What is the minimum hourly rate for a graphic designer in Australia?

Under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020, a Level 5 graphic designer (trade certificate or Certificate III) earns $29.45 per hour as of 1 July 2026. Junior rates apply for those under 21, starting at 37.5% of Level 4 for under 17. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate, making it $36.81 per hour.

How do I calculate my annual salary from an hourly graphic designer rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours you work per week (typically 38 for full-time) and then by 52 weeks. For example, $29.45 × 38 × 52 = $58,193.20. This assumes the same rate every week with no overtime or penalty rates. Fortnightly pay would be $1,119.10 × 2 = $2,238.20 before tax.

Graphic Designer Salary: How to Convert Your Hourly Rate to Annual Pay

Q: Is superannuation included in my graphic designer salary?

No, superannuation is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings (up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year). For a Level 5 graphic designer earning $58,193, your employer would contribute an additional $6,983.16 into your super fund.

A full-time graphic designer at Level 5 under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award earns $29.45 per hour, or $1,119.10 per week for 38 hours, equating to about $58,193 per year before tax and super.

Understanding Your Graphic Designer Salary

If you work as a graphic designer in Australia, your pay is likely covered by the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 (). This award sets minimum hourly rates for different classification levels, from entry-level to senior roles. Knowing how to convert your hourly rate to an annual figure helps you compare job offers, budget, and understand your tax obligations.

The Award Rate for Graphic Designers

Under the award, a full-time adult graphic designer at Level 5 (aligned with a trade certificate or Certificate III) earns $29.45 per hour as of 1 July 2026. That works out to $1,119.10 per week for 38 ordinary hours. If you are a junior (under 21), your rate is a percentage of the Level 4 rate – for example, a 20-year-old receives 87.5% of Level 4, which is $930.04 per week.

Casual employees get a 25% loading on top of the hourly rate, making the casual rate $36.81 per hour. This loading is meant to compensate for the lack of paid leave. Always check your classification using the pay guides or the award itself.

Converting Hourly to Annual Pay

The standard formula for annual gross pay is:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time graphic designer at Level 5:

$29.45 × 38 × 52 = $58,193.20 per year

This assumes you work the same hours every week with no unpaid overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. If you work part-time or casual, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. For example, a casual working 20 hours per week at $36.81 would earn $36.81 × 20 × 52 = $38,282.40 per year.

Fortnightly Pay

Many employers pay fortnightly. Your fortnightly gross pay is simply your weekly pay multiplied by 2:

$1,119.10 × 2 = $2,238.20 (before tax and super).

This is useful for budgeting if you are paid on a fortnightly cycle.

How Does This Compare to the National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours (). This applies to award/agreement-free employees. A Level 5 graphic designer earns about $3.01 per hour more than the national minimum. Even the lowest award level (Level 1 at $25.74) is slightly below the national minimum, but award rates are generally higher for skilled roles.

Tax on Your Graphic Designer Salary

For the 2026–27 financial year, the resident tax rates are:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners).

For a graphic designer earning $58,193:

Tax on first $18,200: $0
Tax on $18,201 to $45,000: $26,800 × 15% = $4,020
Tax on $45,001 to $58,193: $13,193 × 30% = $3,957.90
Total tax: $7,977.90
Medicare levy: $58,193 × 2% = $1,163.86
Net annual pay: $58,193 – $7,977.90 – $1,163.86 = $49,051.24

Use our take-home pay calculator for a more precise estimate.

Superannuation Is Paid on Top

Your employer must pay super guarantee at 12% of your ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a Level 5 graphic designer earning $58,193, the super contribution is $6,983.16 per year. This is paid into your super fund and is not deducted from your salary. See super and packaging for more details.

Casual Loading and Annual Pay

If you are a casual graphic designer, remember that your hourly rate already includes the 25% loading. When converting to annual, use the loaded rate. For example, $36.81 per hour × 38 hours × 52 weeks = $72,736.56 per year. However, casuals do not receive paid leave, so your actual take-home may be higher per hour but less stable. Learn more about casual loading.

Using the Award to Check Your Rate

The Fair Work Ombudsman provides the full award and reference tables for all classifications. If you are unsure which level applies to your role, check the classification definitions in the award. The Modern Awards Pay Database () contains the latest rates, allowances, and penalty rates.

Final Thoughts

Your graphic designer salary depends on your award classification, experience, and whether you are full-time, part-time, or casual. The formula hourly × 38 × 52 gives a reliable annual estimate for full-time work. Remember that super is extra, and tax is progressive. For a quick calculation, try our hourly conversion tool. And always check the award or your enterprise agreement for the exact rate that applies to you.