The creative industry in Pakistan has grown rapidly in recent years, offering lucrative opportunities for young professionals. Among these, graphic design stands out as one of the most in-demand fields. Whether you’re working for an advertising agency, a multinational company, or as a freelancer, understanding the salary of graphic designer in Pakistan is essential for career planning.
With the rise of IT parks, e-commerce, and digital marketing, graphic designers now play a vital role in shaping visual communication for brands. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of salaries, skill demand, and regional trends that every aspiring designer should know.
Average Salary of a Graphic Designer in Pakistan
Quick Answer: The average salary of a graphic designer in Pakistan ranges between PKR 35,000–80,000 per month, depending on skills and experience.
Fresh graduates usually start with PKR 25,000–40,000, while mid-level designers earn PKR 50,000–100,000 in established firms. Senior professionals with 7–10 years of experience can earn above PKR 150,000, especially in large cities like Karachi and Lahore.
Freelancers, on the other hand, often earn higher through international clients, with average hourly rates between $10–$35 depending on expertise.
Factors Influencing Graphic Designer Salaries
Quick Answer: Experience, skillset, city of employment, and work type (freelance or full-time) are the main salary factors.
Key factors include:
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Experience Level: Entry-level vs. senior designer roles
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Skills Acquired: UI/UX, animation, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma
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Industry: Agencies, IT companies, media houses, or freelancing
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Location: Salaries in Karachi and Lahore are generally higher than Multan or Faisalabad
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Portfolio Strength: Designers with strong branding portfolios get premium pay
Salary Comparison by Cities in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad offer the highest salaries for graphic designers in Pakistan.
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Karachi: PKR 50,000–120,000 (corporate hubs, ad agencies)
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Lahore: PKR 40,000–100,000 (startups, IT companies, software houses)
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Islamabad: PKR 45,000–110,000 (multinationals, NGOs, tech firms)
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Faisalabad & Multan: PKR 30,000–70,000 (local businesses, textile sector)
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Peshawar & Quetta: PKR 25,000–60,000 (emerging opportunities)
This variation reflects the economic strength of each city and demand for digital services.
Freelancing and Remote Work Opportunities
Quick Answer: Freelancing allows Pakistani designers to earn in dollars, often higher than local salaries.
Freelancers on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr often charge $10–$20 per hour initially. Skilled professionals can reach $30–$50 per hour, especially in specialized niches like UI/UX design or motion graphics.
Government programs like DigiSkills.pk have trained thousands of youth in freelancing, enabling them to work with global clients. According to Ignite, over 1.2 million Pakistanis are now part of the gig economy, with graphic design being a top skill.
Role of IT Parks and Training Programs
Quick Answer: IT parks and training programs provide infrastructure, skill development, and international exposure for designers.
Facilities like Dhanote IT Park in Punjab are creating opportunities for creative professionals by offering modern workspaces and mentorship. Similarly, the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) has introduced initiatives in Islamabad and Karachi, making it easier for designers to collaborate with startups and international firms.
These efforts ensure that designers outside of metropolitan cities also get access to professional ecosystems.
Skills That Increase Graphic Designer Salaries
Quick Answer: Specialized skills in UI/UX, motion graphics, and branding can double a designer’s salary.
High-paying skill areas include:
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UI/UX Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD
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Motion Graphics: After Effects, Blender
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3D Design: Cinema 4D, Maya
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Branding & Marketing: Logo design, packaging, campaign visuals
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Tech-Integrated Skills: AR/VR design, AI-driven tools
Designers who stay updated with global design trends often charge premium rates.
Salary Trends Compared with UAE
Quick Answer: Pakistani designers earn less locally but can compete globally, with UAE offering 3–4x higher salaries.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the average salary for graphic designers is AED 7,000–15,000 (PKR 500,000–1,200,000) per month. Many Pakistani designers migrate or freelance remotely for UAE-based firms, leveraging better pay scales.
This comparison highlights the potential for local designers to upgrade their earnings by working with international clients.
hallenges Graphic Designers Face in Pakistan
Quick Answer: Lack of updated training, low initial salaries, and limited access to global markets are major hurdles.
Challenges include:
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Limited adoption of new design technologies in small firms
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Low entry-level pay compared to cost of living in big cities
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Over-saturated freelancing platforms with high competition
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Weak networking and exposure opportunities for rural designers
Government-backed mentorship and IT park support aim to bridge these gaps.
Future Outlook for Graphic Designers
Quick Answer: The demand for graphic designers in Pakistan will continue to grow with e-commerce, startups, and global outsourcing.
E-commerce platforms, app developers, and digital marketing agencies increasingly require high-quality design talent. Experts predict the field will grow by 20–30% over the next five years.
As the CEO of Ignite stated: “Creative design will be the backbone of Pakistan’s digital exports. Our youth must focus on specialized niches to lead globally.”
FAQs
1. What is the starting salary for a graphic designer in Pakistan?
Freshers usually earn between PKR 25,000–40,000 per month.
2. Which city pays the highest salaries to graphic designers?
Karachi and Lahore generally offer the best salary packages.
3. Can freelancing pay more than a local job?
Yes, freelancers often earn 2–3 times more, especially when working with global clients.
4. Which skills increase salary potential for graphic designers?
UI/UX, motion graphics, and branding are high-value skills.
5. Do IT parks support creative professionals?
Yes, IT parks provide workspaces, mentorship, and client connections.
6. How does Pakistan compare with the UAE in salaries?
Graphic designers in UAE earn about 3–4 times more than in Pakistan.
7. Is graphic design a stable career in Pakistan?
Yes, demand is growing in e-commerce, IT, and digital marketing sectors.
Final Thought
As someone closely following Pakistan’s digital growth, I believe graphic design offers one of the most promising creative career paths. The salary of graphic designer in Pakistan may initially seem modest, but with skill upgrades, Freelancing, and International Exposure, earning potential multiplies. Platforms like Dhanote IT Park are bridging the gap by providing opportunities and ecosystems for designers to thrive. If Pakistani youth continue investing in advanced skills and global outreach, the country can soon become a regional design hub competing with markets like the UAE and beyond.
