Graphic Designer salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Graphic Designers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn a median of $55,250 a year ($26.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 300 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,980 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 4% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $57,270. There are 1.1 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $57,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| 25th percentile | $41,330 | $19.87 |
| Median | $55,250 | $26.56 |
| 75th percentile | $71,010 | $34.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,980 | $40.86 |
| Average (mean) | $57,630 | $27.71 |
Half of graphic designers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,604.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,302.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,125 |
| Weekly | $1,062.50 |
| Hourly | $26.56 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $55,250 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Graphic Designer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $62,680 | 4,060 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $60,370 | 1,590 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $59,000 | 590 |
| Cleveland, TN | $57,290 | 30 |
| Savannah, GA | $56,760 | 160 |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,720 | 470 |
| Gainesville, GA | $55,610 | 70 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $53,920 | 40 |
| Dalton, GA | $53,630 | 120 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $52,880 | 190 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $50,960 | 70 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $49,570 | 100 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $48,750 | 110 |
| Johnson City, TN | $48,690 | 50 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $48,520 | n/a |
| Jackson, TN | $48,040 | 40 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $47,750 | 80 |
| Morristown, TN | $47,340 | n/a |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $44,540 | 30 |
| Valdosta, GA | $42,900 | 40 |
| Albany, GA | $38,870 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for graphic designers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $87,920 |
| Rhode Island | $78,220 |
| New York | $77,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,710 |
| California | $75,130 |
| Maryland | $75,120 |
| New Jersey | $73,790 |
| Washington | $72,710 |
| Connecticut | $72,700 |
| Virginia | $72,310 |
See Graphic Designer pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Interior Designer | $62,790 | $30.19 |
| Floral Designer | $36,450 | $17.53 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $66,500 | $31.97 |
| Art Director | $76,110 | $36.59 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $36,490 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $66,370 | $31.91 |
| Producers and Directors | $61,660 | $29.65 |
| Writers and Authors | $61,400 | $29.52 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,970 | $25.47 |
| Editor | $54,000 | $25.96 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $44,060 | $21.18 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $35,720 | $17.17 |
| Photographer | $33,600 | $16.15 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1024. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a graphic designer make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area is $55,250 a year, or $26.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area earn at least $84,980 a year. The top 25% earn $71,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,670 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $41,330 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
About 300 graphic designers are employed in the Chattanooga, TN-GA metro area, not counting the self-employed.