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Lettering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cake Decorator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Icing, Gel, Drawings, Decorating kits, Air brushing, Edible Images, Lettering, Floral Designs, Etc. Some type of baking experience necessary. Full-time hours available with additional crew ...

Cake Decorator

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Icing, Gel, Drawings, Decorating kits, Air brushing, Edible Images, Lettering, Floral Designs, Etc. Some type of baking experience necessary. Full-time hours available with additional crew ...

You'll use a variety of tools to assemble, erect and hang items, both inside and out and using vinyl lettering and decals. Fear of heights is not in your vocabulary! In fact, most of your days will ...

You'll use a variety of tools to assemble, erect and hang items, both inside and out and using vinyl lettering and decals. Fear of heights is not in your vocabulary! In fact, most of your days will ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Maintain par stock levels of standard paint, brushes, wallpapers, stains, sign lettering and other supplies. Communicate requisition needs to Chief Engineer/Supervisor. * Maintain complete knowledge ...

Painter

Memphis, TN

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Maintain par stock levels of standard paint, brushes, wallpapers, stains, sign lettering and other supplies. Communicate requisition needs to Chief Engineer/Supervisor. * Maintain complete knowledge ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Maintain par stock levels of standard paint, brushes, wallpapers, stains, sign lettering and other supplies. Communicate requisition needs to Chief Engineer/Supervisor. * Maintain complete knowledge ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Maintain par stock levels of standard paint, brushes, wallpapers, stains, sign lettering and other supplies. Communicate requisition needs to Chief Engineer/Supervisor. * Maintain complete knowledge ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Maintain par stock levels of standard paint, brushes, wallpapers, stains, sign lettering and other supplies. Communicate requisition needs to Chief Engineer/Supervisor. * Maintain complete knowledge ...

Journeyman - Paint

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Cut stencils, and brushes and sprays lettering and decorations on surfaces * Sands surfaces between coats and polishes final coat to specified finish * Bakes finish on painted and enameled articles ...

Lettering information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$16

$25

How much do lettering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for lettering in Tennessee is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.62 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lettering artist?

Lettering artists are professionals who specialize in drawing and designing letters by hand, often creating custom typography for various applications such as logos, posters, book covers, and advertisements. Unlike standard fonts, their work involves crafting unique letterforms that convey a specific mood, style, or brand identity. Lettering artists use a variety of tools, including pens, brushes, and digital software, to create their designs. Their skills are valued in graphic design, branding, and illustration industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lettering artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lettering Artist, you need strong drawing skills, a good understanding of typography, and a portfolio showcasing your work, often supported by formal design education. Mastery of graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, and Photoshop is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling and effective lettering that meets client or project requirements.

What does a typical day look like for a professional lettering artist working in a creative agency?

As a lettering artist in a creative agency, your day usually involves collaborating closely with graphic designers, art directors, and clients to develop custom typographic designs for various projects such as branding, packaging, or advertising. You'll spend time sketching concepts, digitizing artwork, and refining details to align with the client’s vision and project goals. Regular feedback sessions and team meetings are common, ensuring your lettering integrates seamlessly with other design elements. Managing multiple deadlines and adapting to different project styles are frequent challenges, but the role offers creative variety and the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio.

What is the difference between Lettering vs Sign Painter?

AspectLetteringSign Painter
CredentialsDesign skills, typography knowledgePainting skills, traditional craftsmanship
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, freelanceSign shops, outdoor signage
Industry UsageGraphic design, brandingCommercial signage, advertising
Common Search IntentDesign-focused, digital or hand-drawnPhysical sign creation, painting

Lettering involves creating stylized text through design and illustration, often digitally or by hand, focusing on aesthetics and typography. Sign painters traditionally hand-paint signs on physical surfaces, emphasizing craftsmanship and physical application. While both roles involve text creation, lettering is more design-oriented, whereas sign painting emphasizes physical sign fabrication.

Infographic showing various Lettering job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,325 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Industry Experienced - Designer / Sign Maker

Tennessee Sign And Graphics Solutio

Murfreesboro, TN • On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Competitive salary
  • Profit sharing

Industry Experienced - Designer / Sign Maker
Tennessee Sign Company
Location: Tennessee
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Design & Production
Reports To: Production Manager / General Manager
About Tennessee Sign Company

Tennessee Sign Company is a growing regional sign company providing custom signage, graphics, and visual branding solutions to businesses throughout Tennessee.
We design, manufacture, and install a wide variety of products including illuminated channel letters, cabinets, monument signs, dimensional lettering, post-and-panel signs, wall graphics, vehicle graphics, digital prints, and custom signage.
We are looking for an experienced Designer / Sign Maker who can combine creative design skills with hands-on sign production and fabrication abilities.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys both designing signs and building them and takes pride in producing a high-quality finished product.
Position Summary

The Designer / Sign Maker is responsible for creating production-ready sign designs, preparing files for manufacturing, and assisting with the fabrication and production of signs and graphics.
The successful candidate will understand that sign design is different from traditional graphic design. Designs must not only look good, they must be manufacturable, installable, durable, readable, and profitable to produce.

The ideal candidate will have a strong eye for design, attention to detail, computer skills, and hands-on mechanical ability.
Key Responsibilities

Sign Design

  • Create professional sign layouts and graphics based on customer requirements.
  • Develop production-ready artwork for interior and exterior signage.
  • Prepare layouts for channel letters, cabinets, monuments, dimensional lettering, wall graphics, vehicle graphics, and other signage.
  • Create customer proofs, mockups, and presentation drawings.
  • Ensure designs meet customer specifications, project requirements, and company standards.
  • Select appropriate fonts, colors, materials, finishes, and graphic treatments.
  • Prepare artwork for digital printing, vinyl cutting, CNC routing, laser cutting, and other production processes.
  • Modify existing artwork and logos for production.
  • Convert and clean up customer-supplied artwork when necessary.
  • Verify dimensions, spelling, colors, quantities, and specifications before releasing files to production.
  • Maintain organized digital artwork and project files.
Production & Sign Making

  • Assist with fabrication and assembly of signs and graphics.
  • Produce and install vinyl graphics, printed graphics, dimensional lettering, and other sign components.
  • Operate vinyl plotters, laminators, wide-format printers, CNC equipment, and other production equipment as trained.
  • Perform basic sign fabrication using aluminum, ACM, acrylic, PVC, vinyl, and other sign materials.
  • Assist with channel letter, cabinet, monument, and dimensional sign fabrication.
  • Apply vinyl and printed graphics accurately and professionally.
  • Perform trimming, weeding, masking, routing, drilling, assembly, and finishing.
  • Assemble sign components according to approved production drawings.
  • Inspect finished products for quality before they leave the shop.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe production areas.
  • Properly maintain and care for company tools, equipment, and materials.
Quality Control

The Designer / Sign Maker is responsible for helping ensure that every project leaving the production department meets Tennessee Sign Company's quality standards.
This includes:
  • Checking dimensions and measurements.
  • Verifying spelling and customer information.
  • Confirming colors and materials.
  • Checking artwork against approved customer proofs.
  • Inspecting finished graphics for defects.
  • Checking sign construction and assembly.
  • Identifying potential production problems before fabrication begins.
  • Communicating design or production concerns to management before proceeding.
We believe quality begins with good design and ends with excellent craftsmanship.

Required Qualifications

  • Previous experience in sign design, graphic design, sign production, or a related field preferred.
  • Strong computer skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to read measurements and work accurately with dimensions.
  • Basic understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Reliable and dependable work habits.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Professional attitude and commitment to quality.
Preferred Experience

Experience with the following is highly desirable:
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • CorelDRAW
  • FlexiSIGN
  • CAD or sign-specific design software
  • Wide-format printing
  • Vinyl plotters
  • Digital printing
  • Vinyl application
  • CNC routing
  • Laser cutting
  • Channel letters
  • LED illumination
  • ACM fabrication
  • Acrylic fabrication
  • Dimensional lettering
  • Monument signs
  • Vehicle graphics
  • Wall graphics
Sign industry experience is strongly preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who:
  • Has a strong eye for design and proportion.
  • Understands how signs are actually manufactured.
  • Can take a concept from a computer screen to a finished physical product.
  • Is comfortable working with both computers and hand tools.
  • Pays close attention to measurements and details.
  • Can identify potential production problems before they become expensive mistakes.
  • Takes ownership of the quality of their work.
  • Works efficiently without sacrificing quality.
  • Is willing to learn new equipment, materials, and production techniques.
  • Can prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Takes pride in producing work that represents the company well.
Physical Requirements

This position may require the ability to:
  • Lift and move materials weighing up to approximately 75 pounds.
  • Stand for extended periods.
  • Bend, kneel, reach, climb, and work in various positions.
  • Operate hand tools and power tools.
  • Work around production equipment.
  • Work indoors and outdoors when necessary.
  • Safely handle sign materials, substrates, vinyl, acrylic, aluminum, and other production materials.
Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation based on experience, skill level, and qualifications.

Potential compensation and benefits may include:
  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Performance-based advancement
  • Paid training
  • Company-provided equipment and tools as applicable
  • Opportunities to learn advanced fabrication and production techniques
  • Opportunities for advancement
Specific compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Career Advancement

Tennessee Sign Company is committed to developing skilled employees and promoting from within.
A successful Designer / Sign Maker may have opportunities to advance into:
Designer / Sign Maker → Senior Sign Maker → Lead Fabricator → Production Manager

Employees who demonstrate strong design, fabrication, leadership, quality, and organizational skills will have opportunities for increased responsibility.
What We Expect

At Tennessee Sign Company, we believe every sign represents our company.
We expect our team members to:
Design It Right. Build It Right. Deliver Quality.

We are looking for someone who wants to build a career in the sign industry, not simply work a job.
If you have creative ability, technical skills, attention to detail, and pride in craftsmanship, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply

Submit your application and resume. Applicants with design portfolios, examples of sign projects, or photographs of fabricated work are encouraged to include them.
Tennessee Sign Company
Building Signs. Building Brands. Building Careers.