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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Design Specialist in Tennessee is $80,684 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Design Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Design Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $88,873 | $7,406 | $1,709 | $43 |
| Average | $80,684 | $6,724 | $1,552 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,112 | $6,176 | $1,425 | $36 |
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A Design Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Design Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $56,299 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $65,963 |
| Design Sp... Level Design Specialist | $80,082 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $98,896 |
| Graphic D... Level Design Specialist | $116,262 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Design Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Design Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Design Specialist positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Design Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $104,889 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $96,821 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $92,787 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $90,366 | $43.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $87,139 | $42.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Design Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $88,873 | $7,406 | $1,709 | $43 |
| Average | $80,684 | $6,724 | $1,552 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,112 | $6,176 | $1,425 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Design Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Accurate Paper Box
Knoxville, TN
Accurate Paper Box | Knoxville, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Bonus based on performance. Competitive salary. Dental insurance. Health insurance. Opportunity for adv... more
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LA PLATA, MD
SimVentions, Inc | LA PLATA, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a technology solutions company serving U.S. Department of Defense and federal customers, is seeking a Design Engineer (Electrical). In t... more
10 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
CHAPTICO, MD
SimVentions, Inc | CHAPTICO, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a leading technology solutions company supporting U.S. Department of Defense and federal agencies, is seeking a Design Engineer to focus... more
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SimVentions, Inc
PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc | PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a mission-focused technology solutions company supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs, is seeking a Design Engineer specializing... more
10 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
DENTSVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc | DENTSVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a technology solutions company serving U.S. Department of Defense and federal customers, is seeking a Design Engineer (Electrical). In t... more
10 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
CHARLOTTE HALL, MD
SimVentions, Inc | CHARLOTTE HALL, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a technology solutions company serving U.S. Department of Defense and federal customers, is seeking a Design Engineer (Electrical). In t... more
10 Days Ago
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