Graphic Designer Salary in Cleveland, TN: $59,215 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Cleveland, TN earns a median $59,215/year (≈ $28.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.1), that paycheck buys what $67,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.3% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in Cleveland, Tennessee, can expect a median annual salary of $59,215, reflecting a competitive market for creatives. The salary range for this field spans from $42,584 at the lower end (P10) to $88,528 at the upper threshold (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, illustrates a local job market where specialties in motion graphics and brand identity may command additional premiums. As companies increasingly recognize the value of strong visual branding and engaging digital content, the demand for skilled graphic designers remains robust in Cleveland, positioning the area as an appealing option for aspiring professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,584 | $20.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,130 | $22.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,215 | $28.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,840 | $37.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,528 | $42.56 |
Median Salary Position
9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,944 (2026 est.). At $59,215, the local median is 9% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $59,215/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,177 | +9.30% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -9.00% less |
Graphic Designers in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $59,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.00% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 9.30% above the Tennessee state average of $54,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 11.92% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 88.08 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $59,215 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,229 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,417
2025 BLS Actual
$57,290
2026 Current Est.
$59,215
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,417 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,740 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,215 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,205 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $47,417 (2019) to $57,290 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,205 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,788 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,584 – $46,130 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,130 – $59,215 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,215 – $77,840 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,840 – $88,528 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Cleveland
The local job market for graphic designers in Cleveland comprises around 30 employed professionals, which suggests a relatively stable environment for design roles amidst the community's competitive landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 88.08, which is below the national average, designers in Cleveland can enjoy a favorable purchasing power, allowing their compensation to stretch further than in other cities. Employers that tend to pay the highest salaries in the region include in-house corporate marketing teams like banks and consumer packaged goods companies, as well as specialized advertising and brand agencies. The variation in pay can be attributed to factors such as the specialization in motion graphics, the prestige of the agency, and the strength of one's portfolio. For designers seeking to maximize their earnings, honing skills in high-demand areas and showcasing a strong portfolio can significantly enhance their appeal in this market.
More salary data for Cleveland, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,290 for graphic designersin the Cleveland metropolitan area. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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