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The differences between desktop publishing specialists and graphics specialists 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 graphics specialist. Additionally, a graphics specialist has an average salary of $56,007, which is higher than the $53,593 average annual salary of a desktop publishing specialist.
The top three skills for a desktop publishing specialist include powerpoint, graphic design and proofreading. The most important skills for a graphics specialist are graphic design, adobe illustrator, and adobe photoshop.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $53,593 | $56,007 |
| Hourly rate | $25.77 | $26.93 |
| Growth rate | -14% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 3,740 | 12,267 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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.
A graphics specialist is an expert at conceptualizing and developing visual art for businesses or individuals, typically for marketing or information purposes. Moreover, there are also opportunities for employment in the web and media industry. As a graphics specialist, their responsibilities include liaising with clients to identify their needs, understanding the purpose and message of the project, developing proposals, coordinating with team members, and conducting revisions as needed, all while adhering to the goals and deadlines set by the client or management.
Desktop publishing specialists and graphics specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Average salary | $53,593 | $56,007 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $73,000 | Between $38,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Washington |
| Best paying company | Citi | ZeniMax Media |
| Best paying industry | Media | Finance |
There are a few differences between a desktop publishing specialist and a graphics specialist in terms of educational background:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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 graphics specialists' demographics:
| Desktop Publishing Specialist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.1% Female, 61.9% | Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6% |
| 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% |