Average Graphic Designers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Graphic Designers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $58,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $68,540, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus in Wilmington influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants a closer look at the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,260.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 290 Graphic Designers and a Location Quotient of 1.11, Wilmington, NC, shows a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, demand for graphic design talent within the region. The presence of 1.541 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for design services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Wilmington, NC earns-14.7%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,124
$4,870
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington's graphic design salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased demand for digital and print media, and the evolving skill requirements for designers typically contribute to salary increases over time, even in localized markets.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Graphic Designers in Wilmington, NC, is significantly influenced by experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized expertise, such as UI/UX or motion graphics, can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available through professional development and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $33,480 | $16.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $43,830 | $21.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $47,360 | $22.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $73,050 | $35.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $83,260 | $40 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,440 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's income in Wilmington is equivalent to that of their counterparts across the country, assuming a similar lifestyle.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.541
Per 1K Jobs
1.11
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.11, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Graphic Designers roles compared to the national norm.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.11 for Graphic Designers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high. While the presence of more designers than the national average might imply a saturated market to some, it also points to a robust creative industry within the city.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Graphic Designers Salary | $52,180↓ 11% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Graphic Designers Salary | $53,660↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Graphic Designers Salary | $51,340↓ 12% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Graphic Designers Salary | $50,860↓ 13% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Wilmington, NC is $58,440. This typically ranges from $33,480 for entry-level positions to $83,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 14.7% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Wilmington, 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 $58,440 is significantly lower than the national average of $68,540, indicating less lucrative earning potential locally.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($52,180) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Graphic Designer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Graphic Designers in Wilmington, NC, is $58,440, which is approximately $10,000 less than the national average of $68,540.
What is the Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC for Graphic Designers?
Wilmington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Graphic Designers in Wilmington, NC?
With 1.541 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 1.11, there is a stable demand for Graphic Designers in Wilmington, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these roles than the national average.
How does experience affect a Graphic Designer's salary in Wilmington, NC?
Experience is a key factor; entry-level designers earn less, while senior designers with specialized skills and a strong portfolio can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting career progression and increased value.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.541 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 Wilmington, NC