Graphic Designer Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$55,625 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Graphic Designer Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$34,043
Median
$55,625
Senior Level
$81,880

Graphic Designer salaries in Knoxville are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignBrand IdentityVisual Communication

Graphic Designer Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Graphic Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Knoxville offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Graphic Designer roles across various sectors. The market for Graphic Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Graphic Designers in Knoxville

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Graphic Designers in Knoxville include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Graphic Designers in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Graphic Designer means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Graphic Designer salary, rent would consume about 39% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Graphic Designer in Knoxville

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Graphic Designers in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Graphic Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Graphic Designer earning $55,625 would save approximately $2,781 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Graphic Designers

The job outlook for Graphic Designers in Knoxville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Knoxville offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Brand Identity.

Relocating to Knoxville

Knoxville's affordable cost of living means your Graphic Designer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Graphic Designer salary in Knoxville, TN?

The average Graphic Designer salary in Knoxville, TN is $55,625 per year. Entry-level Graphic Designers typically start around $34,043, while experienced professionals can earn $81,880 or more. The national average for Graphic Designer roles is $62,500.

How many Graphic Designer jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Graphic Designer professionals. Major employers hiring Graphic Designers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Knoxville a good city for Graphic Designers?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Graphic Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Graphic Designers in Knoxville?

Top skills for Graphic Designers in Knoxville include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Brand Identity, Visual Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Graphic Designers in Knoxville?

Knoxville's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Graphic Designers in Knoxville?

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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