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Graphic Designer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Winston-Salem's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Winston-Salem — Key Numbers

$52,774
Median Salary
$38,606
25th Percentile
$71,861
75th Percentile
$94,310
90th Percentile
National median (Graphic Designer)$59,970
vs. National median-12.0%
Winston-Salem median household income$52,600
vs. City household income+0.3%

Cost of Living in Winston-Salem

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.6%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary4.4×
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Winston-Salem

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
35.7
Median Age

Winston-Salem has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Winston-Salem

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Cost of Living — Winston-Salem
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Graphic Designer Salary in North Carolina
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Winston-Salem

Physician$201,784Chief Executive Officer$184,800Dentist$154,449IT Manager$149,169Marketing Manager$138,706Lawyer$128,269

Graphic Designer Salary — Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC$62,369Raleigh, NC$62,969Durham, NC$62,369Greensboro, NC$52,774Fayetteville, NC$50,375

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Winston-Salem, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Graphic Designer in Winston-Salem is $52,774 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $59,970 adjusted by Winston-Salem's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $38,606 (25th percentile) to $71,861 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $94,310.

Is Winston-Salem affordable for a Graphic Designer?

On a $52,774 annual salary, a Graphic Designer in Winston-Salem would spend approximately 21.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Winston-Salem relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 4.4× the annual salary.

How does a Graphic Designer's salary compare to Winston-Salem's overall income?

Winston-Salem's median household income is $52,600. A Graphic Designer earning the city-adjusted median of $52,774 earns 0.3% more than the typical Winston-Salem household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Graphic Designer — NationalGraphic Designer in North CarolinaAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.