Graphic Designer Salary in Brentwood, TN: $52,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Brentwood, TN earns a median $52,254/year (≈ $25.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Brentwood's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $56,922 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graphic designers in Brentwood, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $52,254 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $65,075, reflecting a discrepancy of nearly 20%. Local salaries range from $35,686 at the 10th percentile to $80,993 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential within the field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional costs, highlight how specialized skills in areas such as motion graphics and brand identity can elevate compensation. Brentwood's job market for graphic designers reveals particular opportunities, making it essential for professionals to stay attuned to industry trends and skill demands in order to enhance their earning potential.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,686 | $17.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,150 | $19.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,254 | $25.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,884 | $32.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,993 | $38.94 |
Median Salary Position
19.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
In Brentwood, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,307 (2026 est.). At $52,254, the local median is 19.7% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brentwood Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Brentwood median: $52,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,149 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -19.70% less |
Graphic Designers in Brentwood, TN earn a median of $52,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.70% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 3.50% below the Tennessee state average of $54,149.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brentwood 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.
Brentwood, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $52,254 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,922 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,843
2025 BLS Actual
$50,555
2026 Current Est.
$52,254
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,843 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,863 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,719 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,046 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,555 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,009 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brentwood metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $41,843 (2019) to $50,555 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,009 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,166 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood 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) | $35,686 – $41,150 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,150 – $52,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,254 – $66,884 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,884 – $80,993 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Brentwood
In Brentwood, only seven graphic designers are employed, illustrating a compact job market influenced by the local economy. The cost of living index stands at 91.8, which is below the national average, suggesting that salaries might stretch further in this area despite lower overall pay. Companies with significant budgets, including in-house marketing teams for banks, consumer packaged goods (CPG) firms, and tech companies, generally offer the highest compensation. The range between lower and higher salaries in Brentwood stems from various factors such as specialization, agency tier, and portfolio quality. For those looking to maximize graphic designer pay in Brentwood, focusing on developing a strong portfolio, pursuing motion graphics or brand identity specialties, and exploring opportunities within leading agencies can significantly impact their career trajectory.
More salary data for Brentwood, 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 $50,555 for graphic designersin the Brentwood 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 Brentwood 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