Career Guide: Graphic Designers in Murfreesboro, TN

As a career analyst who’s watched Murfreesboro’s creative scene grow from a quiet college town to a bustling hub, I’ve seen this city become a surprisingly solid bet for graphic designers. It’s not Nashville or Atlanta, and that’s exactly the point—you get a lower cost of living, a tighter-knit professional community, and a lifestyle that’s easier to manage. This guide is built on hard data and local insights, cutting through the brochure talk to tell you what your life and career would actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Murfreesboro Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. In Murfreesboro, the median salary for a graphic designer is $60,861/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.26/hour. This sits just slightly below the national average of $61,340/year, but the gap is minimal. When you factor in the city’s cost of living—and we’ll get to that—it’s a competitive offer.

The job market here is modest but stable. There are approximately 330 graphic designer jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 3%, which is slower than the national average but reflects a market that’s more about replacing retiring workers than explosive expansion. This isn’t a city for chasing wild startup booms; it’s for steady, sustainable work.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Murfreesboro)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts in print shops, small agencies, or in-house roles at local businesses or MTU.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	This is where the median sits. You’ll lead projects, manage clients, and have a strong portfolio.
Senior/Lead (8-12 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Typically requires team leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in UI/UX or motion graphics.
Expert/Art Director (12+ years)	$85,000 - $100,000+	Often at larger regional firms or in-house at major healthcare or manufacturing companies.

How does this stack up against other Tennessee cities? It’s a mixed bag. Nashville, the state’s creative capital, pays significantly more (median around $68,000), but the cost of living there is far steeper, and competition is fierce. Memphis and Knoxville offer similar salary ranges to Murfreesboro but have different industry focuses. For a designer seeking a balance between decent pay and manageable living costs, Murfreesboro is a strategic middle ground.

Insider Tip: The $60,861 median is your benchmark. If you have a specialized skill like UI/UX design, data visualization, or motion graphics, you can push toward the higher end of that mid-level bracket immediately. Don’t be afraid to negotiate—local employers know the national averages and understand that quality talent is worth it.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after essentials. Let’s run a realistic monthly budget for a graphic designer earning the median $60,861. We’ll assume a single filer using 2023 federal tax brackets and standard deductions, plus Tennessee’s 6% sales tax (no state income tax is a major win).

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,072
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA): ~$1,000 (this is a rough estimate; consult a CPA for precision)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$4,072

Now, for living expenses in Murfreesboro:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,442/month. This is for a decent apartment in a safe area, not necessarily downtown luxury.
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200 - $250
• Groceries: $350 - $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 - $700 (This is a must; Murfreesboro is spread out and public transit is limited.)
• Healthcare (if not employer-provided): $200 - $300
• Miscellaneous (Dining, entertainment, savings): $600 - $800

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: $3,292 - $4,050

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible. After taxes and rent, a net buffer of $22 - $780 remains for savings, debt, or discretionary spending. The median home price in Murfreesboro is around $375,000. With a 10% down payment ($37,500), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $2,100/month (before taxes and insurance). This is a stretch on a single $60,861 salary. It’s more feasible for dual-income households or by purchasing a smaller/older home in a less central neighborhood. Renting for the first 1-2 years is the smart play to build savings and get a feel for the city.

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index is 97.4 (US avg = 100). Your $60,861 will get you slightly more here than the national average. However, rent has risen sharply in the last five years. Locking in a longer lease or finding a roommate can drastically improve your financial flexibility.

Where the Jobs Are: Murfreesboro's Major Employers

Murfreesboro’s job market for designers isn’t dominated by flashy tech startups. It’s a mix of in-house corporate, healthcare, education, and a few solid agency players. Here are the key employers you should be targeting:

1. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU): A huge employer. They have a robust in-house marketing and communications department that hires graphic designers for everything from campus events to athletics. They also have a renowned Media and Entertainment program, which can be a pipeline for freelance and contract work.
2. Rutherford County Government: The county has a large public information office that needs designers for public health campaigns, tourism materials, and government documents. Stable, good benefits, and a 35-hour work week.
3. Regional Health Systems (TriStar Healthstone, Ascension Saint Thomas): With multiple hospitals and clinics in the area, healthcare marketing is a major niche. Designers work on patient education materials, internal branding, and community outreach. These roles often require a clean, professional style.
4. Nissan North America: While their global HQ is in Nashville, the massive Smyrna manufacturing plant (a 25-minute drive) and its surrounding supply chain companies employ many local designers for technical manuals, internal communications, and trade show displays. It’s a more industrial/technical design niche.
5. Local & Regional Agencies: Firms like The Buntin Group (a large regional agency with a Nashville presence that likely services Murfreesboro clients) and smaller boutiques like Pfeiffer or RapidFire are key. They handle branding, advertising, and web work for local businesses.
6. Downtown Murfreesboro Small Businesses: From breweries like Mayday Brewery to boutiques and restaurants, the downtown revival has created a steady stream of freelance and contract work. Building relationships here is key for a portfolio.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Employers want a designer who can also manage social media, do basic web updates, or help with video editing. The most in-demand skills are branding/identity, UI/UX for web, and print production. Networking is crucial; the local AIGA chapter is small but active, and joining the Murfreesboro Young Professionals group is a smart move.

Getting Licensed in Tennessee

For graphic designers, there is no state-specific license or certification required to practice. Tennessee does not mandate a professional license for graphic design, unlike fields such as architecture or engineering.

However, you will need to:

• Form a Business Entity (if freelancing): If you plan to operate as a sole proprietorship or LLC, you must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State. The filing fee for an LLC is $50. This is highly recommended for liability protection.
• Obtain a Business License: If your freelance income exceeds a certain threshold (varies by city/county), you may need a local business license. For the City of Murfreesboro, this is called a Business Tax Certificate. Fees are based on your expected gross revenue and start around $25.
• Sales Tax Permit: If you sell tangible goods (like printed materials), you need a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, which is free.

Timeline to Get Started: You can get a sole proprietorship up and running in 1-2 weeks. Registering an LLC takes about 5-10 business days if filed online. There is no ongoing "continuing education" requirement, but staying current with software (Adobe Suite, Figma, etc.) and design trends is essential.

Insider Tip: Even though you don’t need a license, having a professional certification like the Adobe Certified Professional or a Google UX Design Certificate can give you a competitive edge, especially when applying to corporate or agency roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Graphic Designers

Where you live in Murfreesboro affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of popular areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown	Walkable, historic, vibrant nightlife. Easy commute to most offices.	$1,600 - $1,900	Social butterflies who want to be in the heart of it all.
North Murfreesboro	Established, quiet, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to downtown.	$1,300 - $1,550	Those seeking a quieter residential feel with good schools.
The Avenue	Modern, shopping-centric, younger crowd. 15-20 min commute.	$1,500 - $1,700	Professionals who want amenities (gyms, cafes, shopping) nearby.
Southeast Murfreesboro	More affordable, growing area. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$1,150 - $1,400	Budget-conscious designers willing to commute for more space.
Blackman	Suburban, quiet, near the interstate. 15-20 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,500	Those who prioritize a peaceful home environment.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Broad Street and Thompson Lane during rush hour is no joke. If you get a job in an office park, try to live on the same side of the I-24 loop to avoid crossing it twice a day—that can save you 15-20 minutes each way.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Murfreesboro isn’t a city of massive leaps; it’s one of steady climbs and smart pivots. The 10-year job growth of 3% means competition for the best roles will be constant but not cutthroat.

Specialty Premiums: You can boost your salary by specializing. A generalist may cap at $65,000, but a designer with UI/UX skills can command $75,000+. Motion graphics experience is rare and valuable, especially for healthcare and corporate clients. Print production expertise is also a stable, if less glamorous, niche.

Advancement Paths:

1. In-House: Junior Designer → Designer → Senior Designer → Art Director (if at a large company) or Creative Director (if at a smaller one).
2. Agency: Designer → Senior Designer → Account Manager or Creative Director. Agency growth is faster but can be more volatile.
3. Freelance/Entrepreneur: Build a local client base, then scale by hiring other designers or partnering with web developers. Many successful local freelancers eventually open small studios.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for digital design will only grow. However, Murfreesboro’s market will likely remain focused on serving its core industries: healthcare, education, manufacturing, and local tourism. The key to long-term growth here is reputation and networking. Your portfolio and client relationships will be your most valuable assets.

The Verdict: Is Murfreesboro Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living relative to salary (97.4 index).	Limited High-Paying Opportunities compared to major metros.
No State Income Tax on your $60,861 salary.	Slower Job Growth (3%) means fewer new openings.
Strong Community and networking potential.	Car-Dependent city; limited public transit.
Safe, Family-Friendly Environment with good amenities.	Creative Scene is Growing but not yet robust; less inspiration.
Proximity to Nashville for big-city access (35 min drive).	Rent is Rising, narrowing the affordability advantage.

Final Recommendation: Murfreesboro is an excellent choice for graphic designers in the mid-career stage who value stability, a manageable lifestyle, and a lower cost of living. It’s ideal if you’re looking to buy a home in the foreseeable future, start a family, or run a freelance business with a local client base. It’s not the best fit for early-career designers seeking a fast-paced, high-learning environment or those chasing the highest possible salary at all costs.

If you’re a practical designer who wants to build a solid career without the intense pressure of a major creative hub, Murfreesboro offers a compelling, balanced path.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Murfreesboro to work there?
A: Not necessarily. Many designers commute from nearby towns like Smyrna, La Vergne, or even parts of Nashville. The commute on I-24 can be heavy, but it’s manageable. Living closer is preferable for networking and community integration.

Q: How easy is it to find freelance work locally?
A: It’s very feasible, but it takes time. Local businesses (downtown shops, restaurants, startups) often need design help. Start by offering pro-bono work to build a portfolio, attend Chamber of Commerce events, and list your services on local Facebook groups. The key is face-to-face networking.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for designers moving to Murfreesboro?
A: The biggest shift is often the pace and scale of the work. You’ll move from possibly working on national campaigns to more local or regional projects. The smaller market means you’ll wear more hats. It requires adaptability and a proactive approach to finding work.

Q: Is the creative community here supportive?
A: Yes, but it’s small. The local AIGA chapter is active, and the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts hosts events. You’ll need to be intentional about connecting. The upside is that it’s easier to become a known figure in the community here than in a larger city.

Q: How does the $60,861 median salary compare to the national average for my experience level?
A: For a mid-level designer, the Murfreesboro median of $60,861 is very close to the national average of $61,340. The real value is the lower cost of living. Your $60,861 will go further in Murfreesboro than in most cities where the national average is paid, giving you a better quality of life for the same income.