Average Graphic Designers Salary in Asheville, NC
Graphic Designers in Asheville, NC earn an average annual salary of $53,550, which is notably below the national average of $68,540. This disparity can often be attributed to the specific economic landscape and demand within a particular metropolitan area, influencing compensation levels for creative professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,850.
- Outlook: Asheville's graphic design job market features a local workforce of 250 professionals, with a concentration quotient of 0.95, indicating a presence very close to the national average. With 1.324 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for graphic designers in Asheville is stable, suggesting a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment environment for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Asheville, NC earns-21.9%below the national average.
$25.7
$1,030
$4,463
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Asheville's graphic designer salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and evolving digital demands typically drive salary increases for skilled creative professionals, suggesting that Asheville designers have likely seen modest but positive salary progression.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Asheville, NC
The career trajectory for Graphic Designers in Asheville, NC, shows significant salary growth potential with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased earning power.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $25,950 | $12.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $40,163 | $19.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $47,970 | $23.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $66,938 | $32.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $80,850 | $38.9 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,550 in Asheville, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a graphic designer's income in Asheville is equivalent to that of the typical American worker, offering a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.324
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Asheville, NC has 0.95x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.95, Asheville's market for Graphic Designers is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where the number of designers is proportionate to the national distribution, neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, providing moderate opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC Graphic Designers Salary | $60,120↑ 12% | 52 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Graphic Designers Salary | $51,500↓ 4% | 54 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Graphic Designers Salary | $59,230↑ 11% | 56 mi |
| Morristown, TN Graphic Designers Salary | $49,070↓ 8% | 61 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Graphic Designers Salary | $61,750↑ 15% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Asheville, NC
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Asheville, NC?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Asheville, NC is $53,550. This typically ranges from $25,950 for entry-level positions to $80,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Asheville, NC is 21.9% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Asheville, NC a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $53,550 is significantly lower than the national average of $68,540, indicating less lucrative earning potential locally.
Is Asheville, NC a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Asheville, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Asheville, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC ($60,120) and Johnson City, TN.
How does Asheville's graphic designer salary compare to the national average?
Graphic Designers in Asheville earn an average of $53,550 annually, which is substantially less than the national average of $68,540.
What is the cost of living in Asheville, NC for graphic designers?
Asheville's Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is exactly average compared to the national standard, making the $53,550 salary have average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the graphic design job market in Asheville?
The market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.95, is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and proportionate presence of graphic designers.
What is the total number of graphic designers in Asheville?
There are approximately 250 graphic designers employed in Asheville, NC, contributing to a stable local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Asheville, NC area with a job density of 1.324 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Asheville, NC