Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Brentwood, TN: $25.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Brentwood, TN runs $25.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,358 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, TN, the graphic designer hourly pay sits at a median of $25.13, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This wage reflects the market’s specifics, and it suggests varied earning potential for both part-time and per-diem workers in settings such as creative agencies, corporate in-house teams, and freelance arrangements. For those working part-time, say just three days a week, this means they can expect an hourly income that translates to manageable total earnings, especially in a region where cost of living is below the national average. Brentwood's graphic designers can access hourly compensation that ranges from $17.16 for entry-level positions up to $38.94 for top earners, illustrating the opportunities available across different experience levels and specializations.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.16 | $137.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.78 | $158.26 |
| Median (P50) | $25.13 | $201.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.16 | $257.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.94 | $311.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $25.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.13/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, TN can expect to earn approximately $52,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,152. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,005.07 | $4,355 | $52,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.04 | $2,613 | $31,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.03 | $1,742 | $20,906 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Brentwood) | $25.13 |
| Web Developer (National Avg) | $45.87 |
| Art Director (National Avg) | $62.64 |
| Special Effects / Animator (National Avg) | $45.53 |
| Industrial Designer (National Avg) | $41.73 |
Graphic Designers in Brentwood, TN earn a median of $52,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.50% below the Tennessee state average of $54,149.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.13/hr = $31,358/year (purchasing power: $34,159).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,264/year (purchasing power: $56,932).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Brentwood grew 20.8% from $20.12/hr (2019) to $24.31/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem graphic designers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Graphic Designer in Brentwood
Focusing on part-time earning scenarios, a graphic designer in Brentwood working 24 hours a week could anticipate annual earnings around $31,000, providing a comfortable income, especially when compared to full-time opportunities. Many per-diem graphic designers operating in the area charge between $50-$95 per hour, with experience and specialization allowing certain niches like motion graphics and brand identity design to command even higher rates. Hourly pay often varies depending on the employer type; in-house corporate designers may see steadier rates, while agency positions might offer lower starting pay but promise diverse projects and creative flexibility. Freelancers must balance the trade-offs of pay versus benefits, with some opting for stable in-house roles for health insurance. For Brentwood graphic designers negotiating pay, emphasizing their proficiency with industry standards like Adobe CC and showcasing a compelling portfolio can significantly impact their success in securing higher hourly rates.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for graphic designers in Brentwood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov