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The differences between design consultants and graphic design assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a design consultant, becoming a graphic design assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a design consultant has an average salary of $77,803, which is higher than the $40,835 average annual salary of a graphic design assistant.
The top three skills for a design consultant include product knowledge, java and design process. The most important skills for a graphic design assistant are graphic design, CAD, and sketch.
| Design Consultant | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $77,803 | $40,835 |
| Hourly rate | $37.41 | $19.63 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 59,470 | 54,021 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 42 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A design consultant is an individual who provides expertise incorporating functionality and aesthetics to a space or product based on the evaluation of the needs of customers or clients. Design consultants may collaborate with other professionals such as architects, graphic designers, or fashion designers to cater to the needs of their customers. They assist in improving existing designs, either in interior designs, fashions, or graphics. Design consultants may also work in different work settings like retail stores, architectural companies, or graphic design firms.
Graphic Design Assistants help graphic designers in creating art, fulfilling orders, and managing the studio. They may be budding graphic designers looking for industry experience or creative professionals interested in getting into the graphic designing industry. They should be familiar with the different tools and concepts involved in graphic design. Graphic Design Assistants help lead graphic designers to complete different activities. They may assist by lining, coloring, rendering, and adding finishing touches to the designs. They may also be in charge of packaging physical art and booking shipments to buyers. Graphic Design Assistants should be able to showcase their creative prowess. They are welcome to pitch in designs, critique art, and provide input.
Design consultants and graphic design assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Design Consultant | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Average salary | $77,803 | $40,835 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $119,000 | Between $28,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Pennsylvania | New York |
| Best paying company | Slalom | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a design consultant and a graphic design assistant in terms of educational background:
| Design Consultant | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Interior Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Cornell University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between design consultants' and graphic design assistants' demographics:
| Design Consultant | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.1% Female, 51.9% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.5% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 4.6% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 | 23% | 13% |