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The differences between graphic design specialists and specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a graphic design specialist, becoming a specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a specialist has an average salary of $58,013, 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 specialist are patients, customer service, and work ethic.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $55,925 | $58,013 |
| Hourly rate | $26.89 | $27.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 49,055 | 358,433 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Average age | 38 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
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.
Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to. The actions or tasks they work on are related to their educational background or work experiences. They are usually highly skilled in specializations related to the work they are assigned to. Specialists are also highly trained on the competencies that are required of their specialty. As such, they are focused on the skills and competencies that are needed to enhance their experience in their specific field further.
Graphic design specialists and specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Specialist | |
| Average salary | $55,925 | $58,013 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $80,000 | Between $32,000 And $104,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Jersey City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Berkshire Hathaway | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a graphic design specialist and a specialist in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 49% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between graphic design specialists' and specialists' demographics:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% | Male, 47.5% Female, 52.5% |
| 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, 11.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 10.5% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 11% |