Pay by Role
New Zealand · Salary comparison

Architect vs Graphic Designer salary

In New Zealand, a architect earns about 48% more than a graphic designer $99,031 vs $66,788 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Creative
Architect
$99,031/yr
Monthly
$8,233
Hourly
$48
Range
$63,391$142,616
10-yr outlook
+5%
Creative
Graphic Designer
$66,788/yr
Monthly
$5,585
Hourly
$32
Range
$43,931$94,713
10-yr outlook
+3%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileArchitectGraphic Designer
Entry (10th)$63,391$43,931
25th$81,182$55,388
Median$99,031$66,788
75th$120,795$80,722
Senior (90th)$142,616$94,713

National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Creative comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a architect or graphic designer earn more in New Zealand?
A architect earns more, at about $172,000 per year vs $116,000 for a graphic designer — roughly 48% ($56,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
A architect typically earns $110,100–$247,700, while a graphic designer earns $76,300–$164,500 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
On a monthly basis before tax, a architect averages about $14,300 and a graphic designer about $9,700.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a architect earns about $110,100 while a graphic designer earns about $76,300 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a architect earns about $247,700 while a graphic designer earns about $164,500 per year.
Are architect and graphic designer similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Creative category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.