Wilson 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) | $17.64 | $141.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.03 | $168.27 |
| Median (P50) | $26.22 | $209.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.57 | $268.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.65 | $325.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilson
Based on $26.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.22/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilson, NC can expect to earn approximately $54,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,467. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,048.90 | $4,545 | $54,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.34 | $2,727 | $32,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.56 | $1,818 | $21,817 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Wilson) | $26.22 |
| 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 Wilson, NC earn a median of $54,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.18% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $56,878.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.22/hr = $32,726/year (purchasing power: $34,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,543/year (purchasing power: $58,272).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Wilson grew 20.8% from $21.00/hr (2019) to $25.37/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.10/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 Wilson 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 Wilson
When considering part-time earnings for a graphic designer working 24 hours a week, the take-home pay can be substantially lower than that of full-time counterparts, with annual earnings likely skewed towards the lower end of the spectrum. Per diem graphic designer pay in Wilson might allow some design professionals to bill higher rates, ranging from $50 to $95 per hour for flexible or contract work. Those specializing in motion graphics or brand identity might command even higher fees, upwards of $100 per hour, reflecting the premium nature of these skills in the market. Employers, whether in-house corporate marketing teams or design agencies, tend to offer lower base hourly rates compared to the freelance market, which can be enticing for established designers looking for health benefits. Consequently, those entering negotiations should be clear about their value and the benefits they're willing to trade off against their hourly wage, particularly in the varied environments of Wilson's design market.
More salary data for Wilson, 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 Wilson. 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 Wilson 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