Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $27.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Chattanooga, TN runs $27.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,261 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, the projected graphic designer hourly pay for 2026 is set at $27.45, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.29. This figure has implications for various work arrangements, particularly for part-time positions or per-diem roles typical in the industry. For instance, a designer working three days a week might take home around $35,000 annually, which could be appealing for those prioritizing flexibility and a work-life balance. The hourly pay range locally spans from $17.73 for entry-level positions to $42.23 for those at the top percentile, shedding light on how experience and specialization can influence earnings even within this regional landscape. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and provide insight into the available earning potential for graphic designers in diverse settings, such as agency environments, in-house marketing teams, or freelance workspaces.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.73 | $141.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.54 | $164.30 |
| Median (P50) | $27.45 | $219.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.29 | $282.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.23 | $337.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $27.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.45/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $57,101 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,943. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,098.10 | $4,758 | $57,101 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.86 | $2,855 | $34,261 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.24 | $1,903 | $22,840 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Chattanooga) | $27.45 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $57,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.25% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 5.40% above the Tennessee state average of $54,181.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.45/hr = $34,261/year (purchasing power: $37,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,101/year (purchasing power: $62,430).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Chattanooga grew 33.7% from $19.86/hr (2019) to $26.56/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.37/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Considering the broader economic context, part-time graphic designers in Chattanooga may find that their annual earnings reflect a more modest lifestyle compared to their full-time counterparts. For those opting for per-diem work, rates typically range from $50 to $95 per hour, with experienced professionals in niche areas like motion graphics or brand identity often commanding upwards of $75 to $150 per hour. Similarly, freelance designers may benefit from project-based earnings, which can reach flat fees between $3,000 and $30,000 based on project scope and complexity. Hourly rates also vary by employer type; designers in corporate environments may enjoy steadier pay with comprehensive benefits, while those in agencies or freelance scenarios might take home higher rates but face the trade-off of less job security. Negotiation tactics can vary significantly based on these conditions; designers should consider the added value of health benefits against potentially higher hourly rates without such coverage. In a competitive market like Chattanooga, understanding these dynamics is crucial for graphic designers looking to optimize their income.
More salary data for Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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