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National Survey of Graphic Design Salaries & Billing Practices Conducted by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) Sponsored by AQUENT – The Official Career Development Partner of RGD Ontario Supported by the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) and the Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ)
Major Sponsors
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THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
Contents
4 Introduction 6 About the Organizers 8 Method 9 10 12 13 16 18 20
Main Findings About Respondents About Respondents’ Employers About Freelance Work About Solo Designer Firms About Firms Owned by Respondents About Project Fees
22 23 24 34
2006 Compensation Median Salary Changes About Benefits & Compensation Position Descriptions
October 2007. © 2007 RGD Ontario. No information in this survey may be published without recognizing the source as the 2007/2008 RGD Ontario /AQUENT National Survey of Graphic Design Salaries and Billing Practices. For more information, contact RGD Ontario by phone at 1 888 274 3668; in Toronto 416 367 8819, by e-mail at
[email protected] or visit www.rgdontario.com.
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
As part of its mandate to serve the best interests of both the graphic design industry and the public, the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) conducts a biannual national survey on salaries, project fees and billing practices in the Canadian graphic design industry. This survey was conducted by Research Dimensions Ltd. on behalf of RGD Ontario and its partner AQUENT, in cooperation with the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) and the Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ). This is the fourth time a survey of this nature has been conducted in Canada by this Association. Previous surveys were conducted in 2005 (results published in 2006), 2003 (results published in 2004) and 2001 (results published in 2002).
SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
5
About the Organizers
About the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario) is the professional body for graphic designers in Ontario. RGD Ontario grants graphic design professionals who qualify the right to the exclusive use of the designations Registered Graphic Designer and R.G.D.
RGD Ontario represents over 3,200 members providing these programs and services and more:
A Registered Graphic Designer is a graphic design practitioner, manager or educator who has met the Association’s qualification criteria and has been granted the right to use these professional designations. No one else may use these designations.
Communications – Electronic newsletters provide updates on RGD Ontario programs and events, design news and events, book reviews and industry articles.
RGD Ontario serves the graphic design industry and the public as it works to: ········································································· Establish and promote standards of knowledge, skill and ethics for graphic designers. ········································································· Provide a unified and credible voice for graphic designers when lobbying business, government and educational institutions with respect to issues affecting designers. ········································································· Denote a quality signal to buyers of graphic design services, helping them to identify industry professionals. ········································································· Provide members with the backing and support of a recognized and legislated professional organization. ········································································· Heighten awareness of the profession and the value of graphic design as a strategic business tool. ········································································· Provide a forum for the exchange of information and knowledge within the design community. ········································································· Advise members of developments in laws and practices related to graphic design. ········································································· Assist to improve standards of education. ········································································· Foster liaison with other design organizations and allied professions.
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
Spec Work Advocacy – Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, members are prohibited from engaging in spec work. We challenge all spec work competitions and have succeeded in having rules amended on many occasions.
Member Promotion – RGD Ontario publications, exhibitions and presentations celebrate the work of members and promote graphic design to business and the public. DesignThinkers – Canada’s premier annual graphic design conference features over 800 attendees, two days of presentations, speakers, social events, exhibits and tours. Design at Work – This annual juried competition showcases the value graphic design brings to business through a book of case studies sent to buyers of design. The Business of Graphic Design: A Professional’s Handbook – RGD Ontario publishes this comprehensive guide to maintaining a graphic design business in Ontario. PST Advocacy – RGD Ontario is working to clarify PST rules as applied to graphic design and has developed materials to help designers understand the current rules. Professional Development – Full-day events increase the proficiency of creative professionals in all areas of design and business. Mentorship – This program connects designers to assist in the development of the necessary skills to enter into or continue on a professional career in graphic design. Annual Student Awards – Since the program began, RGD Ontario has awarded more than $100,000 in cash awards, sponsored by industry partners.
About the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) is Canada’s national graphic design association. A member-based organization, GDC comprises design professionals, educators, administrators, students and associates in communications, marketing, media and design-related fields. The Society has been an advocate, voice and resource for Canada’s graphic design profession since 1956. The GDC maintains a national certified body of graphic designers and promotes high standards of graphic design and ethical business practices, for the benefit of Canadian industry, commerce, public service and education. Through the media, publications, seminars, events, conferences and exhibits, the GDC builds awareness of graphic design and its essential role in business and society. There are currently nine GDC Chapters with over 1,000 members across Canada. The GDC communications network facilitates a national, ongoing exchange of ideas and information for designers and students. GDC is a member of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda), the worldwide non-governmental body representing the graphic design profession. This provides GDC members with the opportunity for international recognition, professional development and a global perspective on graphic design.
La Société des designers graphiques du Québec La Société des designers graphiques du Québec (SDGQ) is dedicated to promoting graphic design and contributing to its members’ professional and economic development. Among the SDGQ’s role and responsibilities are to: ········································································· Demystify the graphic design profession and clarify its contribution to society. ········································································· Raise awareness of graphic design and its professionals. ········································································· Contribute to the profession’s evolution to benefit SDGQ members, their clients and the general public. ········································································· Play a role in the ongoing training and development of SDGQ members by providing information in publications, conferences, workshops and trade shows. ········································································· Establish partnerships and work closely with organizations associated with the profession. ········································································· Organize and oversee competitions to promote excellence in graphic design in Quebec. ········································································· Serve as an advocate for SDGQ members in dealing with government agencies and the educational system. ········································································· Take a stand on issues that affect the graphic design profession.
The GDC was founded in 1956, became a national association in 1974 and was granted a Federal Charter in 1976. In 1996 the GDC’s Ontario Chapters joined together to form RGD Ontario under an Act of the Ontario Legislature. The Société des Designers Graphiques du Québec (SDGQ), representing graphic designers in the province of Quebec, is closely allied with the GDC as is the University & College Designers Association (UCDA) which represents graphic designers engaged with North America’s universities and colleges.
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
Method
Distribution An online survey in both French and English was promoted via advertising in the May/June edition of Applied Arts and the May/June edition of Design Edge, as well as in both organizations’ email newsletters. In addition, a series of postcards was distributed to 10,000 graphic designers across Canada, including to the members of RGD Ontario, GDC and SDGQ. These organizations also announced the survey on their websites and email bulletins. A “refer a friend” program was created whereby designers who completed the survey were asked if they knew others in the design industry who could complete the survey. If yes, they were provided with an email invitation that they could send to their colleagues. When accessing the survey online, special passwords were issued to those who started the survey and wanted to return later to complete it. Return Just under 1,900 questionnaires were completed from all parts of Canada as follows:
Alberta BC
%
96
5.1%
310
16.6%
Manitoba
46
2.5%
New Brunswick
14
0.7%
3
0.2%
Newfoundland/Labrador Nova Scotia Ontario PEI Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon/Northwest Territories Total
RECEIVED
35
1.9%
1,164
62.3%
7
0.4%
163
8.7%
25
1.3%
5
0.3%
1,868
100.0%
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
Caveat: Use of Data Because of the modest response rate achieved in some regions and among some job titles, these data should not be viewed as a nationally representative statistical sample of all graphic design prof essionals. It does provide a current reflection of what some in the design profession are currently earning. The Salary and Total Compensation information is reported in terms of high, low, average and median (or middle) values for each job position. The information is also split out by several variables (Region, City, Gender, Education, Experience, Organization Size and Organization Type) where applicable. Caution should be applied in interpreting the results where the number of respondents is very small.
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
About Respondents
Three-in-five (62%) are not a member of RGD Ontario, GDC or SDGQ. One-quarter (25%) are members of RGD Ontario. ········································································· Three-in-ten (29%) have been working in the industry for less than 5 years. The average experience is approximately 10 years. ········································································· An equal number of men and women participated. ········································································· Two-thirds (67%) of respondents are employees in a design firm, corporation, ad agency, education institution or government. ········································································· Corporate identity/branding and advertising design are the areas of work most designers have been involved in during the last year. Seven-in-ten designers say they have done work in those areas. ········································································· The next most frequently mentioned areas are corporate collateral, print production and web design.
Areas Involved in During the Last Year TOTAL
PURE DESIGNERS
ALL OTHERS
Corporate identity/branding
70%
70%
43%
Advertising design
69%
69%
48%
Print production
64%
63%
56%
Corporate collateral
66%
66%
40%
Web design
63%
63%
60%
Project management
48%
46%
54%
Information design (charts, graphs)
50%
50%
29%
Illustration
44%
45%
28%
Publication design
41%
41%
21%
Website production
42%
41%
58%
Marketing communications
42%
42%
39%
Direct mail design
42%
42%
30%
Photography
39%
40%
31%
Exhibit/tradeshow booth design
40%
40%
25%
Signage and wayfinding
39%
40%
21%
Point of purchase displays
34%
34%
25%
Packaging design
30%
31%
19%
Proof-reading
32%
32%
42%
Copywriting/editing
24%
24%
30%
Multimedia design
28%
29%
27%
Marketing
31%
30%
36%
Annual report design
28%
27%
15%
Brand consulting
30%
29%
25%
Book design
26%
26%
12%
Communications strategy
26%
26%
27%
Information architecture
18%
18%
25%
Teaching
15%
15%
20%
Retail/interior design
12%
12%
1%
Market research
11%
11%
16%
Type/font design
9%
9%
3%
Broadcast design
7%
8%
3%
1,790
1,570
122
Base
10
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
Educational Background 20
3 year graphic design diploma/degree
34%
4 year graphic design diploma/degree
21%
2 year graphic design diploma/degree
14%
40
60
80 100
Length of Time Working in Graphic Design Industry Less than 2 years
10%
2 to 4 years
19%
5 to 9 years
27%
10 to 15 years
22%
16 to 25 years
16%
13%
26 years or more
Other college degree/diploma
12%
Average
Selected course in design
12%
Base
Undergraduate university (other)
9%
Partial degree/college
6%
Self-taught/apprentice
5%
Master’s degree
4%
Senior Graphic Designer
20%
1%
Intermediate Graphic Designer
15%
1,868
Freelance Designer (main position)
12%
Solo Designer
11%
20
40
60
80 100
Junior Graphic Designer
8%
Art Director
8%
Creative/Design Director
7%
Owner, Partner, Principal
7%
RGD Ontario
25%
Design/Project Manager
4%
GDC
13%
Print Production Manager
3%
Web Developer
1%
Web Producer/Manager
1%
Graphic Design Educator
1%
Brand Strategist/Consultant
1%
Base
1% 62% 1,868
Office Manager
Employment Environment 20
Principal/owner/partner of a design/consulting business with three or more people
7%
11%
Freelance designer
11%
Employee in a design firm or ad agency
31%
Employee in a corporation, education institution or government
36%
Not currently employed for 30 hours per week or more in the design industry
4%
40
60
80 100
40
60
80 100
1%
Copywriter
>.5%
Database/Systems Administrator
>.5%
Business Dev./Salesperson Base
Solo designer with own business
20
Job Title
Professional Design Association Membership
None of them
80 100
1,868
9%
SDGQ
60
6%
1 year degree/diploma
Base
40
10.4 Years
Diploma/degree in fine art
Other mentions
20
>.5% 1,802
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
11
About Respondents’ Employers One-in-ten respondents indicate they are solo designers with their own business (11%) and a similar number (11%) are full-time freelance designers. ········································································· Those who are not solo designers or full-time freelance designers represent varied work environments – 25% work at large corporations, 21% in graphic design firms, 13% in communications/ marketing firms and 10% in an advertising agency. ········································································· Two-in-five of all designers participating (43%) have been with the same company for the past 5 years. ········································································· Two-in-five (42%) work in an organization with less than 10 full-time employees. Organization Currently Employed With 20
Large corporation
25%
Graphic design firm
21%
Communications/marketing firm
13%
Advertising agency
10%
40
60
80 100
Number of Times Changed Companies in the Last 5 Years Never
43%
Once
23%
Twice
16%
Three times
11%
Four times
4%
Five or more times Average Base
20
40
60
80 100
40
60
80 100
1,802
One
18%
2-4
12%
5-9
12%
10-15
7%
16-25
6%
26-35
5%
36-45 46 or more Average Base
3% 37% 24.9 1,802
6% 5%
Small/medium company
4%
IT/web development firm
4%
Publishing house
4%
Not-for-profit company
4%
None
21%
Film house or printer
2%
One
15%
Solo design firm
1%
2-4
31%
Company selling or marketing to design professionals
1%
5-9
12%
Number of Part-time/Freelance Employees During 2006 20
10-15 16-25 Average Base
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
80 100
Number of Full-time Employees During 2006
26 or more
12
60
4%
Educational institution
1,386
40
1.3 times
Government
Base
20
4% 2% 15% 7.4 1,802
About Freelance Work
Approximately one-half (47%) of designers indicate they do freelance work in addition to their regular job. ········································································· Three-in-five (60%) say they spend 5 hours per week or less doing freelance work; the average is 7.0 hours. ········································································· Income from part-time freelance work ranged from $0 to $80,000; the average was $7,264 and the median was $3,500. ········································································· Rates charged by designers who do freelance work in addition to their regular job tend to be slightly higher than those charged by designers who do freelance work on a full-time basis.
Median Income Based on Average Number of Hours Freelance Per Week 3K
1 hour or less
$1,000
2 hours
$2,850
3 hours
$3,000
4 hours
$5,000
5 hours
$3,000
6 to 9 hours
$5,000
10 to 11 hours
$4,000
12 to 19 hours 20 hours or more Base
20
40
60
80 100
60
736
Average Number of Hours Per Week Spent on Freelance Work 1 hour or less
14%
2 hours
14%
13%
3 hours
7%
$1,000–$2,999
22%
4 hours
7%
$3,000–$4,999
12%
5 hours
18%
$5,000–$6,999
14%
6 to 9 hours
10%
$7,000–$9,999
8%
10 to 11 hours
14%
$10,000–$19,999
14%
12 to 19 hours
8%
$20,000–$29,999
5%
20 hours or more
$30,000+
5%
Average
None
7%
Base
High
$80,000
80 100
8% 7.0 hours 740
$0
Median
$3,500
Average
$7,264
Base
40
$8,000
Less than $1,000
Low
9K 12K 15K
$15,000
20
2006 Income From Freelance
6K
738
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
13
About Freelance Work
Full-time Freelance Billing Rates
HIGH
LOW
AVG
MEDIAN
# RESP
Creative/Design Direction
$175
$20
$55
$50
126
Less than 5 years experience
$100
$20
$43
$40
39
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$57
$50
65
16 years or more
$125
$30
$72
$70
22
Art Direction
$200
$20
$55
$50
109
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$20
$44
$35
36
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$58
$50
54
16 years or more
$125
$45
$69
$65
19
Design/Project Management
$175
$20
$52
$50
101
Less than 5 years experience
$60
$20
$34
$33
32
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$59
$50
53
16 years or more
$100
$25
$62
$58
16
Graphic Design
$175
$20
$48
$45
184
Less than 5 years experience
$100
$20
$39
$35
62
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$50
$45
93
16 years or more
$125
$25
$62
$55
29
Brand Strategy/Consulting
$175
$20
$55
$50
69
Less than 5 years experience
$80
$20
$41
$35
22
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$58
$50
39
16 years or more
$125
$50
$83
$95
8
Web Design
$175
$20
$51
$50
114
Less than 5 years experience
$65
$20
$39
$38
42
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$55
$50
58
16 years or more
$125
$40
$70
$60
14
Print Production Management
$175
$20
$49
$40
83
$60
$20
$36
$35
19
5–15 years experience
$175
$21
$51
$40
49
16 years or more
$125
$23
$61
$50
15
Copywriting
$150
$20
$51
$48
36
$70
$20
$39
$30
10
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$52
$45
23
16 years or more
$125
$60
$87
$75
3
File Preparation
$175
$20
$43
$35
93
Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
$75
$20
$35
$30
26
$175
$20
$45
$38
52
$85
$23
$48
$50
15
$175
$20
$58
$50
72
$80
$20
$39
$38
18
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$63
$55
40
16 years or more
$125
$35
$66
$64
14
Web Programming
$175
$20
$52
$50
60
$80
$20
$38
$30
22
5–15 years experience
$175
$20
$58
$50
33
16 years or more
$100
$40
$70
$60
5
Illustration
$200
$20
$55
$50
92
Less than 5 years experience
$150
$20
$40
$35
34
5–15 years experience
$200
$20
$64
$50
43
16 years or more
$150
$23
$66
$50
15
Photography
$200
$20
$55
$50
63
$75
$20
$40
$38
22
5–15 years experience
$200
$20
$59
$50
33
16 years or more
$150
$45
$82
$68
8
Marketing Management
$175
$20
$55
$43
34
5–15 years experience 16 years or more Art Direction & Supervision of Photography & Illustration Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
14
$50
$20
$33
$28
8
5–15 years experience
$175
$30
$59
$43
22
16 years or more
$125
$50
$81
$75
4
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
Part-time Freelance Billing Rates
HIGH
LOW
AVG
MEDIAN
# RESP
Creative/Design Direction
$250
$20
$67
$60
429
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$20
$51
$50
103
5–15 years experience
$250
$20
$69
$60
245
16 years or more
$250
$20
$81
$75
81
Art Direction
$210
$20
$68
$60
350
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$20
$53
$50
81
5–15 years experience
$210
$20
$70
$65
203
16 years or more
$200
$20
$80
$75
66
Design/Project Management
$200
$20
$62
$55
315
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$20
$52
$45
83
5–15 years experience
$200
$20
$63
$60
177
16 years or more
$180
$30
$73
$75
55
Graphic Design
$300
$20
$56
$50
624
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$20
$45
$40
184
5–15 years experience
$300
$20
$59
$50
347
16 years or more
$200
$20
$68
$70
93
Brand Strategy/Consulting
$250
$20
$67
$60
229
Less than 5 years experience
$150
$20
$52
$50
63
5–15 years experience
$250
$20
$70
$65
133
16 years or more
$250
$23
$85
$85
33
Web Design
$180
$20
$58
$50
369
Less than 5 years experience
$180
$20
$50
$45
125
5–15 years experience
$165
$20
$60
$55
207
16 years or more
$100
$25
$70
$75
37
Print Production Management
$190
$20
$57
$50
261
Less than 5 years experience
$100
$20
$46
$40
62
5–15 years experience
$190
$20
$57
$50
153
16 years or more
$130
$30
$72
$75
46
Copywriting
$150
$20
$60
$50
147
Less than 5 years experience
$100
$20
$50
$50
41
5–15 years experience
$120
$20
$60
$50
78
16 years or more
$150
$20
$74
$75
28
File Preparation
$190
$20
$54
$50
272
Less than 5 years experience
$100
$20
$45
$40
64
5–15 years experience
$190
$20
$56
$50
161
16 years or more
$100
$20
$62
$60
47
Art Direction & Supervision of Photography & Illustration
$175
$20
$67
$60
235
Less than 5 years experience
$175
$20
$57
$50
58
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$66
$65
134
16 years or more
$150
$20
$81
$75
43
Web Programming
$230
$20
$62
$50
172
Less than 5 years experience
$230
$20
$57
$45
56
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$62
$60
99
16 years or more
$100
$40
$71
$75
17
Illustration
$150
$20
$60
$50
232
Less than 5 years experience
$150
$20
$49
$50
69
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$61
$50
123
16 years or more
$150
$30
$77
$75
40
Photography
$200
$20
$60
$50
166
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$20
$58
$50
45
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$60
$50
94
16 years or more
$125
$20
$63
$60
27
Marketing Management
$250
$20
$69
$65
111
Less than 5 years experience
$150
$20
$59
$50
28
5–15 years experience
$200
$20
$65
$60
62
16 years or more
$250
$30
$95
$90
21
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
15
About Solo Designer Firms
One-third (35%) of solo design firms report income less than $30,000 in 2006. The range of income was $0 to $220,000. The average income was $47,592 and the median was $40,000. ········································································· Among solo designers who worked 1,000 hours or more (63% of solo designer respondents), the average income was $60,088. ········································································· On average, solo designers worked 1,299 hours to earn this income. ········································································· Almost one-half (45%) of solo designers who worked less than 500 hours report they also do freelance work. ········································································· One-in-ten (11%) solo designers said they spent no time on new business development in 2006; the average was 147 hours (4 weeks). ········································································· Billable rates for services offered by solo designers range from $20 to $250.
Income*– Solo Designer Firm *Defined as billings less business related expenditures
Less than $30,000
35%
$30,000 to $39,999
14%
$40,000 to $49,999
10%
$50,000 to $59,999
9%
$60,000 to $69,999
8%
$70,000 to $99,999
14%
$100,000 or more High Low
40
60
80 100
10% $220,000 $0
Median
$40,000
Average
$47,592
Base
20
204
Income*– Solo Designer Firm (Designers who work 1,000 hours or more) *Defined as billings less business related expenditures
Less than $30,000
16%
$30,000 to $39,999
16%
$40,000 to $49,999
13%
$50,000 to $59,999
12%
$60,000 to $69,999
9%
$70,000 to $99,999
21%
$100,000 or more High Low
40
60
80 100
60
80 100
13% $220,000 $1,500
Median
$50,000
Average
$60,088
Base
20
129
Time Spent on New Business Development – Solo Designer Firm 20
Less than 25 hours
21%
25 to 49 hours
14%
50 to 99 hours
15%
100 to 149 hours
15%
150 to 199 hours
7%
200 to 499 hours
10%
500 hours or more None Average Base
16
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
8% 11% 147 hours 205
40
Solo Designer Firm Billing Rates
HIGH
LOW
AVG
MEDIAN
# RESP
Creative/Design Direction
$250
$20
$83
$75
180
Less than 5 years experience
$75
$20
$49
$55
17
5–15 years experience
$200
$30
$78
$75
87
16 years or more
$250
$35
$95
$85
76
Art Direction
$200
$20
$80
$75
164
Less than 5 years experience
$75
$20
$51
$55
16
5–15 years experience
$200
$30
$78
$75
77
16 years or more
$200
$35
$90
$85
71
Design/Project Management
$150
$20
$75
$75
157
Less than 5 years experience
$120
$20
$54
$55
14
5–15 years experience
$150
$25
$70
$75
79
16 years or more
$150
$25
$84
$80
64
Graphic Design
$200
$25
$75
$75
188
Less than 5 years experience
$85
$25
$51
$50
19
5–15 years experience
$200
$25
$72
$70
92
16 years or more
$200
$25
$84
$75
77
Brand Strategy/Consulting
$250
$30
$82
$75
127
Less than 5 years experience
$120
$35
$53
$43
12
5–15 years experience
$200
$30
$78
$75
63
16 years or more
$250
$38
$94
$91
52
Web Design
$200
$25
$77
$75
140
Less than 5 years experience
$200
$35
$64
$55
15
5–15 years experience
$150
$25
$72
$70
71
16 years or more
$150
$38
$88
$80
54
Print Production Management
$150
$20
$70
$75
148
Less than 5 years experience
$65
$20
$47
$40
13
5–15 years experience
$150
$25
$66
$70
71
16 years or more
$125
$25
$78
$75
64
Copywriting
$150
$20
$75
$75
77
$65
$35
$47
$40
5
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$66
$65
38
16 years or more
$150
$40
$91
$88
34
File Preparation
$150
$20
$67
$70
145
Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
$70
$25
$51
$60
11
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$64
$65
67
16 years or more
$125
$25
$73
$75
67
Art Direction & Supervision of Photography & Illustration
$175
$25
$77
$75
139
Less than 5 years experience
$75
$30
$49
$45
10
5–15 years experience
$175
$25
$71
$75
64
16 years or more
$150
$35
$87
$80
65
Web Programming
$150
$20
$69
$70
72
$90
$35
$56
$60
7
5–15 years experience
$150
$20
$67
$69
40
16 years or more
$150
$38
$77
$75
25
Illustration
$200
$25
$76
$75
97
$65
$25
$48
$48
8
5–15 years experience
$200
$30
$72
$68
48
16 years or more
$150
$35
$86
$80
41
Photography
$200
$20
$77
$75
75
Less than 5 years experience
$125
$20
$75
$83
8
5–15 years experience
$200
$25
$71
$68
36
16 years or more
$150
$40
$84
$75
31
Marketing Management
$250
$25
$79
$75
56
Less than 5 years experience
$60
$30
$44
$40
7
5–15 years experience
$175
$25
$77
$75
25
16 years or more
$250
$40
$93
$85
24
Less than 5 years experience
Less than 5 years experience
2007/2008 NATIONAL SURVEY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN SALARIES & BILLING PRACTICES
17
About Firms Owned by Respondents Billing rates at design firms with three or more employees range from a low of around $20 to a high of $350. ········································································· One-half (54%) the firms had less than $100,000 in billings in 2006. ········································································· Partner/principals and solo designers are reasonably optimistic about the year ahead – seven-in-ten (69%) expect billings will increase in 2007 while 12% expect their billings will decrease. ········································································· The distribution of clients among local, regional, provincial, national, USA, Europe and Mexico, South America and Asia is not expected to change very much from 2005 to 2007. The bulk of the work (about three-quarters) is from local clients.
Client Allocations – 2005 Local
78%
Provincial
11%
National
4%
USA
6%
Europe Mexico, South America & Asia
1% >.5%
Base
335
Client Allocations – 2006 Local
75%
Provincial
12%
National
6%
USA
7%
Europe Mexico, South America & Asia Base
1% >.5% 333
Projected Client Allocations – 2007 Local
73%
Provincial
13%
National
6%
USA
6%
Europe
1%
Mexico, South America & Asia
1%
Base
18
THE ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OF ONTARIO
335
Billing Rates by Job Title HIGH
LOW
AVG
MEDIAN
# RESP
2005 MEDIAN
2003 MEDIAN
2001 MEDIAN
Owner, Partner, Principal
$350
$30
$123
$110
114
$100
$120
$100
Creative/Design Director
$350
$33
$134
$120
53
$100
$125
$120
Art Director
$300
$20
$111
$100
36
$100
$100
$100
Design/Project Manager
$175
$28
$105
$100
41
$100
$95
$100
Senior Graphic Designer
$225
$22
$101
$100
63
$85
$90
$90
Intermediate Graphic Designer
$175
$37
$98
$100
45
$80
$90
$80
Junior Graphic Designer
$140
$30
$84
$85
37
$75
$70
$60
Print Production Manager
$250
$30
$101
$95
23
$85
$100
$80
Copywriter
$250
$35
$104
$98
32
$80
$110
$90
Web Developer
$175
$25
$94
$100
45
$100
$85
$90
Database/Systems Administrator
$160
$45
$98
$98
10
$100
n/a
n/a
Web Producer/ Manager
$175
$20
$103
$100
13
$85
$85
$100
Brand Strategist/ Consultant
$350
$75
$152
$125
21
$125
$150
$150
Billings – Year 2006
Expected Billing Changes in 2007 20
40
60
80 100
Increase more than 50%
9%
Less than $50,000
27%
$50,000 - $99,999
27%
$100,000 - $199,999
13%
$200,000 - $499,999
18%
Decrease