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The differences between graphic design managers and lead 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 graphic design manager and a lead designer. Additionally, a lead designer has an average salary of $110,001, which is higher than the $66,975 average annual salary of a graphic design manager.
The top three skills for a graphic design manager include graphic design, project management and customer service. The most important skills for a lead designer are sketch, user experience, and architecture.
| Graphic Design Manager | Lead Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $66,975 | $110,001 |
| Hourly rate | $32.20 | $52.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 48,269 | 45,423 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients' needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards. They regularly update the client of the project's status, including adjustment and design recommendations, ensuring that the plan meets the client's budget goals. A lead designer must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on running diagnostic tests to improve optimal performance.
Graphic design managers and lead designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Design Manager | Lead Designer | |
| Average salary | $66,975 | $110,001 |
| Salary range | Between $49,000 And $91,000 | Between $78,000 And $154,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New York | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a graphic design manager and a lead designer in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Design Manager | Lead Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 lead designers' demographics:
| Graphic Design Manager | Lead Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.9% Female, 51.1% | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% |
| 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% |