Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $28.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $28.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,383 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the graphic designer hourly pay is projected to be $28.35, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.29. This difference can be significant for part-time graphic designers, particularly those working three days a week, as they might earn roughly $1,700 monthly, reflecting a total annual income considerably less than their full-time counterparts. The hourly range for graphic designers in this area extends from $16.44 for entry-level positions to $43.95 for highly experienced professionals. These figures highlight a diverse earning potential across various work settings, whether in agency environments with collaborative designs or freelancing from home, where rates can fluctuate based on client projects and complexity.
About the Winston-Salem 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) | $16.44 | $131.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.80 | $166.37 |
| Median (P50) | $28.35 | $226.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.29 | $290.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.95 | $351.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $28.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.35/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $58,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,022. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,134.07 | $4,914 | $58,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.44 | $2,949 | $35,383 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.63 | $1,966 | $23,589 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Winston-Salem) | $28.35 |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $58,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.38% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $56,921.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.35/hr = $35,383/year (purchasing power: $37,802).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,971/year (purchasing power: $63,004).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Winston-Salem grew 20.8% from $22.70/hr (2019) to $27.43/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.30/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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
For part-time graphic designers working in Winston-Salem, earning potential varies significantly compared to full-time employment. A designer working 24 hours per week could expect to take home roughly $41,970 annually, creating a stark contrast to those in full-time roles. In the realm of per-diem or agency work, many graphic designers bill between $50 to $95 per hour, with specialists in fields such as motion graphics often commanding rates of $100 to $180 per hour. Additionally, freelance opportunities can lead to flat fees ranging from $3,000 to over $30,000 depending on project scope, contributing to a fragmented market where hourly rates can diverge widely based on employer types. While larger corporations may offer steadier earnings and benefits, many designers opt for freelance or agency positions, balancing the trade-offs of lower hourly rates against the flexibility these roles provide. For hourly workers in Winston-Salem, understanding these dynamics can aid in negotiations and setting fair expectations for their craft.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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