Minimum pay rates for graphic designers in Queensland under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026)
$27.25
Base rate/hr
$34.06
Casual rate/hr
Graphic designers create visual content for print and digital media, including branding, marketing materials, packaging, and publications.
Queensland Note
Queensland workers are entitled to state-specific public holidays including Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) in Brisbane.
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.25/hr | $1,035.50 | $53,846.00 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.25/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $34.06/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020.
Saturday
$40.88/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$54.50/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$68.13/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($27.25/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Junior designer / production artist | $25.68 | $32.10 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 5 | Graphic designer | $27.25 | $34.06 | $53,846.00 |
| Level 6 | Senior designer / art director | $28.54 | $35.68 | $56,395.04 |
| Level 7 | Creative lead / design manager | $29.71 | $37.14 | $58,706.96 |
View full Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 pay rates →
Graphic designers are often engaged as freelancers or contractors when they should be classified as employees. In-house designers may also miss out on overtime entitlements.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →The minimum hourly rate for a graphic designer in Queensland is $27.25/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $34.06/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026), effective from 1 July 2025.
The minimum wage for a graphic designer is $27.25 per hour ($1,035.50 per week for a 38-hour week, or $53,846.00 per year). This is set by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
Graphic Designers are covered by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Yes. Under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020, graphic designers receive 1.5x their base rate on Saturdays ($40.88/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($54.50/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($68.13/hr).
The casual rate for a graphic designer is $34.06/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.25/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
Graphic designers are skilled professionals. Junior rates do not commonly apply. The Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 does not have specific junior rates for this classification.
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