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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Specialist in North Carolina is $82,048 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Design Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Design Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $90,375 | $7,531 | $1,738 | $43 |
| Average | $82,048 | $6,837 | $1,578 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,365 | $6,280 | $1,449 | $36 |
Regional Foundation and Crawl Space Repair - Wendell, NC
Signarama - Raleigh, NC
Catapult - Raleigh, NC
Custom Patch Hats LLC - Raleigh, NC
A Design Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $57,250 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $67,079 |
| Design Sp... Level Design Specialist | $81,436 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $100,568 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $118,228 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Design Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Design Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Design Specialist positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $106,663 | $51.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $98,458 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $94,356 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $91,894 | $44.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $88,612 | $43.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Design Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $90,375 | $7,531 | $1,738 | $43 |
| Average | $82,048 | $6,837 | $1,578 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,365 | $6,280 | $1,449 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Design Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Bland Landscaping Company
Apex, NC
Bland Landscaping Company | Apex, NC
Job Location: Apex or Charlotte Offices. Pay Range: $55,000 - $65,000 per year. Job Description. The. Enhancement Design & Estimator. position is responsib... more
6 Days Ago
Signarama Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC
Signarama Raleigh, NC | Raleigh, NC
Join Our Team as a Production and Design Specialist at Signarama. At Signarama, the world's leading sign franchise, we are looking for a dedicated Producti... more
7 Days Ago
Cabinets To Go
Raleigh, NC
Cabinets To Go | Raleigh, NC
Job Title. Location 2011 Raleigh Blvd Ste 106, Raleigh, NC, 27604, United States. Base Pay $15.00 / Hour. Average Commission $1,200.00. Job Category Cabine... more
7 Days Ago
Jobot
Charlotte, NC
Jobot | Charlotte, NC
This Jobot Job is hosted by: Dana Stark. Are you a fit. Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply" buttonand sending us your resume. Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 ... more
11 Days Ago
Williams-Sonoma
Durham, NC
Williams-Sonoma | Durham, NC
Design Studio Specialist. You will inspire customers to express themselves in their home. You will bring the shopping experience to a seamless close as you... more
8 Days Ago
Williams-Sonoma
Durham, NC
Williams-Sonoma | Durham, NC
Design Studio Specialist. Location: Pottery Barn Kids - Streets at Southpoint (Durham, NC). Role: Part-Time. We hope you're interested in building a home w... more
8 Days Ago
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