Graphic Designer Salary in Knoxville, TN: $58,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Knoxville, TN earns a median $58,626/year (≈ $28.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Knoxville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.6), that paycheck buys what $63,332 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Knoxville, Tennessee, graphic designer salaries are shaped significantly by the structural choices of working in-house versus at an agency. The projected median annual salary of $58,626 in 2026 illustrates a competitive compensation landscape, although it falls short of the national median, which is $65,075. The salary range for graphic designers in this area extends from $38,398 at the 10th percentile to $88,807 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse spectrum of opportunities and experience levels. This data is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and highlights how those who choose agency roles may experience broader project varieties and higher creative ceilings, albeit with potentially lower base salaries, while in-house positions often offer steadier pay and benefits with a narrower focus.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,398 | $18.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,515 | $22.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,626 | $28.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,678 | $35.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,807 | $42.70 |
Median Salary Position
9.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
In Knoxville, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,409 (2026 est.). At $58,626, the local median is 9.91% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Knoxville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Knoxville Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Knoxville median: $58,626/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Knoxville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,183 | +8.20% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -9.91% less |
Graphic Designers in Knoxville, TN earn a median of $58,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 8.20% above the Tennessee state average of $54,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Knoxville has a cost of living 7.43% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Knoxville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.569 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $58,626 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,332 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.03% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,940
2025 BLS Actual
$56,720
2026 Current Est.
$58,626
2019–2027 Growth
+44.5%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,596 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Knoxville metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 35.2% from $41,940 (2019) to $56,720 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,596 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,656 (44.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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) | $38,398 – $47,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,515 – $58,626 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,626 – $74,678 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,678 – $88,807 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Knoxville
The local job market for graphic designers in Knoxville is relatively robust, with approximately 470 professionals currently employed in this field. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 92.569, which is below the national average, the actual take-home pay allows for a reasonable standard of living in the area. Factors influencing salary differences include the type of employer, with corporate marketing teams in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods typically offering the highest pay compared to advertising agencies or freelance gigs. Specialization in areas such as motion graphics and brand identity design can command a premium, while freelance rates can vary widely based on portfolio strength and market positioning. For designers aiming to maximize their earning potential, focusing on a strong portfolio, seeking roles at top-tier agencies, and investing in specialized skills can significantly impact their graphic designer pay in Knoxville, TN.
More salary data for Knoxville, 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 $56,720 for graphic designersin the Knoxville 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, 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