Graphic Designer Pay

La Vergne vs Nashville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between La Vergne, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

La Vergne, TN
$51,737
$24.87/hr
Nashville, TN
$62,398
$30.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLa Vergne, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$51,737$62,398
Hourly Rate$24.87$30.01
Entry Level (P10)$34,493$44,652
25th Percentile$41,272$51,484
75th Percentile$66,223$80,042
Top Earner (P90)$80,192$99,102
Total Employed81,590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing La Vergne ($51,737) and Nashville ($62,398) graphic designer salaries.La VergneNashvilleMedian Salary$51,737$62,398Entry Level (P10)$34,493$44,652Top Earner (P90)$80,192$99,102US Median $65,075

Verdict

Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vergne.

The salary gap between La Vergne and Nashville is $10,661 (20.61%). Nashville's median is -4.11% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Vergne spans $45,699,Nashville spans $54,450. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

La Vergne
P10 (Entry)$34,493
P25$41,272
Median$51,737
P75$66,223
P90 (Top)$80,192
Nashville
P10 (Entry)$44,652
P25$51,484
Median$62,398
P75$80,042
P90 (Top)$99,102

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($64,770 effective) pays 14.92% more than La Vergne ($56,358 effective).

La Vergne
Nominal: $51,737
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $56,358
Nashville
Nominal: $62,398
CoL Index: 96.338
Adjusted: $64,770

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose La Vergne if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Nashville if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,398/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($99,102)
  • Larger job market (1,590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,770)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in La Vergne grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Nashville over the same period.

La Vergne, TN

+9.8%

$45,591 (2024) → $50,055 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+12.8%

$53,500 (2019) → $60,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: La Vergne or Nashville?

Nashville has a higher median graphic designer salary at $62,398/year, compared to La Vergne at $51,737/year — a difference of $10,661 (20.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between La Vergne and Nashville?

La Vergne graphic designers earn $24.87/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $30.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from La Vergne to Nashville as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing La Vergne and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: La Vergne = $56,358, Nashville = $64,770), job availability (8 vs 1,590 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in La Vergne vs Nashville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $34,493 in La Vergne and $44,652 in Nashville. The Nashville area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

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