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The differences between graphic design specialists and visual 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 visual designer. Additionally, a visual designer has an average salary of $86,495, 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 visual designer are sketch, visual design, and graphic design.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Visual Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $55,925 | $86,495 |
| Hourly rate | $26.89 | $41.58 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 49,055 | 46,815 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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.
A visual designer is someone who creates designs for a variety of platforms such as Internet and intranet sites, games, and wearables. The duties of visual designers depend on the specific project or industry in which they are working. Duties include creating user-centered interaction models, working with information technology and business teams to resolve complex issues, and designing logos, icons, and infographics. The qualifications to become a visual designer include possessing strong problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills and obtaining a bachelor's degree in design.
Graphic design specialists and visual designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Design Specialist | Visual Designer | |
| Average salary | $55,925 | $86,495 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $80,000 | Between $51,000 And $143,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Berkshire Hathaway | ByteDance |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a graphic design specialist and a visual designer in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Visual Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 visual designers' demographics:
| Graphic Design Specialist | Visual Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% | Male, 53.1% Female, 46.9% |
| 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% |