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The differences between desktop publishing specialists 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 a desktop publishing specialist and a graphic designer. Additionally, a desktop publishing specialist has an average salary of $53,593, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for a desktop publishing specialist include powerpoint, graphic design and proofreading. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,593 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $25.77 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | -14% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 3,740 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 43 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A desktop publishing specialist prepares and processes documents and other materials for print or online publication. A desktop publishing specialist must have an eye for detail because they are primarily in charge of handling the layout, proofreading pages, designing and developing materials, identifying and correcting issues, and performing revisions as necessary. They usually coordinate with clients to determine their needs and preferences, completing projects within deadlines and budgets. Moreover, a desktop publishing specialist maintains a clear and open communication line with staff to ensure quality and efficient results.
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.
Desktop publishing specialists and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $53,593 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $73,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Citi | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a desktop publishing specialist and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Texas at Austin | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between desktop publishing specialists' and graphic designers' demographics:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 43 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 7.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | 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 | 7% | 13% |