Columbia vs Knoxville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,792 | $58,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.39 | $28.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,591 | $38,398▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,189 | $47,515▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,574 | $74,678▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,828 | $88,807▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $5,834 (11.05%). Knoxville's median is -9.91% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $49,237,Knoxville spans $50,409. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($63,332 effective) pays 10.13% more than Columbia ($57,508 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,626/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,807)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,332)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Columbia grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.2% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$46,521 (2024) → $51,076 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$41,940 (2019) → $56,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Columbia or Knoxville?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Knoxville as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Columbia vs Knoxville?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov