Salary distribution
Where Tennessee graphic designers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $41,060 and $75,750, with a median of $51,740.
Graphic Designers pay by experience level in Tennessee
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Graphic Designers in Tennessee, by industry
Median offered wage across 4 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Retail and wholesale leads with a median of $55,619.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail and wholesale | Good Juju Ink | 1 | $55,619 |
| Transportation and logistics | Federal Express Corporation | 1 | $54,392 |
| Education | The University of Tennessee Health Science Center | 1 | $56,180 |
| Technology and software | LeanTaaS, Inc. | 1 | $161,000 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Tennessee over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Fine Arts
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Communications and Media
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Originality
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Fluency of Ideas
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- 02
Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- 03
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- 04
Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- 05
Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- 06
Use computer software to generate new images.
- 07
Prepare digital files for printing.
- 08
Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+2.1%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for graphic designers in major Tennessee metropolitan areas.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Graphic Designers in Tennessee?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Graphic Designers in Tennessee is $51,740.
- How does Tennessee compare to the national median for Graphic Designers?
- The Tennessee median is -17.0% versus the BLS national figure of $62,356.
- What is the salary range for Graphic Designers in Tennessee?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $30,280 and the 90th-percentile at $89,540, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Graphic Designers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 2.1% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Graphic Designers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.