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2026 comparison

IT Support Technician vs Graphic Designer salary in South Africa

Compare salary, demand, difficulty, and long-term growth to choose the right career path.

Quick answer

IT Support Technician vs Graphic Designer in South Africa

Higher paying career
Graphic Designer
Monthly difference
R10 000
Easier to enter
IT Support Technician
Better long-term
IT Support Technician

Winner summary

Winner for salary
Graphic Designer (+R10 000/month)
Easier entry
IT Support Technician
Best long-term
IT Support Technician
Verdict

Choose IT Support Technician if your goal is higher income and long-term growth.

Choose IT Support Technician if your goal is faster entry and lower barriers.

Career overview

IT Support Technician

Demand: 9/10

Salary guide
Requirements

N+ / A+ / IT diploma.

  • A+ / N+
  • Customer service
  • Patience and clear communication
Salary
EntryR12 000
MidR30 000
SeniorR45 000
Top 20%R65 000

Graphic Designer

Demand: 6/10

Salary guide
Requirements

Design diploma, degree or strong portfolio.

  • Design portfolio
  • Visual design fundamentals
  • Creative software
Salary
EntryR12 000
MidR32 000
SeniorR55 000
Top 20%R85 000

Salary breakdown

Entry
IT Support TechnicianR12 000
Graphic DesignerR12 000
Mid
IT Support TechnicianR30 000
Graphic DesignerR32 000
Senior
IT Support TechnicianR45 000
Graphic DesignerR55 000
Top 20%
IT Support TechnicianR65 000
Graphic DesignerR85 000

Demand and difficulty

Demand

IT Support Technician (9/10)9/10
Graphic Designer (6/10)6/10

Difficulty

IT Support Technician (3/10)3/10
Graphic Designer (5/10)5/10
Salary difference
+R10 000/month

The salary gap at senior level is about R10 000 per month. Graphic Designer earns more due to higher demand and stronger salary growth at senior level.

See full Graphic Designer salary in South Africa →

Key questions

Which pays more in South Africa?

Graphic Designer pays more, with senior salaries around R55 000 per month compared to R45 000 for IT Support Technician.

Which is easier to enter?

IT Support Technician is easier to enter due to lower difficulty and more accessible requirements.

Which is better long-term?

IT Support Technician offers stronger long-term potential based on higher salary ceilings and demand.

Detailed comparison

When comparing IT Support Technician vs Graphic Designer in South Africa, the senior-level salary difference is R10 000 per month.

IT Support Technician is better for quicker entry into the workforce. IT Support Technician is better for long-term earnings and career growth.

Skills and requirements

IT Support Technician

Core skills
  • Hardware troubleshootingHigh
  • Windows / Office 365High
  • Active DirectoryMedium

Graphic Designer

Core skills
  • Adobe Creative SuiteHigh
  • Brand designHigh
  • TypographyMedium
  • FigmaMedium
  • Digital campaignsMedium

Side by side

Hardware troubleshooting
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Windows / Office 365
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Active Directory
IT Support Technician needs this
Less central
Adobe Creative Suite
Less central
Graphic Designer needs this
Brand design
Less central
Graphic Designer needs this
Typography
Less central
Graphic Designer needs this

Career progression

IT Support Technician

HelpdeskR16 000
IT Support TechR30 000
Senior SupportR45 000
SysadminR65 000

Graphic Designer

Junior Graphic DesignerR16 000
Graphic DesignerR32 000
Senior Graphic DesignerR55 000
Art DirectorR75 000

Related insights

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