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The differences between graphic design specialists and creative 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 specialist and a creative specialist. Additionally, a creative specialist has an average salary of $59,079, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a graphic design specialist include graphic design, adobe creative suite and visualization. The most important skills for a creative specialist are graphic design, digital marketing, and marketing campaigns.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Creative Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $55,925 | $59,079 |
| Hourly rate | $26.89 | $28.40 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 49,055 | 29,855 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
Creative specialists are professionals who are responsible for enhancing the effectiveness of their online content by improving the layout of their web page using graphic design and layout techniques. These specialists must possess skills in using various software such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Creative Suite to be used for their web page development, online media, and graphic design. Creative specialists are also hired by marketing companies to assist them in developing the online presence of their advertising campaigns.
Graphic design specialists and creative specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Creative Specialist | |
| Average salary | $55,925 | $59,079 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $80,000 | Between $34,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | Berkshire Hathaway | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a graphic design specialist and a creative specialist in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Creative Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic design specialists' and creative specialists' demographics:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Creative Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% | Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3% |
| 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% |