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The differences between 3d modelers and graphic artists 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 modeler, becoming a graphic artist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $54,900 average annual salary of a graphic artist.
The top three skills for a 3d modeler include animation, adobe photoshop and visualization. The most important skills for a graphic artist are graphic design, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| 3D Modeler | Graphic Artist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,946 | $54,900 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $26.39 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 1,245 | 8,752 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A 3D modeler is responsible for designing project models by utilizing various software applications and computer tools to represent high-quality digital content that would help the team and clients visualize the object. 3D modelers work closely with the design team to evaluate ideas and identify its feasibility scope on an enhanced digital view, giving them the ability to adjust and revise structures as needed. A 3D modeler must have excellent technical and critical-thinking skills to understand the clients' specifications and recommend solutions through graphics analysis.
A graphic artist is either an illustrator or an animator who creates art work that will be used in graphic projects such as advertisements, posters, or even book covers. Although a graphic artist has his/her own style of artwork, he/she may be often commissioned to create art specifically for a particular project. A graphic artist may work with a graphic designer in order to convey the overall message of a project. The portfolio of a graphic artist includes cartoons, illustrations, and graphic novels.
3d modelers and graphic artists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Modeler | Graphic Artist | |
| Average salary | $75,946 | $54,900 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $114,000 | Between $35,000 And $84,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Bellevue, WA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Parsons |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Non Profits |
There are a few differences between a 3d modeler and a graphic artist in terms of educational background:
| 3D Modeler | Graphic Artist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d modelers' and graphic artists' demographics:
| 3D Modeler | Graphic Artist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% 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% |