Graphic design is one of the fastest-growing creative careers in South Asia. With businesses shifting toward digital branding and online presence, the demand for skilled designers is increasing daily. For professionals, understanding the Salary of Graphic Designer in Pakistan is essential to plan career growth, negotiate better packages, and explore freelancing opportunities.
According to the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), the IT and creative sectors contributed more than $2.6 billion to exports in 2023. Graphic design plays a key role in this ecosystem, particularly in industries like e-commerce, advertising, and tech startups. This article explains the salary landscape, regional differences, and strategies to secure the best income as a designer.
Average Salary of Graphic Designers in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Entry-level salaries range from PKR 25,000–45,000, while experienced designers earn PKR 80,000–150,000 or more.
The salary depends on experience, city, and industry. For example:
Entry-level (0–2 years): PKR 25,000–45,000/month
Mid-level (3–5 years): PKR 50,000–80,000/month
Senior designers (5+ years): PKR 100,000–150,000+
Freelancers: $500–$2,000+ monthly, depending on global clients
Designers in metropolitan cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad usually command higher salaries compared to those in smaller cities due to industry concentration.
Factors Affecting Graphic Designer Salaries
Quick Answer: Skills, experience, location, and industry define how much a designer earns.
The biggest factors influencing pay include:
Skillset depth: UI/UX, motion graphics, and 3D design command higher salaries
Experience level: Senior designers lead projects and earn more
Location: Lahore and Karachi designers often earn 20–30% higher salaries
Industry demand: Tech startups and advertising agencies pay more than traditional businesses
Portfolio strength: A diverse and professional portfolio attracts higher-paying roles
Regional Salary Differences in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad offer higher salaries compared to Multan, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.
Karachi: PKR 50,000–120,000 (advertising agencies & startups)
Lahore: PKR 45,000–110,000 (software houses & digital agencies)
Islamabad: PKR 55,000–130,000 (corporates & IT parks)
Multan & Faisalabad: PKR 30,000–70,000 (growing e-commerce demand)
Smaller cities: PKR 20,000–50,000 (limited market exposure)
This gap highlights why IT parks and training hubs are critical to leveling opportunities for creative professionals in smaller regions.
Freelancing vs. Corporate Jobs in Graphic Design
Quick Answer: Freelancing can yield higher income, while corporate jobs provide stability.
Freelancing advantages:
Access to international clients
Flexible working hours
Higher earning potential ($500–$2,000 monthly)
Corporate job advantages:
Fixed salary and career progression
Benefits like health insurance
Networking and mentorship opportunities
Many professionals combine both, taking corporate jobs while freelancing on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
Impact of IT Parks and Training Programs
Quick Answer: IT parks and government training programs boost designer salaries by providing skills and global exposure.
The DigiSkills Training Program has trained over 2.5 million youth in freelancing skills, including design. The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) is setting up tech parks across Pakistan to connect local talent with global clients.
One notable example is Dhanote IT Park in Punjab, which provides training, mentorship, and infrastructure for young professionals. By bridging skill gaps, such hubs empower graphic designers to compete at international levels.
Future Salary Trends for Graphic Designers in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Salaries are expected to rise with demand for UI/UX and motion graphics specialists.
Emerging design areas influencing future salaries:
UI/UX design for apps and websites
Motion graphics for digital marketing
3D visualization for gaming and architecture
AI-assisted design tools (Canva, MidJourney, Figma AI)
By 2027, industry experts project a 25–30% increase in demand for creative professionals in Pakistan.
Comparing Pakistan with UAE Graphic Design Salaries
Quick Answer: UAE salaries are 3–4x higher, but cost of living is also significantly higher.
UAE entry-level: AED 4,000–6,000 (PKR 300,000–450,000)
Mid-level: AED 7,000–12,000 (PKR 525,000–900,000)
Senior roles: AED 15,000+ (PKR 1.1M+)
This comparison shows Pakistani designers can earn globally competitive incomes via remote freelancing without relocating.
Expert Insight on Graphic Design Careers
Quick Answer: Continuous skill development ensures higher salaries and long-term success.
As the CEO of Ignite (hypothetical quote) explains:
“The creative economy is thriving in Pakistan, and designers who upskill in emerging tools and technologies are earning above-average salaries both locally and globally.”
FAQs
1. What is the average starting salary of a graphic designer in Pakistan?
Between PKR 25,000–45,000 per month.
2. Do freelancers earn more than full-time designers?
Yes. Freelancers can earn $500–$2,000 monthly depending on clients and workload.
3. Which city pays the highest salary to designers in Pakistan?
Islamabad and Karachi generally pay the highest salaries.
4. Are graphic design salaries expected to rise in 2025?
Yes, due to increased demand for digital marketing and UI/UX design.
5. What skills can boost my graphic design salary?
Motion graphics, UI/UX, 3D design, and AI-based tools.
6. Can students start freelancing in graphic design?
Absolutely. Many students begin freelancing on Fiverr and Upwork to gain experience and income.
7. Do IT parks directly benefit graphic designers?
Yes. They provide training, mentorship, and international exposure, increasing earning potential.
Final Thought
As someone working closely with Pakistan’s digital economy, I have seen how creative careers have transformed the lives of young professionals. The salary of graphic designer in Pakistan continues to rise due to global demand, local industry growth, and government support. IT hubs like Dhanote IT Park are closing the gap between talent and opportunity, enabling young designers from cities like Multan and Faisalabad to compete globally.
From my perspective, the future of graphic design salaries in Pakistan is promising—especially for those who continuously upgrade their skills and take advantage of training programs and IT parks. With consistency and innovation, Pakistani designers are poised to become leaders in the global creative economy.
