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The differences between associate graphic designers and lead 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 lead designer. Additionally, a lead designer has an average salary of $110,001, which is higher than the $52,393 average annual salary of an associate 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 lead designer are sketch, user experience, and architecture.
| Associate Graphic Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,393 | $110,001 |
| Hourly rate | $25.19 | $52.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 45,173 | 45,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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.
A lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients' needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards. They regularly update the client of the project's status, including adjustment and design recommendations, ensuring that the plan meets the client's budget goals. A lead designer must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on running diagnostic tests to improve optimal performance.
Associate graphic designers and lead designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Graphic Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Average salary | $52,393 | $110,001 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $73,000 | Between $78,000 And $154,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Yahoo | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between an associate graphic designer and a lead designer in terms of educational background:
| Associate Graphic Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 lead designers' demographics:
| Associate Graphic Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.5% Female, 53.5% | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% |
| 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% |