Salary guide · AU
Graphic Designer salary in Melbourne: can you afford rent?
A Graphic Designer in Melbourne typically earns A$41,000–A$89,000/year, with a median around A$58,000/year. Median 1-bedroom rent is A$2,300/month.
Affordability verdict
At a typical Graphic Designer salary of A$58,000/year, spending on median Melbourne rent (A$2,300/mo) would take up 48% of gross income. That exceeds the 30% guideline significantly — housing would be a risky burden.
Graphic Designer salary range in Melbourne
A$41,000
Entry level
lower quartile
A$58,000
Typical
median estimate
A$89,000
Experienced
upper quartile
Graphic designers create visual content for brands, media, and digital products. Figures are gross annual salary estimates for Melbourne.
How much rent can a Graphic Designer afford?
Rent landscape in Melbourne
A$1,500
Budget
cheapest 10%
A$2,300
Median
most common
A$3,800
Premium
top 10%
1-bedroom equivalent. Consumer Affairs Victoria rental data + ABS CPI private rent component 2024 (note: ABS SIH 2023-24 cancelled Jul 2025; next SIH results expected 2027) · 2023–2024
Frequently asked questions
What does a Graphic Designer earn in Melbourne?
A Graphic Designer in Melbourne typically earns between A$41,000 and A$89,000/year, with a median around A$58,000/year. Salaries vary by experience, employer, and sector.
Can a Graphic Designer afford to live in Melbourne?
At a typical Graphic Designer salary of A$58,000/year, median Melbourne rent (A$2,300/month) takes up 48% of gross income — significantly above the 30% guideline, making housing a financial stretch. Budget options in Melbourne start around A$1,500/month.
How much rent can a Graphic Designer afford in Melbourne?
On a median Graphic Designer salary of A$58,000/year, the recommended 30% rent budget is A$1,450/month. Compared to Melbourne's median rent of A$2,300/month, this means some budget trade-offs will be necessary — look at areas below the city median.
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