
Graphic designers, also known as graphic artists, use a variety of visual elements to promote or enhance a product, brand or company. They can have a typical 9 to 5 job or can work on a contract, or job, basis as consultants or freelance designers. Graphic artists can find employment at newspapers and magazines as well as in corporate businesses, advertising agencies, marketing companies and design firms.
Graphic Design Schools in North Carolina
A four-year degree in graphic design from a college or university is typically required for most graphic design positions. Many schools require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before enrolling in a bachelor's degree program. As a student, you'll learn principles of design, printing techniques, commercial graphics production and website design. To be an even more effective designer, you can take additional courses in art history, business, psychology, writing, marketing and cultural studies. It is important to note that graphic designers must also be creative and have the ability to showcase their ideas to clients or art directors. North Carolina graphic design schools offer both online and traditional campus-based programs to give you the education and skills you need to become a graphic artist.
Graphic Designer Salaries in North Carolina
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of graphic designers to grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018. As projects for interactive media--such as websites and mobile phones--continue to grow, those who have experience in website design and animation will be able to find better employment opportunities. With more than 5,200 graphic designers in the state, North Carolina graphic design schools are the perfect place to start your career as a graphic designer. Those in North Carolina earned an hourly median wage of $18.79, or $39,090 annually as of May 2009 (latest available data). Although there are opportunities throughout the state, graphic designers are concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Charlotte, Raleigh-Cary and Virginia Beach.
If you're interested in this creative and rewarding job, get more information from one of the following graphic design schools in North Carolina.
Schools for Graphic Designers in North Carolina are listed below.
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.

The Art Institutes
Charlotte, Durham
The Art Institutes (AI) provides programs that stimulate the minds of its students with programs in design, the arts, game programming, culinary cuisine, and fashion.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVry University Online | Online | Bachelor | |
| AIU Online | Online | Associate, Bachelor | |
| The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division | Online | Associate, Bachelor, Diploma | |
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Herzing College | Online | Associate, Bachelor |
| School Name | Campus | Highest Award | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | Boone | Doctorate | 15,871 |
| Campbell University | Buies Creek | Masters & First Professional | 6,208 |
| Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte | Associate | 18,052 |
| Chowan University | Murfreesboro | Bachelor | 875 |
| Duke University | Durham | Doctorate & First Professional | 13,598 |
| Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City | Masters | 3,061 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston Salem | Associate | 7,276 |
| Lees-McRae College | Banner Elk | Bachelor | 882 |
| Lenoir Community College | Kinston | Associate | 2,733 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory | Masters | 1,626 |
| Living Arts College | Raleigh | Associate | 325 |
| Meredith College | Raleigh | Masters | 2,202 |
| North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro | Doctorate | 10,498 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh | Doctorate & First Professional | 31,802 |
| Peace College | Raleigh | Bachelor | 692 |
| Piedmont Community College | Roxboro | Associate | 2,575 |
| Pitt Community College | Winterville | Associate | 6,499 |
| Stanly Community College | Albemarle | Associate | 2,390 |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh | Associate | 12,238 |
The map below shows job statistics for the career type by metro area, for North Carolina. A table below the map shows job popularity and salaries across the state.
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Graphic Designers relative to the population of the city, as of 2008. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Relative Popularity of 1.0 means that the city has an average number of the particular job, for its population, compared to the rest of the US. Higher numbers mean proportionally more jobs of that type.| Metro Area | Jobs | Salary (2008) | Relative Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTH CAROLINA | |||
| Raleigh | 820 | $42,060 | 1 |
| Wilmington | 220 | $36,800 | 1 |
| Durham | 420 | $42,390 | 0.9 |
| Greensboro | 550 | $43,200 | 0.9 |
| Winston-Salem | 310 | $44,920 | 0.9 |
| Burlington | 70 | $38,070 | 0.8 |
| Asheville | 230 | $35,800 | 0.8 |
| Hickory | 200 | $38,650 | 0.8 |
| Greenville | 80 | $40,360 | 0.8 |
| Charlotte | 1,070 | $45,250 | 0.7 |
| Jacksonville | 40 | $39,120 | 0.7 |
| Fayetteville | 130 | $42,340 | 0.7 |
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