Graphic Designer Salary in Johnson City, TN: $50,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Johnson City, TN earns a median $50,326/year (≈ $24.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Johnson City's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $57,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Johnson City, TN, graphic designer salaries reflect the dynamics of the local job market, with a projected median annual income of $50,326 in 2026. This figure places designers in the region at approximately 22.66% below the national median salary of $65,075. Local salaries range from $40,465 at the 10th percentile to $95,970 at the 90th percentile, indicative of the varied opportunities available based on skills and experience. These insights derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illuminating the competitive landscape here. Many graphic designers in Johnson City choose between in-house corporate roles, often providing steadier pay and benefits, versus agency positions, which may offer more project diversity and a higher potential for creativity, albeit with fluctuating base salaries.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,465 | $19.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,564 | $22.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,326 | $24.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,230 | $31.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,970 | $46.14 |
Median Salary Position
22.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnson City
In Johnson City, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,505 (2026 est.). At $50,326, the local median is 22.66% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnson City: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Johnson City Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Johnson City median: $50,326/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,172 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -22.66% less |
Graphic Designers in Johnson City, TN earn a median of $50,326 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.66% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 7.10% below the Tennessee state average of $54,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnson City has a cost of living 12.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnson City, TN has a cost-of-living index of 87.928 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $50,326 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,235 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,050
2025 BLS Actual
$48,690
2026 Current Est.
$50,326
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Johnson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,017 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnson City metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 18.6% from $41,050 (2019) to $48,690 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,967 (26.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnson City 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) | $40,465 – $46,564 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,564 – $50,326 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,326 – $65,230 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,230 – $95,970 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Johnson City
The job market in Johnson City supports about 50 graphic designers, a testament to the growing demand within the region. With a cost-of-living index of 87.928, living in this area enhances the purchasing power of graphic designer pay in Johnson City TN. In-house marketing teams in larger sectors such as finance and consumer packaged goods typically offer competitive salaries, while agencies focused on brand and digital services can provide premium pay for unique specialties like motion graphics and brand identity design. The disparity in salaries stems from various factors, including the specific demands of project types, the prominence of the agency, and the designer’s portfolio depth. To maximize income potential, designers should consider honing specialized skills, pursuing high-profile agency roles, and strategically leveraging freelance opportunities to command higher fees.
More salary data for Johnson City, 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 $48,690 for graphic designersin the Johnson City 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