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The differences between graphic design managers and graphic design 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 graphic design manager and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a graphic design manager has an average salary of $66,975, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a graphic design manager include graphic design, project management and customer service. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Graphic Design Manager | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $66,975 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $32.20 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 48,269 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A graphic design manager is primarily in charge of leading and overseeing the efforts of a graphic design team, ensuring adherence to goals and deadlines. It is their duty to learn and analyze the purpose of design, coordinate staff, liaise with internal and external parties, set goals and objectives, manage schedules, and conceptualize plans. Furthermore, as a graphic design manager, it is essential to lead and encourage teams to reach goals while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
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.
Graphic design managers and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Design Manager | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $66,975 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $91,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic design manager and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Design Manager | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic design managers' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Graphic Design Manager | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 13% | 13% |