Graphic Designer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Graphic Designers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $80,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $62,110 and $115,000. That sits 16% below Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 36 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 57th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +11 listings vs last month
💰 Graphic Designer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$62,110 – $115,000
Median: $80,000
May $80k
Jun $80k
→ Stable

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $65,000 – $115,000
Overall $62k–$115k Mid $65k–$115k $60k $71k $83k $95k $106k $118k
Moderate confidence 36 listings (+11 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $62,110 Median  $80,000 $115,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The wide pay band is the story for Melbourne graphic designers: from $62,110 to $115,000, a 66% spread that reflects how much specialisation splits the field. Hiring rose sharply from 25 to 36 listings while the $80,000 median held flat. That median sits 16% below Melbourne's $95k all-roles figure, which is typical for creative roles competing with a professional-services city median. Sydney pays the same $80k, so location is not the variable here; skill mix is.

Take Home Pay (based on median $80,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,191
Monthly (net)
~$5,161
Annual (net)
~$61,933
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $89,200

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Graphic Designer in Melbourne?
Junior designers in Melbourne start near the $62,110 band floor. The lift comes from tooling and output: motion and UI or UX skills, plus a portfolio that shows commercial results rather than just craft, move pay up fast. In-house brand or agency roles that hand a designer ownership of a campaign or product surface pay more than production-artist work, carrying pay toward the $115k top.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Depends. At $80k the median sits 16% below Melbourne's all-roles median and nets about $61,900, which is tight against city rents. This is normal for creative roles rather than a red flag, but the wide band matters: designers who add motion, product, or UX skills sit near the $115k top while pure print and production designers sit near the floor. Specialisation, not tenure, is what pays.
How much does a Senior Graphic Designer make in Melbourne?
The band reaches $115k, and getting there means moving into art-direction, senior UX, or design-lead roles rather than staying a generalist. What it takes is owning a product's or brand's visual system, mentoring juniors, and often adding a discipline (motion, product design, front-end). The step beyond is a Design Lead or Creative Director title, where pay clears the top of this band.

Other roles in Melbourne

Graphic Designer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $80,000 —
Sydney $80,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.