Graphic Designer salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Graphic Designers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $59,000 a year ($28.37 an hour), based on BLS data for 590 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,990 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $62,960. Pay here is 3% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $57,270. There are 0.97 graphic designers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.76). The average (mean) salary is $65,970, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for graphic designers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,820 | $18.19 |
| 25th percentile | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| Median | $59,000 | $28.37 |
| 75th percentile | $79,740 | $38.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,990 | $48.56 |
| Average (mean) | $65,970 | $31.72 |
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 | $4,916.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,458.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,269.23 |
| Weekly | $1,134.62 |
| Hourly | $28.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $59,000 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 |
| Cleveland, TN | $57,290 | 30 |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,720 | 470 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $55,250 | 300 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $54,820 | 430 |
| 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 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $47,880 | 90 |
| Morristown, TN | $47,340 | n/a |
| Jackson, MS | $47,310 | 270 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $46,620 | 370 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $46,140 | 40 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $39,790 | 50 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $39,590 | 80 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $39,580 | 30 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $38,580 | 40 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $31,160 | $14.98 |
| Interior Designer | $58,600 | $28.17 |
| Floral Designer | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Art Director | $89,860 | $43.20 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $67,830 | $32.61 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $69,700 | $33.51 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $37,440 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $61,000 | $29.33 |
| Producers and Directors | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $47,170 | $22.68 |
| Writers and Authors | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| Editor | $56,420 | $27.13 |
| Photographer | $38,510 | $18.51 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $62,560 | $30.08 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for graphic designers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $59,000 a year, or $28.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid graphic designers make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of graphic designers in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $100,990 a year. The top 25% earn $79,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for graphic designers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,820 a year, and a quarter of graphic designers earn $47,160 or less.
How many graphic designers work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 590 graphic designers are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.