Graphic Designer Pay Rate SA 2026-27
Graphic Designers in South Australia earn at least $29.45/hr (Level 5), $36.81/hr casual — about $1,119 a week full-time — under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026.
Graphic Designer — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026)
$29.45
Base rate/hr
$36.81
Casual rate/hr
Graphic designers create visual content for print and digital media, including branding, marketing materials, packaging, and publications.
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South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Graphic Designer
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | $1,119.10 | $58,193.20 |
| Part-time (adult) | $29.45/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $36.81/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020.
Penalty Rates — Graphic Designer
Saturday
$58.90/hr
2x base
Sunday
$58.90/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$73.63/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 5 ($29.45/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Junior designer / production artist | $27.97 | $34.96 | $55,268.72 |
| Level 5 | Graphic designer | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 6 | Senior designer / art director | $30.38 | $37.98 | $60,030.88 |
| Level 7 | Creative lead / design manager | $31.30 | $39.13 | $61,848.80 |
View full Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 pay rates →
Am I Being Underpaid as a Graphic Designer?
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 →More on the Graphic Arts Award
Graphic Arts Award (MA000026) overview
Coverage, penalty rates, casual overtime method and break rules.
Search enterprise agreements
An enterprise agreement replaces the award where one covers your workplace. Search by employer.
Enterprise agreements in printing & publishing
- Kosdown Printing Co Pty Ltd & AMWU Enterprise Agreement 2025
- McPherson Media Group Printing Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024
- McPherson Media Group Printing Employees Enterprise Agreement 2024
- News Corp Australia - AMWU Metropolitan Printing Agreement 2024
- McPherson's Printing Pty Ltd Maryborough Sites Enterprise Workplace Agreement 2023
- Griffin Press Printing Enterprise Agreement 2024
Recently approved agreements from the Fair Work Commission register in this industry. Check the agreement itself for the award it sits on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a graphic designer get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a graphic designer in South Australia is $29.45/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $36.81/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 5 adult rate under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026), effective from 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a graphic designer?
The minimum wage for a graphic designer is $29.45 per hour ($1,119.10 per week for a 38-hour week, or $58,193.20 per year). This is set by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers graphic designers?
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.
Do graphic designers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020, graphic designers receive 2x their base rate on Saturdays ($58.90/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($58.90/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($73.63/hr).
What is the casual rate for a graphic designer?
The casual rate for a graphic designer is $36.81/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $29.45/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old graphic designer get paid?
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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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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