Technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts

How to become a graphic arts technician

Official title: Graphic arts technicians

Also called: Art work assembler, Graphics technician, Graphic arts renderer, Silkscreen technician, Graphic arts assembler, Graphic arts technician, Graphic arts copy stylist, Computer graphics operator, Animated cartoon technician, Hand painter - graphic arts, Computer graphics technician, Stencil marker - graphic arts

Graphic arts technicians assist in conceptualizing a project, interpreting design specifications or sketches, preparing the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and preparing production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They are employed by publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.

Main tasks

Review the graphic designer's instructions
Produce or assist in developing and producing design concepts
Capture elements such as titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering and colour harmonization, using a computer
Produce computerized images and drawings
Digitize images using peripherals and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes or specialized software
Perform the layout, page make-up and placement using the conceptual mock-ups provided
Produce proofs and camera-ready materials and prepare film and any other prepress materials
Paint or ink individual cells of 2-D or 3-D animated drawings according to animator's specifications using an electronic palette

How to become one

A college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics or animated design is required. Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required. Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 39% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Graphic communications; Design and applied arts; Computer software and media applications.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $68,172 a year The middle half earn $54,600 to $100,289.
About 14,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 17,800 are projected by 2033. (+20.3%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become a graphic arts technician?

How much does a graphic arts technician earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $68,172 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $54,600 to $100,289.

Is a graphic arts technician a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2033, from about 14,800 to about 17,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a graphic arts technician?

Not always. 37% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03