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The differences between graphic designer/illustrators and graphic design 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 designer/illustrator and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a graphic design specialist has an average salary of $55,925, which is higher than the $45,124 average annual salary of a graphic designer/illustrator.
The top three skills for a graphic designer/illustrator include adobe illustrator, adobe photoshop and logo design. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Graphic Designer/Illustrator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $45,124 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $21.69 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 44,853 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
As a graphic designer or illustrator, your job involves working with images to create visual displays for clients. If you work as a graphic designer, you may be required to create layouts using computer software. As a graphic illustrator, your job responsibility may revolve around drawing or painting images and uploading them to make digital copies. As a graphic designer/ illustrator, your job duties revolve around understanding the needs of your clients and being able to identify your target audience.
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.
Graphic designer/illustrators and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Designer/Illustrator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $45,124 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $63,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Mountain View, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Berkshire Hathaway | |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic designer/illustrator and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Designer/Illustrator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 70% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic designer/illustrators' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Graphic Designer/Illustrator | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.1% Female, 39.9% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| 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% |