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The differences between exhibition designers and graphic design specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an exhibition designer, becoming a graphic design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an exhibition designer has an average salary of $62,371, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for an exhibition designer include CAD, design concepts and concept development. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Exhibition Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $62,371 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $29.99 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 45,425 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 42 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
An exhibition designer creates appealing and creative display stands, meeting the practical, budgetary, and aesthetic requirements. Besides organizing and participating in meetings, explaining design issues, and producing competitive and realistic quotes, exhibition designers also respond to clients' queries and transport their display 'stands' to the required exhibition venues. They deliver finished display stands to clients for reviewing, erecting, and dismantling the stands at different locations and create sketches and 3D computer-produced images. Also, they negotiate and agree on time-scales and budgets.
A graphic design specialist utilizes their artistic expertise in creating imagery and designs that convey a particular message. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to determine their needs and goals, developing concepts and subjecting it for client approval, and revising designs as necessary. In a company setting, a graphic design specialist may work with a team, coordinating with them while sticking to budgets and deadlines. Furthermore, as a team member, it is essential to report to managers or supervisors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Exhibition designers and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Exhibition Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $62,371 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $99,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Washington |
| Best paying company | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between an exhibition designer and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Exhibition Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between exhibition designers' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Exhibition Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 42 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.4% Female, 40.6% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 11.4% White, 70.6% 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 | 12% | 13% |