Creative & Education Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Graphic Designer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median graphic designer salary in Memphis, TN is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$49,871
vs State Avg
$-1,740
vs National
$-8,119
Cost of Living
86%

Graphic Designer Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median graphic designer salary of $49,871, which is $1,740 below the Tennessee state average of $51,611. Compared to the national median of $57,990, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $49,871 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Memphis spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $84,452 at the 90th percentile — a $53,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Graphic Designer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $39,044
Median (50th) $49,871
75th Percentile $64,156
90th Percentile $84,452

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$57,990
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$53,351
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$51,031
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$51,031
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Memphis

Education

Most graphic designer positions require a bachelor's degree. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Memphis

Browse open graphic designer positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $84,452 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,871, a graphic designer in Memphis earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Memphis's median graphic designer salary of $49,871 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $51,611. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a graphic designer salary of $49,871 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Memphis? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Memphis require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.