Graphic Designer salary in Cleveland, TN
Graphic Designers in the Cleveland, TN metro area earn a median of $57,290 a year ($27.54 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,650 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is about the same as the Tennessee statewide median of $57,270. There are 0.72 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $60,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Cleveland, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,200 | $19.81 |
| 25th percentile | $44,630 | $21.46 |
| Median | $57,290 | $27.54 |
| 75th percentile | $75,310 | $36.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,650 | $41.18 |
| Average (mean) | $60,990 | $29.32 |
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 | $4,774.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,387.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,203.46 |
| Weekly | $1,101.73 |
| Hourly | $27.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $57,290 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $60,370 | 1,590 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $59,000 | 590 |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,720 | 470 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $55,250 | 300 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $49,570 | 100 |
| Johnson City, TN | $48,690 | 50 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $48,520 | n/a |
| Jackson, TN | $48,040 | 40 |
| Morristown, TN | $47,340 | n/a |
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 Cleveland, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $32,810 | $15.78 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $44,090 | — |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, TN
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 Cleveland, TN?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Cleveland, TN metro area is $57,290 a year, or $27.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,650 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Cleveland, TN?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Cleveland, TN metro area earn at least $85,650 a year. The top 25% earn $75,310 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Cleveland, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,200 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $44,630 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Cleveland, TN?
About 30 graphic designers are employed in the Cleveland, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.