Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Jackson, TN: $23.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Jackson, TN runs $23.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,654 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.5, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,797 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, TN, the average graphic designer earns a median hourly pay of $23.88, significantly lower than the national median of $31.29. This pay structure can influence the choices of part-time graphic designers, who may work around three days a week, potentially moderating their income to approximately $29,812 annually based on a 24-hour work week. The hourly pay also presents variations for per-diem workers in typical environments such as agency studios, in-house marketing departments, and remote positions utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. Hourly pay for graphic designers in Jackson ranges from $16.22 for entry-level positions to $37.93 for more experienced professionals, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry in a city with a cost of living index of 85.522, below the national average.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.22 | $129.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.86 | $174.89 |
| Median (P50) | $23.88 | $191.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.39 | $235.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.93 | $303.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $23.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.88/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, TN can expect to earn approximately $49,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,651. With a cost-of-living index of 85.52 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $955.05 | $4,139 | $49,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.03 | $2,483 | $29,797 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.02 | $1,655 | $19,865 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Jackson) | $23.88 |
| 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 Jackson, TN earn a median of $49,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.30% below the Tennessee state average of $54,148.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.88/hr = $29,797/year (purchasing power: $34,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,662/year (purchasing power: $58,070).
CoL index: 85.522 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Jackson grew 19.4% from $19.34/hr (2019) to $23.10/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.68/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Examining part-time earnings shows a striking contrast when considering full-time roles, as those working three days a week would earn around $29,812, compared to what full-time designers could achieve. Freelancers in Jackson, however, have the potential to command higher rates; per-diem graphic designers commonly bill between $50 and $95 per hour, while those specializing in brand design can charge $75 to $150 per hour. High-end roles like motion graphics specialists may see earnings skyrocket to between $100 and $180 per hour, with flat fees for comprehensive brand identity projects often ranging from $3,000 to $30,000, depending on project complexity. Employers in Jackson vary widely—from corporate marketing teams in banks and consumer goods to digital agencies and print shops—resulting in fluctuating pay scales. Designers must navigate the benefits trade-off, weighing job stability and health insurance against potentially higher pay in freelance roles without benefits. For those pursuing hourly graphic designer pay in Jackson, practical negotiation tactics include emphasizing your unique skill set and ensuring your portfolio reflects your versatility across design specialties.
More salary data for Jackson, 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 Jackson. 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