Average Graphic Designers Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The average salary for Graphic Designerss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $54,200. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,740.
- Outlook: The current demand for Graphic Designerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-20.9%below the national average.
$26.1
$1,042
$4,517
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Graphic Designers salaries in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC have shown healthy growth of 15.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
The earning potential for Graphic Designerss in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $35,180, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $77,740.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $35,180 | $16.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $40,650 | $19.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $50,200 | $24.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $67,750 | $32.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $77,740 | $37.4 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,200 to $54,200.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
0.98
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.71x 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.
150 people work as Graphic Designers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.
Only 0.98 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Graphic Designers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Graphic Designers Salary | $61,300↑ 13% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Graphic Designers Salary | $59,230↑ 9% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Graphic Designers Salary | $55,440↑ 2% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Graphic Designers Salary | $53,550↓ 1% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Graphic Designers Salary | $51,500↓ 5% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $54,200. This typically ranges from $35,180 for entry-level positions to $77,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 20.9% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Graphic Designerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Graphic Designers salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $54,200 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($61,300) and Spartanburg, SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.98 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC