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The differences between 3d animators and graphic design specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a 3d animator, becoming a graphic design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d animator has an average salary of $73,596, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a 3d animator include animation, storyboards and visualization. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| 3D Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,596 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $35.38 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 571 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A 3D animator specializes in designing and developing 3D animation materials, adhering to the program or project's needs. They typically work together with a team of animators and producers in studios or offices. Most of the time, their responsibilities involve performing extensive research, creating drafts and storyboards, consulting with team members and editors, and performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a 3D animator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A graphic design specialist utilizes their artistic expertise in creating imagery and designs that convey a particular message. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to determine their needs and goals, developing concepts and subjecting it for client approval, and revising designs as necessary. In a company setting, a graphic design specialist may work with a team, coordinating with them while sticking to budgets and deadlines. Furthermore, as a team member, it is essential to report to managers or supervisors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
3d animators and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $73,596 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $108,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a 3d animator and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| 3D Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d animators' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| 3D Animator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 13% |