Graphic Designer Salary in Lebanon, TN: $53,153 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Lebanon, TN earns a median $53,153/year (≈ $25.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Lebanon's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $57,901 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, TN, the projected median annual compensation for graphic designers in 2026 stands at $53,153, which reflects a notable 18.32% decline compared to the national median of $65,075. This salary range spans from $33,417 to $82,387 and highlights the potential for variance based on experience and specific skill sets. Given the estimates sourced from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parity, these figures depict a local marketplace where freelance work and project rates can further influence earnings. The working environment here also suggests that designers may explore opportunities between in-house positions, which typically offer steadier salaries and benefits, and more demanding agency roles beyond the more commoditized freelance landscape.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,417 | $16.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,910 | $19.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,153 | $25.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,841 | $32.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,387 | $39.61 |
Median Salary Position
18.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lebanon
In Lebanon, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,970 (2026 est.). At $53,153, the local median is 18.32% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lebanon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lebanon Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Lebanon median: $53,153/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lebanon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,182 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | -18.32% less |
Graphic Designers in Lebanon, TN earn a median of $53,153 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.32% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $54,182.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lebanon 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.
Lebanon, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $53,153 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,901 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,563
2025 BLS Actual
$51,425
2026 Current Est.
$53,153
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,563 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,425 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,153 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,939 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lebanon metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $42,563 (2019) to $51,425 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,939 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,376 (29.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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) | $33,417 – $40,910 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,910 – $53,153 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,153 – $67,841 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,841 – $82,387 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Lebanon
In analyzing the job market, Lebanon employs ten graphic designers, indicating a concentrated yet competitive arena. The cost-of-living index in Lebon, at 91.8, suggests that local salaries, while lower than the national average, still provide reasonable purchasing power. Employers in sectors such as corporate marketing for banks and retail chains likely offer the highest salaries, an attractive proposition for designers despite the broader agency compensation challenges. Alternatively, higher earnings are often reserved for specialists in areas like motion graphics or brand identity. Those looking to maximize their graphic designer pay in Lebanon, TN, should focus on developing strong portfolios that showcase their abilities to attract in-house roles or premium freelance opportunities, rather than relying solely on lower-tier platforms.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in Lebanon, TN in 2026?
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Can graphic designers make $100K in Lebanon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted graphic designer salary in Lebanon?
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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 $51,425 for graphic designersin the Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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