Graphic Designer salary in Knoxville, TN
Graphic Designers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $56,720 a year ($27.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 470 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,920 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 1% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $57,270. There are 1.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $60,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,150 | $17.86 |
| 25th percentile | $45,970 | $22.10 |
| Median | $56,720 | $27.27 |
| 75th percentile | $72,250 | $34.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,920 | $41.31 |
| Average (mean) | $60,810 | $29.24 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,726.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,363.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,181.54 |
| Weekly | $1,090.77 |
| Hourly | $27.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $60,370 | 1,590 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $59,000 | 590 |
| Cleveland, TN | $57,290 | 30 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $55,250 | 300 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $49,570 | 100 |
| Johnson City, TN | $48,690 | 50 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $48,520 | n/a |
| Jackson, TN | $48,040 | 40 |
| Morristown, TN | $47,340 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,970 | $16.81 |
| Interior Designer | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Floral Designer | $36,040 | $17.33 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $70,200 | $33.75 |
| Art Director | $79,500 | $38.22 |
| Designers, All Other | $50,010 | $24.04 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,670 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,360 | $27.58 |
| Producers and Directors | $58,660 | $28.20 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,080 | $30.33 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| Editor | $59,630 | $28.67 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $61,020 | $29.34 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $56,720 a year, or $27.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,920 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $85,920 a year. The top 25% earn $72,250 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,150 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $45,970 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Knoxville, TN?
About 470 graphic designers are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.