Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $24.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in La Vergne, TN runs $24.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,737 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the graphic designer hourly pay in La Vergne, Tennessee, is projected to be $24.87, considerably below the national median of $31.29. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a weekly income of $298.44 before taxes, making it essential to budget wisely to account for varying project demands often encountered in workplaces like agency studios, in-house marketing teams, and freelance setups. The hourly wage scale starts at approximately $16.58 for entry-level positions, offering a pathway to experienced designers earning up to $38.55 per hour. It’s crucial for designers to understand the fluctuations in their pay based on experience, project type, and client relationships, especially in a small but creative market like La Vergne.
About the La Vergne 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) | $16.58 | $132.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.85 | $158.76 |
| Median (P50) | $24.87 | $198.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.83 | $254.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.55 | $308.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $24.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.87/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $51,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,842. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $994.74 | $4,311 | $51,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.84 | $2,586 | $31,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.89 | $1,724 | $20,691 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (La Vergne) | $24.87 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $51,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.50% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $54,175.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.87/hr = $31,036/year (purchasing power: $33,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,726/year (purchasing power: $56,347).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in La Vergne grew 20.8% from $19.91/hr (2019) to $24.06/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.70/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
When evaluating the full potential of part-time work as a graphic designer, an individual working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $38,000 annually, which reflects a significant choice when compared to the stability of full-time roles. For contract or per-diem designers, the rates vary widely, with typical billing in La Vergne ranging from $50 to $95 per hour for standard projects. However, specialized roles can command significantly higher fees; senior brand designers often earn between $75 and $150 per hour, while motion graphics specialists may see figures from $100 to $180 per hour. Employers in La Vergne vary, with in-house positions at tech firms providing steadier salaries and benefits, while agencies might offer higher hourly rates but with less job security. Understanding these trade-offs is vital for graphic designers navigating their careers in both corporate settings and freelance markets.
More salary data for La Vergne, 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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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