Graphic Designer Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $29.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a graphic designer working in Memphis, TN runs $29.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,595 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, TN, graphic designers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $29.32, which is slightly below the national median of $31.29. This hourly rate is applicable in various settings such as agency offices, corporate marketing departments, and remote work environments where tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Figma are frequently utilized. Entry-level positions start at approximately $18.80, while top earners can make up to $50.19 per hour. For part-time graphic designers working around three days a week, this pay structure offers flexibility, allowing them to supplement income while engaging in diverse projects tailored to their skill levels. The data referenced here comes from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing an official benchmark for job seekers and current professionals alike.
Graphic Designer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.80 | $150.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.43 | $187.45 |
| Median (P50) | $29.32 | $234.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.63 | $317.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.19 | $401.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $29.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.32/hr, a graphic designer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $60,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,188. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,172.93 | $5,083 | $60,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.76 | $3,050 | $36,595 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.17 | $2,033 | $24,397 |
Compare Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Graphic Designer (Memphis) | $29.32 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $60,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.29% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 12.60% above the Tennessee state average of $54,158.
Graphic Designer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.32/hr = $36,595/year (purchasing power: $39,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,992/year (purchasing power: $66,167).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for graphic designers in Memphis grew 25.4% from $22.62/hr (2019) to $28.37/hr (2025). At a 3.36% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.31/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Considering a part-time role at 24 hours a week, a graphic designer in Memphis would take home around $36,045 annually, significantly less than the potential full-time salary but still a viable option for many in the field. Per diem graphic designer pay in Memphis can be quite lucrative, with professionals often billing between $50 to $95 an hour, and experts in high-demand roles, such as motion graphics specialists, commanding $100 to $180 per hour. Different employer types create varied earning potentials; in-house corporate design positions often provide steadier incomes and benefits, whereas agencies might offer a wider range of creative challenges but generally at lower starting rates. Freelancers in the area can negotiate higher fees depending on their expertise, especially in niche markets like brand identity, where project fees start from $3,000 and can reach upwards of $30,000 based on project complexity. Graphic designers should weigh the benefits of secure salaries against the freedom and potential higher pay of contract work, carefully considering their personal and financial priorities when negotiating their hourly rates.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for graphic designers in Memphis in 2026?
How much do part-time graphic designers make in Memphis?
Are graphic designers in Memphis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time graphic designer make per year in Memphis?
Do graphic designers earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Memphis. 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