Average Graphic Designers Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Graphic Designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $54,080. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $68,540, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Chattanooga metropolitan area. While the national landscape offers higher compensation, local market conditions and industry concentration play a significant role in shaping pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,050.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA market for Graphic Designers appears stable, with a local workforce of 300 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand. With 1.124 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities for skilled designers.
Salary Overview
The average Graphic Designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-21.1%below the national average.
$26
$1,040
$4,507
Graphic Designers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga's Graphic Designer salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and the increasing importance of digital presence for businesses typically drive salary increases in creative fields. Therefore, designers in Chattanooga have likely seen modest but steady growth in their earning potential over recent years.
Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Graphic Designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is closely tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, perhaps around the 25th percentile, while senior designers with extensive portfolios and specialized expertise can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching the 75th percentile or beyond. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and increased earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $32,010 | $15.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $40,560 | $19.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $48,960 | $23.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $67,600 | $32.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $81,050 | $39 |
Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chattanooga, TN-GA is perfectly aligned with the national average. This means the nominal salary of $54,080 for Graphic Designers offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being on par suggests that the take-home pay will maintain a comparable standard of living to many other areas.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.124
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.81x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.81 for Graphic Designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA indicates a market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, it is not a dominant industry hub. The job market is therefore likely to be moderately competitive, with opportunities available but perhaps fewer than in areas with a higher concentration of design firms or agencies.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Graphic Designers Salary | $48,900↓ 10% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Graphic Designers Salary | $59,650↑ 10% | 26 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Graphic Designers Salary | $62,800↑ 16% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Graphic Designerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graphic Designers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $54,080. This typically ranges from $32,010 for entry-level positions to $81,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 21.1% lower than the national median of $68,540.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Graphic Designers in Chattanooga earn $54,080 annually, which is below the national average of $68,540. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Graphic Designers?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($48,900) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's Graphic Designer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Graphic Designers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $54,080, which is approximately 21% lower than the national average of $68,540.
What is the Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN-GA for Graphic Designers?
Chattanooga, TN-GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Graphic Designers are there in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
There are approximately 300 Graphic Designers working in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area, representing 1.124 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Graphic Designers strong in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The job market is moderately present, with a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating a slightly lower concentration of Graphic Designers than the national average. This suggests a stable but not booming demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.124 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA