Graphic Designer Salary in Australia: Award Minimums and the Pay Floor

What is a Graphic Designer Salary in Australia?

When searching for a "graphic designer salary" in Australia, it's important to distinguish between the legal minimum pay floor and what employers actually offer. The pay floor is set by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026), which covers most graphic designers working in the industry. This award, updated by the Fair Work Commission, provides minimum rates that vary by classification and age.

The Award Minimum for Qualified Graphic Designers

Under the award, a qualified adult graphic designer (holding a trade certificate or Certificate III) is classified at Level 5. As of the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the minimum rate is:

• $29.45 per hour
• $1,119.10 per week (for a 38-hour week)

For a graphic designer with a Certificate II, the Level 4 rate applies: $27.97 per hour or $1,062.90 per week. These rates are the legal minimums; many employers pay above award, especially for experienced designers.

Junior Rates for Graphic Designers

If you are under 21 and working as a graphic designer (including commercial artist), the award sets junior rates as a percentage of the Level 4 rate. For example:

• Under 17 years: 37.5% = $10.49 per hour
• 17 years: 47.5% = $13.29 per hour
• 18 years: 60% = $16.78 per hour
• 19 years: 72.5% = $20.28 per hour
• 20 years: 87.5% = $24.47 per hour

These rates apply until the employee turns 21, at which point the full adult rate applies.

The National Minimum Wage as a Backstop

For graphic designers not covered by any award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, because the award covers most graphic design roles, the award rate is the relevant floor. The national minimum is a safety net for award-free workers.

How a Graphic Designer Salary Compares to Averages

The award minimum is not the same as a typical or median salary. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all industries were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026, but this figure includes all occupations. For graphic designers specifically, no current ABS survey average is available in this guide. Actual salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and employer. A negotiated salary may be significantly higher than the award rate, especially for senior or specialised roles.

Superannuation: Paid on Top

All minimum rates mentioned are base pay. Employers must also pay the superannuation guarantee of 12% on ordinary time earnings (from 1 July 2026). This is an additional cost to the employer and is not deducted from the hourly rate.

When a Higher Rate Applies

An enterprise agreement or individual contract can set a higher rate than the award. If you are covered by a registered agreement, check that document for your minimum pay. The award rate is the floor; you cannot be paid less.

For more details on which minimum wage applies to you, see our Which minimum wage applies guide. To compare rates across classifications, visit our Rate tables.

Common Confusions

• Award rate vs. national minimum wage: The award rate for a qualified graphic designer ($29.45) is higher than the national minimum ($26.44). The national minimum only applies if no award covers you.
• Junior rates: These are not the same as apprentice rates. Apprentices have separate pay structures under the award or the Miscellaneous Award.
• Casual loading: Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate. For a Level 5 casual, that would be $36.81 per hour.

Understanding these distinctions helps you know your legal entitlements and negotiate from a position of knowledge.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.