52111 - Graphic Arts Technicians
Broad Occupation Category
5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport.
TEER
2 - Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training.
Major Group
52 - Technical occupations in art, culture and sport.
Sub-major Group
521 - Technical occupations in art and culture.
Minor Group
5211 - Technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts.
Main Job Duties
Graphic arts technicians support the production of visual materials for print and digital media:
- Assist in the design and layout of printed and digital materials
- Prepare artwork files for printing or digital publication
- Operate graphic design and layout software such as Adobe Creative Suite
- Edit and adjust images, colors, and typography
- Ensure consistency with branding and visual identity guidelines
- Prepare mock-ups, proofs, and production samples for client review
- Coordinate with designers, printers, and marketing teams
- Troubleshoot technical issues in graphic production processes
- Optimize files for different formats including print, web, and mobile
- Maintain quality control for final output
- Support multimedia content production for social media and advertising
- Manage digital assets and version control systems
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and qualifications for this occupation in Canada:
- Completion of a college diploma in graphic arts, graphic design, multimedia, or printing technology is usually required.
- Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is required.
- Knowledge of digital imaging, typography, and print production processes is essential.
- Strong attention to detail and layout accuracy is required.
- A portfolio demonstrating completed design or production work may be required.
- Experience working in print, advertising, or digital media environments is an asset.
- Understanding of branding and visual communication principles is beneficial.
- Ability to manage deadlines and work in fast-paced environments is important.
- Foreign-trained professionals may require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Eligibility for immigration pathways depends on experience, language proficiency, and provincial requirements.
Graphic Arts Technician Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)16.00
Median ($/hour)25.00
High ($/hour)38.00
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)18.00
Median ($/hour)35.00
High ($/hour)59.40
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)16.55
Median ($/hour)30.71
High ($/hour)53.71
