Minimum pay rates for graphic designers under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020, including base rates, casual rates, penalty rates, and classification levels.
Last verified: 21 May 2026Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026)
Graphic designers create visual content for print and digital media, including branding, marketing materials, packaging, and publications.
$27.25
Base rate/hr
$34.06
Casual rate/hr
Hourly (Full-Time)
$27.25
Hourly (Casual)
$34.06
Weekly (38hrs)
$1,035.50
Annual (Full-Time)
$53,846.00
Graphic Designers in Australia are generally covered by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026). This Modern Award sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment including pay rates, hours of work, rosters, breaks, allowances, penalty rates, and overtime.
Some graphic designers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must provide conditions that are at least as favourable as the award overall (the Better Off Overall Test).
View full Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award pay rates →
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Junior designer / production artist | $25.68 | $32.10 | $975.84 | $50,743.68 |
| Level 5 | Graphic designer | $27.25 | $34.06 | $1,035.50 | $53,846.00 |
| Level 6 | Senior designer / art director | $28.54 | $35.68 | $1,084.52 | $56,395.04 |
| Level 7 | Creative lead / design manager | $29.71 | $37.14 | $1,128.98 | $58,706.96 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025. Casual rate includes 25% loading.
Casual graphic designers receive a 25% casual loading on top of the base hourly rate, increasing the minimum from $27.25/hr to $34.06/hr.
The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid annual leave, personal leave, notice of termination, or redundancy pay. Over a full year, a casual graphic designer working 38 hours per week would earn $67,302.56 (before tax and penalty rates).
From 1 July 2024, casual employees who have worked regular hours for at least 6 months can request conversion to permanent employment. Check your casual conversion eligibility →
Part-time graphic designers receive the same hourly rate as full-time employees ($27.25/hr) but work fewer than 38 hours per week on a regular, agreed pattern. Part-time employees receive all the same entitlements as full-time employees (annual leave, personal leave, notice, redundancy) on a pro-rata basis.
Penalty rates apply when graphic designers work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. Rates shown are for Level 1 permanent employees ($27.25/hr base).
Saturday
$40.88/hr
1.5x base
Sunday
$54.50/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$68.13/hr
2.5x base
Casual employees may receive different penalty rate multipliers. Check the full award pay rates for detailed penalty rate tables.
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 earn less than $27.25/hr as a full-time or part-time graphic designer, or less than $34.06/hr as a casual, you may be underpaid. You can claim up to 6 years of back pay.
| Job Title | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Annual (FT) | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $27.25/hr | $34.06/hr | $53,846.00 | MA000026 |
| Retail Worker | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000004 |
| Barista | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
| Waiter | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $47,621.60 | MA000009 |
The minimum hourly rate for a graphic designer in Australia is $27.25/hr for full-time/part-time employees and $34.06/hr for casuals (including 25% loading) under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020. Actual rates may be higher depending on classification level, experience, and any enterprise agreement that applies.
Under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026), the minimum wage for a graphic designer starts at $27.25/hr (Level 1 adult rate). This equates to $1,035.50/week or $53,846.00/year for a standard 38-hour week. The national minimum wage is $24.95/hr.
Graphic Designers in Australia are generally covered by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (MA000026). This award sets out minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and other working conditions. Some graphic designers may be covered by an enterprise agreement instead, which must meet or exceed the award.
A casual graphic designer receives $34.06/hr, which includes the 25% casual loading on top of the $27.25/hr base rate. The casual loading compensates for not receiving paid leave and other permanent employment benefits.
Under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020, graphic designers receive: Saturday 1.5x ($40.88/hr), Sunday 2x ($54.50/hr), and Public Holiday 2.5x ($68.13/hr) at Level 1 rates.
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