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The differences between 3d animators and graphic designers 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 designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d animator has an average salary of $73,596, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for a 3d animator include animation, storyboards and visualization. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| 3D Animator | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,596 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $35.38 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 571 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| 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.
Graphic designers are visual communicators who create graphic ideas to deliver a message through art and images which inspire, inform, and motivate consumers with the use of computer software, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign or by hand. They have the ability to design stunning illustrations that are easily understood, even without a lot of thinking or based on the demand of their clients. It is very crucial to them as well to be flexible and to stay on top of the design trends. They create websites, posters, packaging, logos, advertising, and marketing materials, depending on the nature of the business.
3d animators and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Animator | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $73,596 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $108,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a 3d animator and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| 3D Animator | Graphic Designer | |
| 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 designers' demographics:
| 3D Animator | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| 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% |