Graphic Designer Salary in La Vergne, TN: $51,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in La Vergne, TN earns a median $51,737/year (≈ $24.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in La Vergne's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $56,358 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, graphic designers in La Vergne, TN, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $51,737, which falls significantly below the national average of $65,075. Salaries in the area range from $34,493 at the 10th percentile to $80,192 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market where experience and specialization can greatly influence pay. These figures are based on local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflecting both the demand for designers and the economic conditions of La Vergne. The local job market offers unique opportunities, particularly for designers who can navigate different sectors and demonstrate versatility in their skills.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,493 | $16.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,272 | $19.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,737 | $24.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,223 | $31.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,192 | $38.55 |
Median Salary Position
20.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Vergne
In La Vergne, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,699 (2026 est.). At $51,737, the local median is 20.5% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Vergne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Vergne Graphic Designer Pay Compares
La Vergne median: $51,737/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Vergne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,175 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -20.50% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Vergne has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Vergne, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $51,737 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,358 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,429
2025 BLS Actual
$50,055
2026 Current Est.
$51,737
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,316 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,104 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,055 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Vergne metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $41,429 (2019) to $50,055 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,046 (29.08%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,493 – $41,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,272 – $51,737 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,737 – $66,223 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,223 – $80,192 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in La Vergne
Delving into specifics, La Vergne hosts around eight graphic designers, providing a tight-knit community while still allowing for some competitive growth opportunities, projected at an annual rate of 3.36%. The area's cost-of-living index of 91.8 suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average, which can enhance take-home pay for designers. In-house corporate teams from banks and consumer packaged goods companies tend to offer some of the most attractive salaries, though advertising agencies can provide higher creative potential. The pay variability often stems from specialization, with those skilled in motion graphics or brand identity generally commanding higher rates. Freelancers have the chance to earn well, especially if they can secure premium projects rather than competing on lower platforms. For La Vergne graphic designers, focusing on portfolio development and targeting established firms could be key strategies to maximize earnings in the local market.
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
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 $50,055 for graphic designersin the La Vergne 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
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