In Nashville, TN, Graphic Designers earn a median of $49,660 a year — about 23% below the U.S. median of $64,700. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #40.
What that pay is worth in Nashville
Local prices run 96 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $55,730 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $57,848 in national-average buying power.
Can Graphic Designers afford a home in Nashville?
A typical Nashville home runs about $383,100 — 6.9 times the average Graphic Designer salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,486/mo takes roughly 32% of gross pay — above the 30% comfort line.
The Graphic Designer pay ladder in Nashville
Entry-level (10th percentile) Graphic Designers earn about $29,120; the top 10% reach $86,740 — a $57,620 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Graphic Designer job market in Nashville
Nashville employs roughly 1,700 Graphic Designers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Nashville with other cities
See the full Graphic Designer salary by city ranking to weigh Nashville against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Graphic Designers make in Nashville?
The average Graphic Designer in Nashville, TN earns about $55,730 per year, 13.9% below the national average of $64,700.
What is the take-home pay for Graphic Designers in Nashville after taxes?
After federal and TN taxes, this $55,730 salary is worth about $46,959 a year - roughly $3,913 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 16%.
What do the highest-paid Graphic Designers earn in Nashville?
The top 10% of Graphic Designers in Nashville earn about $86,740 a year, versus about $29,120 for the bottom 10%.
Can Graphic Designers afford a home in Nashville?
A typical Nashville home runs about $383,100 - roughly 6.9x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.