Graphic design is one of the fastest-growing creative professions in Pakistan. With the global digital economy expanding, the demand for skilled designers in branding, UI/UX, and digital media has skyrocketed. For many young professionals, understanding the Salary of Graphic Designer in Pakistan is a crucial step in choosing this as a sustainable career.
This guide provides an in-depth look at salaries across cities, industries, and experience levels while also highlighting government initiatives, global trends, and regional comparisons that shape the earning potential of designers in Pakistan.
Average Salary of Graphic Designer in Pakistan
Quick Answer: The average monthly salary of a graphic designer in Pakistan ranges from PKR 35,000 to PKR 120,000, depending on skills and experience.
According to data from Glassdoor and local job boards, entry-level designers earn around PKR 30,000 to 45,000, while mid-level professionals earn between PKR 60,000 to 80,000. Senior graphic designers with 7+ years of experience or specialization in UI/UX and motion graphics can cross PKR 150,000 per month.
Freelancers often earn more than salaried positions due to international clients, especially via platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
Factors That Influence Graphic Designer Salaries
Quick Answer: Skills, experience, education, and city of employment are the biggest salary influencers.
Key factors include:
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Education: A degree in Fine Arts, IT, or Design boosts entry-level salaries.
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Skills: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Blender, or AI tools increases pay.
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Location: Salaries in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are 20–30% higher than in smaller cities.
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Industry: IT firms, advertising agencies, and startups pay more compared to traditional media houses.
Salary Comparison by Major Cities in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Karachi and Islamabad offer higher salaries compared to Multan, Faisalabad, and Quetta.
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Karachi: PKR 45,000–150,000 (IT firms and advertising agencies dominate here)
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Islamabad: PKR 50,000–130,000 (tech startups, software houses)
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Lahore: PKR 40,000–120,000 (media, fashion, design studios)
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Faisalabad & Multan: PKR 30,000–80,000 (small businesses, textile industry)
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Quetta & Peshawar: PKR 25,000–70,000 (fewer design houses, mostly freelancers)
This regional disparity reflects economic activity concentration in metropolitan areas.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced Designer Salaries
Quick Answer: Experienced designers earn 3–4 times more than entry-level designers.
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Entry-Level (0–2 years): PKR 25,000–45,000
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Mid-Level (3–6 years): PKR 60,000–90,000
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Senior-Level (7+ years): PKR 100,000–180,000
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Specialized Roles (UI/UX, Motion Graphics): Up to PKR 250,000
Freelancers with strong portfolios often surpass local salary ranges by securing international projects.
Role of Freelancing in Designer Income
Quick Answer: Freelancing significantly increases income potential beyond local salaries.
Pakistan ranks among the top five freelancing countries globally, with thousands of designers working remotely for clients in the US, UK, and UAE. Many graphic designers earn $1,000–$2,000 per month through freelancing alone, which is far higher than local salaries.
The DigiSkills program, funded by the Ministry of IT, has trained over 2.5 million youth in freelancing skills, including design. This directly contributes to higher earnings for graphic designers nationwide.
IT Parks and Career Growth for Designers
Quick Answer: IT parks provide infrastructure, training, and global exposure for graphic designers.
Government-backed technology zones such as Lahore Knowledge Park and Islamabad’s STZA hubs support creative professionals by offering training, co-working spaces, and client connections.
In Punjab, Dhanote IT Park is building an ecosystem where designers and developers can collaborate, upskill, and find global opportunities. Such initiatives bridge the gap between talent and industry needs.
UAE Market Comparison for Graphic Designers
Quick Answer: Salaries in the UAE are 3–4 times higher than in Pakistan for the same skill set.
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Dubai: AED 6,000–15,000 (PKR 450,000–1,200,000 annually)
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Abu Dhabi: AED 7,000–16,000
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Sharjah & Ajman: AED 5,000–10,000
This gap motivates many Pakistani designers to pursue remote contracts with UAE-based firms. The government’s push for freelancing ensures local youth can access these international opportunities without migrating.
Future of Graphic Design Salaries in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Salaries are expected to rise due to digital transformation, e-commerce, and AI-driven design.
With e-commerce growth, social media marketing, and AI-driven design tools, graphic designers are becoming more valuable. According to Ignite’s CEO, “The creative economy in Pakistan is scaling rapidly, and graphic designers will play a central role in global digital exports by 2030.”
Emerging niches such as AR/VR design, motion graphics, and branding for startups will continue to drive higher salaries.
FAQs
1. What is the starting salary of a graphic designer in Pakistan?
It ranges from PKR 25,000 to PKR 40,000, depending on skills and city.
2. Do freelancers earn more than salaried graphic designers?
Yes. Freelancers can earn up to $2,000 monthly, which is higher than local salaries.
3. Which city offers the highest salary for graphic designers in Pakistan?
Karachi and Islamabad offer the highest pay, followed by Lahore.
4. What skills increase graphic designer salaries?
UI/UX design, motion graphics, and knowledge of AI tools boost pay significantly.
5. Can Pakistani designers compete internationally?
Yes. With strong portfolios, many Pakistani designers work for clients in the UAE, US, and Europe.
6. How do government initiatives help graphic designers?
Programs like DigiSkills and STZA hubs provide training and international exposure.
7. Will salaries grow in the future?
Yes. Digital transformation and e-commerce growth will push salaries higher by 2027.
Final Thought
From small design studios in Multan to International clients in Dubai, the earning potential of Pakistani designers has transformed in recent years. The salary of graphic designer in Pakistan continues to rise, fueled by freelancing, IT parks, and government training programs.
As someone who has observed the digital shift firsthand, I believe platforms like DigiSkills and STZA have unlocked opportunities that were unthinkable a decade ago. Facilities like Dhanote IT Park will ensure that local talent not only thrives within Pakistan but also competes globally. For young designers willing to invest in their skills, the future is both promising and rewarding.
