Graphic Designer Pay

Lebanon vs Nashville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

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

Lebanon, TN
$53,153
$25.55/hr
Nashville, TN
$62,398
$30.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLebanon, TNNashville, TN
Median Salary$53,153$62,398
Hourly Rate$25.55$30.01
Entry Level (P10)$33,417$44,652
25th Percentile$40,910$51,484
75th Percentile$67,841$80,042
Top Earner (P90)$82,387$99,102
Total Employed101,590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lebanon ($53,153) and Nashville ($62,398) graphic designer salaries.LebanonNashvilleMedian Salary$53,153$62,398Entry Level (P10)$33,417$44,652Top Earner (P90)$82,387$99,102US Median $65,075

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lebanon and Nashville is $9,245 (17.39%). 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 Lebanon spans $48,970,Nashville spans $54,450. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Lebanon
P10 (Entry)$33,417
P25$40,910
Median$53,153
P75$67,841
P90 (Top)$82,387
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 11.86% more than Lebanon ($57,901 effective).

Lebanon
Nominal: $53,153
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $57,901
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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Nashville over the same period.

Lebanon, TN

+9.8%

$46,839 (2024) → $51,425 (2025)

Nashville, TN

+12.8%

$53,500 (2019) → $60,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Lebanon or Nashville?

Nashville has a higher median graphic designer salary at $62,398/year, compared to Lebanon at $53,153/year — a difference of $9,245 (17.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lebanon and Nashville?

Lebanon graphic designers earn $25.55/hr while Nashville hygienists earn $30.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lebanon to Nashville as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lebanon and Nashville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lebanon = $57,901, Nashville = $64,770), job availability (10 vs 1,590 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $33,417 in Lebanon 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