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The differences between associate graphic designers and graphic designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an associate graphic designer and a graphic designer. Additionally, an associate graphic designer has an average salary of $52,393, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for an associate graphic designer include graphic design, adobe creative suite and powerpoint. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| Associate Graphic Designer | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,393 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $25.19 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 45,173 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Associate graphic designers are entry-level graphic designers. They may be fresh graduates or new to the field. Associate graphic designers should be creative and innovative. They should be able to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the company. They must also be trainable and willing to learn. Associate graphic designers may be asked to assist senior graphic designers in fulfilling orders or tasks. They may assist in creating drafts, rendering finished products, and reviewing orders. Once they have proven their skills, they may be assigned to do bigger tasks, create and fulfill orders, or even lead projects.
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.
Associate graphic designers and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Graphic Designer | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $52,393 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $73,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Yahoo | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between an associate graphic designer and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Graphic Designer | Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between associate graphic designers' and graphic designers' demographics:
| Associate Graphic Designer | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.5% Female, 53.5% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 13% | 13% |