Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
Salary and wage information for New Zealand professions is compiled regularly by analysis of New Zealand jobs advertised in major publications. Salaries are annual unless otherwise stated.
Job ads in New Zealand often do not mention remuneration. Salaries are generally negotiable, within limits.
Job titles in this occupation vary and some examples are advertising artist, commercial artist and graphic artist.
Most graphic designers work in Auckland and salaries vary considerably depending on qualifications, location and experience.
A typical starting salary is $38,000 – $45,000. Senior experienced designers can earn from $60,000 to $90,000.
For comparison, the average hourly wage in New Zealand for the quarter ending 31 March 2020 was $33.20 according to Statistics New Zealand. This would give an annual average salary of around $65,600, working standard full-time hours (38 hours).
Graphic Designer Salaries / Wages in 2020
| Position | Salary / Wage $ | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Web / Graphic Designer | 50,000 – 60,000 | Auckland Central |
| Marketing & Design Assistant | 45,000 – 55,000 | Auckland |
| Junior Graphic Designer / Marketer | 40,000 – 50,000 | Auckland |
| Environment Concept Artist | 60,000 – 80,000 | Waitakere & West Auckland |
| Graphic Designer | 25 – 30 per hour | Waikato |
| Intermediate Graphic Designer | 45,000 – 55,000 | Wellington |
| Graphic Designer / Web Design Expert | 45,000 – 55,000 | Wellington |
| Temporary Graphic Designer | 50,000 – 70,000 | Wellington |
| Junior Graphic Designer | 38,000 | Wellington |
| Web Graphic Designer | 25 – 35 per hour | Christchurch |
| Graphic Designer | 25 – 35 per hour | Invercargill, Southland |
| Senior Graphic Designer | 58,000 – 65,000 | Dunedin |
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