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Freelance Web Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Overview: The Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration is currently ... freelance, or contract experience desired. * Experience in web design, web content management ...

Collaborate with UX/UI freelancers and developers to ensure design intent is executed accurately in ... Experience in UX/UI design, wireframing, and designing for responsive web environments. * Deep ...

... communications efforts, including designing, graphics and illustrations. Qualifications ... freelance, or contract experience desired. * Experience in web design, web content management ...

Freelance Web Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$21

$31

$38

How much do freelance web designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance web designer in Tennessee is $31.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance web designer?

Freelance web designers are self-employed professionals who design and create websites for clients on a project-by-project basis, rather than working as full-time employees for a single company. They handle various aspects of web design, including layout, graphics, user experience, and sometimes basic programming. Freelance web designers often work remotely, set their own schedules, and may serve multiple clients at the same time. Their responsibilities also typically include communicating with clients, understanding project requirements, and delivering websites that meet those needs.

What does a freelance web designer do?

As a freelance web designer, your duties are similar to those you perform as a web designer working for a company or design firm. You consult with the client to assess their website needs, design several website examples, and, with the consultation of the client, develop the site. Your responsibilities may include both front- and back-end development, including setting up web hosting, streamlining the graphics and user interface, and ensuring that the website appears on web searches. Some freelancers also contract out technical work that they cannot complete on their own.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance web designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Web Designer, you need strong proficiency in visual design, UX/UI principles, and front-end development skills, often supported by a portfolio showcasing your work. Mastery of tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is typically expected. Excellent client communication, time management, and self-motivation are standout soft skills in this freelance role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality work, meeting client expectations, and maintaining a successful independent business.

What are some common challenges freelance web designers face when managing multiple client projects simultaneously?

Freelance web designers often juggle several client projects at once, which can make time management and organization challenging. Balancing differing client expectations, project deadlines, and communication styles requires strong prioritization and clear boundaries. Utilizing project management tools, setting realistic timelines, and maintaining transparent communication with clients are essential strategies for staying on track and ensuring high-quality work. Building routines for regular updates and feedback can also help prevent misunderstandings and keep projects moving smoothly.

What is the difference between Freelance Web Designer vs Web Developer?

AspectFreelance Web DesignerWeb Developer
CredentialsDesign certifications, UI/UX knowledgeProgramming certifications, coding skills
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or client sitesFreelance or employed, remote or office
Industry UsageDesign agencies, freelance platformsTech companies, agencies, freelance platforms
Search & ComparisonDesign skills, portfolio, creativityCoding skills, project experience

Freelance Web Designers focus on visual design, user experience, and layout, while Web Developers handle coding, functionality, and backend processes. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and credentials, making them distinct yet complementary in web project development.

Are freelance web designers in demand?

Freelance web designers are in demand due to the ongoing need for businesses to establish and improve their online presence. The role requires skills in design tools like Adobe XD or Figma and knowledge of HTML, CSS, and responsive design. Demand can vary based on industry trends and economic factors, but overall, freelance web design remains a viable career option.

How much do freelance web designers make?

Freelance web designers typically earn between $25 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and project complexity. Annual income can range from $30,000 to over $100,000 for experienced professionals working with clients or agencies. Rates often vary based on geographic location, specialization, and the designer's portfolio.

What are the most commonly searched types of Web Designer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Web Designer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Freelance Web Designer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Freelance Web Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Web Designer jobs in TN?

For Freelance Web Designer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Web Designer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,802 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Web Designer and Digital Humanities Editor: Department of History - UTK

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description


The Web Designer and Digital Humanities Editor position is fully grant funded for four years, running from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030. The Designer and Editor will collaborate with other PAJ staff to build, sustain, and expand the project's digital humanities initiatives. Key responsibilities include designing, updating, and maintaining the project's website; enhancing the website according to best practices for user experience, optimized search, current web accessibility standards, and responsive design principles; developing information architecture to ensure logical content layout, organization, and presentation; monitoring the security and usability of the website; and generating original online content. Other responsibilities include digitizing microfilm and images of original documents, as well as making, checking, and formatting document transcriptions; assisting other PAJ staff with original historical research; and mentoring undergraduate and graduate assistants.
Responsibilities
  • Designing, updating, and maintaining the project's website
  • Enhancing the website according to best practices for user experience, optimized search, current web accessibility standards, and responsive design principles
  • Developing information architecture to ensure logical content layout, organization, and presentation
  • Monitoring the security and usability of the website
  • Generating original online content
  • Digitizing microfilm and images of original documents
  • Making, checking, and formatting document transcriptions
  • Assisting other PAJ staff with original historical research; and mentoring undergraduate and graduate assistants.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Experience:
    • Demonstrated experience in web design, including coding, website maintenance, image editing.
    • Demonstrated experience in historical research using databases and online search tools.
    • Relevant experience may be gained through coursework, internships, freelance or volunteer work, or professional employment.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Historical: knowledge of basic US history, 1789-1848, ideally with some knowledge of politics and US-Indian relations; ability to read and accurately transcribe 19th century handwriting; ability to find and use archival finding aids
    • Technical: knowledge of and ability to do TEI coding and to use Wordpress and Omeka; ability to code; detailed knowledge of website design; good skills with image editing

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience:
    • Experience working with a team on a digital humanities project is preferred.
    • Experience with archival research is also preferred, including identifying, requesting, reading, filming, and transcribing 19th-century manuscripts
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: detailed knowledge of 19th-centry US history is a plus

WorkLocation
  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits
  • UTmarketrange: MR09
  • Anticipatedhiringrange: $60,000 - $70,000
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

ApplicationInstructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
  • Resume
  • Letter of interest that outlines qualifications for position

To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before September 10, 2026.
About The Department
A long-running and highly regarded project, the Jackson Papers seeks to make widely available the full written record of the seventh U.S. president. Current project staff hold faculty appointments in the UT Department of History and are fully engaged in the intellectual life of the campus and community. Our project office and University library offer rich materials for research, including government records, microfilmed manuscript collections, and major electronic databases.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!