Graphic Designer Salary in Carrboro, NC: $53,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Carrboro, NC earns a median $53,629/year (≈ $25.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Carrboro's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $57,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Carrboro, North Carolina can expect a median annual salary of $53,629, which represents a significant divergence from the national average of $65,075. The local salary range falls between $33,749 at the lower end and $82,416 at the higher end, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization among designers. These figures are drawn from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost adjustments unique to this area. While freelance work is prominent in the market, many designers in Carrboro typically operate on a project basis, balancing steady work with the flexibility that freelancing affords. This dynamic provides insight into why graphic designer pay in Carrboro, NC, does not align directly with larger metropolitan markets.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,749 | $16.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,660 | $21.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,629 | $25.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,828 | $32.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,416 | $39.63 |
Median Salary Position
17.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrboro
In Carrboro, NC, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,667 (2026 est.). At $53,629, the local median is 17.59% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carrboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carrboro Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Carrboro median: $53,629/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carrboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $56,871 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -17.59% less |
Graphic Designers in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $53,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.59% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $56,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carrboro has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carrboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $53,629 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,944
2025 BLS Actual
$51,886
2026 Current Est.
$53,629
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,521 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,431 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carrboro metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $42,944 (2019) to $51,886 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,431 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,487 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,749 – $44,660 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,660 – $53,629 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,629 – $66,828 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,828 – $82,416 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Carrboro
The job market for graphic designers in Carrboro has a modest employment footprint, with just six individuals reported in this role. However, the overall cost of living index in Carrboro is notably lower at 93.6, which contributes positively to the take-home purchasing power for those earning a graphic designer salary in Carrboro. Employers that tend to pay the most include in-house corporate marketing teams, particularly in industries like consumer goods and finance, while advertising agencies are recognized for offering higher compensation to creative directors and specialized roles such as motion graphics designers. The disparity in earnings can largely be attributed to experience, the distinctness of skills, and demand for specialized services. With a focused portfolio and a proactive approach to professional development, designers can maximize their earning potential in this local market, taking advantage of both in-house positions and freelance opportunities for premium projects.
More salary data for Carrboro, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,886 for graphic designersin the Carrboro metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrboro 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