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The differences between graphic design specialists and freelance 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 specialist and a freelance designer. Additionally, a freelance designer has an average salary of $57,260, 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 freelance designer are sketch, CSS, and HTML.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Freelance Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $55,925 | $57,260 |
| Hourly rate | $26.89 | $27.53 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 49,055 | 45,914 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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.
Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients. Typical activities include networking, seeking projects, and negotiating prices to their customers. They manage client proposals, develop concepts, present solutions, and ensure the timely completion of projects. Freelance visual and graphic designers are creative, self-motivated as well as result and deadline oriented.
Graphic design specialists and freelance designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Freelance Designer | |
| Average salary | $55,925 | $57,260 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $80,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Berkshire Hathaway | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a graphic design specialist and a freelance designer in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Freelance Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| 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 freelance designers' demographics:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Freelance Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% |
| 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% |