Graphic Designer Salary in Memphis, TN: $60,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Memphis, TN earns a median $60,982/year (≈ $29.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $66,156 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.6% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Graphic designers in Memphis, Tennessee, can expect a median annual salary of $60,982 in 2026, reflecting a competitive standing in the regional market. The salary range spans from $39,091 at the low end (10th percentile) to $104,383 at the high end (90th percentile), indicating significant earning potential for those with specialized skills. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected forward, are slightly below the national median of $65,075. Notably, professionals specializing in motion graphics and brand identity tend to command a premium, contributing to a robust job market environment in Memphis that prioritizes creative innovation alongside economic growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,091 | $18.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,745 | $23.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,982 | $29.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,419 | $39.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,383 | $50.19 |
Median Salary Position
6.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,292 (2026 est.). At $60,982, the local median is 6.29% below the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Memphis Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Memphis median: $60,982/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $54,158 | +12.60% more |
| National Average | $65,075 | -6.29% less |
Graphic Designers in Memphis, TN earn a median of $60,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.29% lower than the national median of $65,075 and 12.60% above the Tennessee state average of $54,158.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A graphic designer earning $60,982 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,156 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,050
2025 BLS Actual
$59,000
2026 Current Est.
$60,982
2019–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,031 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 25.4% from $47,050 (2019) to $59,000 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,031 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,981 (33.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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) | $39,091 – $48,745 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,745 – $60,982 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,982 – $82,419 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,419 – $104,383 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Memphis
In the local job market, approximately 590 graphic designers are currently employed, shaping a dynamic community of creative professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 92.179, graphic designer pay in Memphis, TN, offers a favorable take-home purchasing power compared to other cities. Opportunities abound in sectors such as corporate marketing teams at banks and retailers, advertising agencies, and digital firms where pay scales can vary significantly. Those who jump to higher salaries often do so by thriving in niche markets or by transitioning to larger, more prestigious agencies. Strategies to maximize graphic designer salary in Memphis include building a strong portfolio that emphasizes in-demand specialties and honing skills in Adobe Creative Suite to fulfill client needs. Taking on freelance projects can also enhance earning potential, especially when targeting wealthy clientele or higher-end projects that reflect one's expertise.
More salary data for Memphis, 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 $59,000 for graphic designersin the Memphis 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