How to Become a Graphic Designer in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee employs about 3,880 graphic designers earning a median $57,270 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Graphic Designer here means completing a short course or certificate plus a portfolio; most states do not license this role.
Compare Graphic Designer Schools in Tennessee
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald | 50.1 | Contact school for pricing | $43,241 | 65% | — | 21 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Tennessee employs approximately 3,880 graphic designers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $57,270 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Graphic Designer in Tennessee, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: short course, certificate, or self-directed portfolio work (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a short course or certificate plus a portfolio; most states do not license this role
- Median wage (Tennessee): $57,270 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Graphic Designer in Tennessee
How to become a Graphic Designer in Tennessee? Complete a short course or certificate plus a portfolio; most states do not license this role. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a short course or certificate plus a portfolio; most states do not license this role. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.
Do I need a license in Tennessee? Licensing varies. See the licensing section below for the Tennessee path.
What do graphic designers earn in Tennessee? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Tennessee is $57,270 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $37,910 and experienced professionals can earn $92,540 or more 1.
How to Become a Graphic Designer in Tennessee
- Build skills and a portfolio. Complete a short course or certificate if you want structured training, then assemble a portfolio. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Optional industry credentials. Tool or association credentials can help hiring. They are not a state occupational license.
- Most states do not license this role. Do not apply to a licensing board. Confirm employer expectations, not a state credential that does not exist.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Graphic Designer License Requirements in Tennessee
Most states do not license this role. The path is a portfolio and a short course or certificate, not a licensing board.
Typical path
Build skills through a short course, certificate, or OJT.
Assemble a portfolio.
Do not apply to a licensing board for this role.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Graphic Designer Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Graphic Designers Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), graphic designers wages in Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 1,590 | $60,370 | $65,950 | $43,200 | $95,880 |
| Memphis | 590 | $59,000 | $65,970 | $37,820 | $100,990 |
| Knoxville | 470 | $56,720 | $60,810 | $37,150 | $85,920 |
| Chattanooga | 300 | $55,250 | $57,630 | $35,670 | $84,980 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 100 | $49,570 | $53,220 | $34,450 | $74,230 |
| Johnson City | 50 | $48,690 | $58,040 | $39,150 | $92,850 |
| Jackson | 40 | $48,040 | $51,410 | $32,620 | $76,340 |
| Cleveland | 30 | $57,290 | $60,990 | $41,200 | $85,650 |
| Clarksville | N/A | $48,520 | $53,110 | $30,160 | $83,270 |
| Morristown | N/A | $47,340 | $49,810 | $35,310 | $66,940 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for graphic designers in Tennessee? Tennessee currently employs approximately 3,880 graphic designers 1. Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 2.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Tennessee.
How much do graphic designers earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for graphic designers in Tennessee is $57,270, which is $4,030 below the national median of $61,300 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Tennessee
Top local programs
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Arlington, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Athens, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Atoka, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Bartlett, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Brentwood, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Bristol, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Clarksville, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Cleveland, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Clinton, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Collegedale, Tennessee (2026)
- Best Graphic Design Schools in Collierville, Tennessee (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Tennessee (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Tennessee
- Best HVAC Schools in Tennessee (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Tennessee
- Best Plumbing Schools in Tennessee (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Tennessee
Explore More Trades in Tennessee
- Electrician in Tennessee
- Plumber in Tennessee
- HVAC Technician in Tennessee
- Welder in Tennessee
- Carpenter in Tennessee
- Solar Installation Technician in Tennessee
- Auto Mechanic in Tennessee
- CNC Machinist in Tennessee
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Tennessee
- Medical Assistant in Tennessee
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |