Graphic Designer Salary Guide Australia – 2023 Update
What is a typical graphic designer salary in Australia?
In Australia, the average graphic designer salary is approximately $65,000 with more experienced designers commanding up to $90,000. An entry-level graphic design salary is around $50,000.
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Graphic designer salaries Melbourne & Sydney
Average annual earnings in Melbourne are between $56,000 and $76,000 pre tax. Wages at the lower end are around $50,000 while more senior designers can earn up to $90,000.
In comparison, the average wage in Sydney is slightly higher, at around $58,000 to $78,000 annually. Again, more experienced designers can command up to $90,000.
Wage growth-wise, this is in line with the national trend, with pay increasing by 23% between 2019 and 2022.
Graphic designer wage growth
Australia-wide, pay cheques for graphic designers have been steadily increasing over the past few years. In 2019, the average salary was $53,000 compared to $65,000 in 2023. This is an increase of around 23%.
This trend is set to continue, with graphic designers in Australia expected to see their pay packets increase by a further 4% over the next two years. By 2025, the average graphic designer is expected to earn $68,000.
How are reported averages calculated?
There is no single authoritative source on graphic designer salaries. Therefor, we’ve used aggregate data from a variety of sources including job site reports, ABS data, employee reported salaries and listed pay on job ads posted to DesignJobs.com.au.
Of course there are a range of factors that influence these figures, including the following:
- Location
- The employer
- The nature of the position
- Designer experience
- The economy
- Supply and demand
How do graphic designer salaries compare to other design disciplines?
Graphic designers are at the lower end of the designer pay spectrum, which ranges from around $47,000 for a junior fashion designers all the way up to $130,000 for a senior UX designer.
See the chart below, which compared the various design fields based on entry level, average and senior earnings.
Related reading:
UX Design Salaries in Australia Skyrocket – Don’t Miss the Boat
Interior Designer Salary Calculator – Australia 2022
How does a graphic design salary compare to the national average?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a national median income (across all industries) of $41,860, though aggregators like Talent.com put it a little higher at $67,727. This would suggest that graphic designers making around $65,000 per annum, make very close to the nation al average. They may actually earn slightly more than the national average, depending on which sources you compare them to.
Designer Salary Calculator
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Graphic designer salaries in Australia are competitive. As the economy has expanded over the years, demand for skilled creative staff has grown considerably. However, Australian businesses have often struggled to fill these vacancies, meaning demand outweighs supply in most regions.
Design graduates, especially in Melbourne and Sydney, can expect good compensation packages and senior graphic designs or those with broader skillsets can command close to six figures.
Cover image courtesy of Antoni Shkraba
