The IT industry in Pakistan has become one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors, providing opportunities for both skilled professionals and fresh graduates. Within this context, Dhanote IT Park in Southern Punjab is rapidly emerging as a hub for software development, digital marketing, and creative services. For many professionals, understanding the earning potential—especially the salary of graphic designer in Pakistan—is crucial when considering career moves in this region.
This article explores the truth about salaries in Dhanote IT Park, highlights government initiatives, compares wages across different regions, and provides actionable insights for those planning a career in tech.
IT Job Market in Pakistan – Where Dhanote Fits In
Quick Answer: Pakistan’s IT job market is growing at over 30% annually, and Dhanote IT Park is strategically positioned to benefit from this boom.
Pakistan’s IT export revenue crossed $3 billion in 2024, according to the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB). While major hubs like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad dominate, emerging IT parks such as Dhanote are bridging regional gaps. Dhanote offers:
Affordable office spaces for startups.
Access to government-backed initiatives like the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA).
Opportunities for rural and semi-urban youth to enter high-paying IT roles.
Average Salaries in Dhanote IT Park Software Houses
Quick Answer: Salaries in Dhanote IT Park are competitive, though slightly lower than Lahore or Karachi, with growth potential due to rising demand.
Based on regional surveys and company reports:
Fresh graduates: PKR 30,000 – 45,000/month
Mid-level developers: PKR 60,000 – 120,000/month
Senior engineers/project managers: PKR 150,000 – 300,000/month
The IT Park aims to reduce “brain drain” by creating jobs locally. While salaries may be modest initially, the cost of living in Multan Division and surrounding areas is significantly lower compared to Islamabad or Karachi.
The Salary of Graphic Designer in Pakistan
Quick Answer: A graphic designer in Pakistan earns between PKR 25,000–70,000 monthly, depending on skill and location.
In the context of software houses, design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about branding and user experience. According to recent market insights, the salary of graphic designer in Pakistan varies widely:
Entry-level: PKR 20,000–35,000/month
Skilled professionals: PKR 40,000–70,000/month
Freelancers (international clients): $500–$1500/month
Graphic designers in Dhanote IT Park often earn closer to the national average but enjoy higher job security due to the park’s growing demand for creative roles in startups and software houses.
Government Support and IT Park Initiatives
Quick Answer: Programs like Ignite and STZA are driving digital transformation, directly impacting salaries in regional IT hubs.
Pakistan’s government has launched several programs to foster IT growth:
Ignite (National Technology Fund): Offers training for emerging tech skills like AI and blockchain.
STZA (Special Technology Zones Authority): Provides tax incentives for IT parks, including Dhanote.
Punjab IT Board Youth Programs: Creating talent pipelines through internships and hackathons.
“Our vision is to decentralize IT opportunities beyond Lahore and Karachi by investing in smaller hubs like Dhanote IT Park,” said a senior executive at Ignite.
Skills That Increase Salary Potential in IT Parks
Quick Answer: Digital marketing, UI/UX, mobile app development, and AI are the most in-demand, high-paying skills.
Professionals can boost their salaries by mastering:
Full-stack development (React, Node.js, Python).
UI/UX design using Figma and Adobe XD.
AI and data analytics.
Mobile app development (Flutter, React Native).
Adding certifications (Google, Meta, Coursera) increases employability and salary offers in IT parks.
Salary Comparison: Dhanote vs. Lahore, Karachi, and UAE
Quick Answer: Salaries in Dhanote IT Park are 15–20% lower than major cities but far more sustainable due to lower costs.
Lahore/Islamabad: Higher salaries, but high living costs.
Dhanote: Slightly lower salaries, but lower expenses make savings easier.
UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi): Salaries are 3–4x higher (PKR 300,000–600,000/month for mid-level roles), but competition and visa requirements are stricter.
For example, a mid-level PHP developer earns around PKR 80,000 in Dhanote versus AED 8,000–10,000 in Dubai.
Dhanote IT Park: The Emerging Hub for Youth Careers
Quick Answer: Dhanote IT Park is creating jobs and retaining local talent, offering a promising future for the region.
Located in Southern Punjab, Dhanote IT Park is attracting software houses, BPO firms, and creative agencies. By offering local employment, it helps:
Reduce migration of youth to big cities.
Encourage women in IT through local training programs.
Foster entrepreneurship via co-working and incubation spaces.
This model mirrors global success stories, where small towns develop into tech corridors with government and private collaboration.
Challenges in Salary Growth at Regional IT Parks
Quick Answer: Limited exposure and fewer multinational clients keep salaries from matching big-city IT hubs.
Professionals in Dhanote face challenges like:
Smaller client pools.
Fewer international outsourcing contracts.
Slower adoption of high-end technologies.
However, partnerships with UAE-based firms are opening new opportunities for outsourcing and remote employment.
Future Outlook for Salaries in Dhanote IT Park
Quick Answer: Salaries are projected to grow by 20–30% in the next five years as more companies establish presence.
With increasing government incentives, freelance exports, and hybrid remote jobs, professionals in Dhanote can expect steady salary hikes. Youth-focused initiatives like Kamyab Jawan Program and NAVTTC training are also preparing graduates for future high-paying jobs.
FAQs
Q1: What is the average starting salary in Dhanote IT Park?
A fresh graduate usually earns PKR 30,000–45,000 per month.
Q2: Do graphic designers earn well in Dhanote IT Park?
Yes, they earn PKR 25,000–70,000 depending on skill and client type.
Q3: How do Dhanote salaries compare to Lahore or Karachi?
They are slightly lower, but cost of living is also much lower, making savings possible.
Q4: Can professionals in Dhanote IT Park work for international clients?
Yes, many freelancers and companies here work with UAE and Middle Eastern clients.
Q5: Which IT roles are most in-demand in Dhanote?
Software developers, UI/UX designers, and digital marketers are among the highest in demand.
Q6: Are there government programs supporting youth in Dhanote?
Yes, programs from STZA, Ignite, and PITB are creating training and job pipelines.
Final Thought
As someone closely observing the IT industry’s growth in Pakistan, I believe Dhanote IT Park represents a new model of regional empowerment. While salaries here may not yet match Lahore or Dubai, the combination of affordable living, government support, and growing international exposure makes Dhanote an attractive option for young professionals. Having seen similar initiatives in the UAE, I’m confident that Southern Punjab can become a competitive IT hub—if talent and policy continue to align.
