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Computer hardware designer vs computer graphic designer

The differences between computer hardware designers and computer 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 computer hardware designer, becoming a computer graphic designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a computer hardware designer has an average salary of $134,713, which is higher than the $55,644 average annual salary of a computer graphic designer.

The top three skills for a computer hardware designer include CAD, PCB and FPGA. The most important skills for a computer graphic designer are adobe photoshop, graphic design, and adobe illustrator.

Computer hardware designer vs computer graphic designer overview

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Graphic Designer
Yearly salary$134,713$55,644
Hourly rate$64.77$26.75
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs59,58056,896
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Average age4438
Years of experience212

Computer hardware designer vs computer graphic designer salary

Computer hardware designers and computer graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Graphic Designer
Average salary$134,713$55,644
Salary rangeBetween $95,000 And $189,000Between $31,000 And $99,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CALos Angeles, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleTippett Studio
Best paying industry--

Differences between computer hardware designer and computer graphic designer education

There are a few differences between a computer hardware designer and a computer graphic designer in terms of educational background:

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Graphic Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 52%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringGraphic Design
Most common collegeNortheastern UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Computer hardware designer vs computer graphic designer demographics

Here are the differences between computer hardware designers' and computer graphic designers' demographics:

Computer Hardware DesignerComputer Graphic Designer
Average age4438
Gender ratioMale, 79.3% Female, 20.7%Male, 67.4% Female, 32.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.5% Asian, 30.0% White, 51.0% 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 Percentage4%13%

Differences between computer hardware designer and computer graphic designer duties and responsibilities

Computer hardware designer example responsibilities.

  • Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
  • Optimize design, permitting implementation in a cheaper FPGA.
  • Redesign most of the FPGA circuitry dedicate to this reflection.
  • Provide concept drawings, proof of concept / prototyping, creating manufacturing drawings, and field support.
  • Work as a team member to gather, classify, and document the software, hardware, and firmware requirements.
  • Perform design specification and RTL implementation of functional units and 2D imaging memory controllers.
  • Show more

Computer graphic designer example responsibilities.

  • Create ads, manage copywriting, respond to customer inquiries, generate brand unity, establish clear company identity.
  • present: Macintosh and PC platform.
  • Create slides for speaker support, image slides from both PC & Macintosh platforms, and slide duplication.
  • Design and typesetting of e-manuals, brochures, and flyers.
  • Create layouts and designs for approval including creative concepts, and typesetting.
  • Create numerous company desktop backgrounds for employee computers and computers send out for training purposes.
  • Show more

Computer hardware designer vs computer graphic designer skills

Common computer hardware designer skills
  • CAD, 24%
  • PCB, 19%
  • FPGA, 16%
  • RF, 10%
  • Python, 9%
  • Hardware Development, 4%
Common computer graphic designer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 14%
  • Graphic Design, 13%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 11%
  • Layout Design, 6%
  • Design Brochures, 5%
  • Computer Graphics, 5%

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