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The differences between graphic designer interns and lead graphic 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 designer internship and a lead graphic designer. Additionally, a lead graphic designer has an average salary of $76,009, which is higher than the $35,800 average annual salary of a graphic designer internship.
The top three skills for a graphic designer internship include graphic design intern, adobe photoshop and blog posts. The most important skills for a lead graphic designer are adobe photoshop, graphic design, and design concepts.
| Graphic Designer Internship | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $35,800 | $76,009 |
| Hourly rate | $17.21 | $36.54 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 93,292 | 46,260 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
In a graphic design internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to accomplish tasks while under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. An aspiring graphic designer may use this opportunity to observe and participate in designing for various industries, handle different clients, participate in creative meetings, and learn strategies from experts. Furthermore, there may also be technical tasks involving research and analysis, gathering materials, coordinating with vendors, and producing reports and other necessary documentation. They may also be responsible for maintaining a database and responding to calls and inquires.
A lead graphic designer is responsible for creating, designing, and updating the company's visual aspects. The lead graphic designer works closely with the branding department alongside the advertising and marketing team. It is essential for the lead graphic designer must be creative, willing to think outside the box, and brave to dare novel ideas. The lead graphic designer is also responsible for leading the creative department in accomplishing assigned tasks from management.
Graphic designer interns and lead graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Designer Internship | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $35,800 | $76,009 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $47,000 | Between $44,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Riverbed Holdings, Inc. | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic designer internship and a lead graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Designer Internship | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic designer interns' and lead graphic designers' demographics:
| Graphic Designer Internship | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.6% Female, 59.4% | Male, 61.8% Female, 38.2% |
| 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% |