The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) has released the findings of its 2017/18 Fees and Salary Survey. The national survey shows encouraging signs for designers and the Australian design industry.
Highlights from the survey results indicate that average earnings for experienced designers were recovering in most disciplines after a record low point recorded around 2013 - but that there were variations in the degree of recovery.
The survey also identifies that there had been a general halt in the decline of fees relative to average income for designers and an increase in median charge-out fees to $150 per hour plus GST.
"The trends are going up. It's good news for the design profession," commented Jo-Ann Kellock, DIA Chief Executive Officer.
"It is clear we are going in the right direction," added Nicholas Eldridge, AGDA Chief Executive Officer. "The relative salaries across the region are quite comparable."
Detailed results and analysis of the survey are available for DIA Members.