Graphic Designer salary in Tennessee
Graphic Designers in Tennessee earn a median of $57,270 a year ($27.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,880 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $92,540 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $62,960. Tennessee ranks 32nd of 51 states for graphic designers pay. There are 1.2 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $62,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,910 | $18.22 |
| 25th percentile | $47,510 | $22.84 |
| Median | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| 75th percentile | $75,170 | $36.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $92,540 | $44.49 |
| Average (mean) | $62,670 | $30.13 |
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 | $4,772.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,386.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,202.69 |
| Weekly | $1,101.35 |
| Hourly | $27.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Graphic Designer salary in cities in Tennessee
| 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 |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,720 | 470 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,500 | $16.59 |
| Interior Designer | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| Art Director | $89,860 | $43.20 |
| Floral Designer | $36,220 | $17.41 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $71,230 | $34.25 |
| Designers, All Other | $72,450 | $34.83 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $83,080 | $39.94 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $43,030 | $20.69 |
| Craft Artist | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,780 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Producers and Directors | $73,020 | $35.11 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $49,970 | $24.02 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for graphic designers in Tennessee is $57,270 a year, or $27.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $92,540 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of graphic designers in Tennessee earn at least $92,540 a year. The top 25% earn $75,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,910 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $47,510 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Tennessee?
About 3,880 graphic designers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.