Graphic Designers Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $62,080 +1.3% vs national
Median hourly $29.84
10th percentile $36,300
90th percentile $85,010
Employed locally 420
National median $61,300

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Graphic Designers
in
Charleston, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,300
    25th
    $45,410
    50th (median)
    $62,080
    75th
    $64,470
    90th
    $85,010

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Graphic Designers salary vs area income 75% Median Graphic Designers salary is 25% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Graphic Designers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,530
    District of Columbia $90,710
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $82,630
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $82,360
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $78,500

    Nearby metros — Graphic Designers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $89,490
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $59,770
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $59,420
    Wisconsin $58,380
    Florence, SC $57,000
    Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $55,780

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $63,450
    Coaches and Scouts $47,630
    Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,730
    Interior Designers $62,500
    Producers and Directors $57,610
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $45,370

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Graphic Designers make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Graphic Designers in Charleston, SC is $29.84, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.00 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Graphic Designers salaries?

    The median Graphic Designers salary in Charleston, SC is 1.3% above the national median of $61,300. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Graphic Designers in Charleston?

    Entry-level Graphic Designers (10th percentile) earn around $36,300 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,410.