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The differences between graphic designers and animators 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 designer, becoming an animator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an animator has an average salary of $76,853, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for a graphic designer include adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop and adobe illustrator. The most important skills for an animator are animation, motion capture, and storyboards.
| Graphic Designer | Animator | |
| Yearly salary | $49,450 | $76,853 |
| Hourly rate | $23.77 | $36.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 45,625 | 551 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
Graphic designers are visual communicators who create graphic ideas to deliver a message through art and images which inspire, inform, and motivate consumers with the use of computer software, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign or by hand. They have the ability to design stunning illustrations that are easily understood, even without a lot of thinking or based on the demand of their clients. It is very crucial to them as well to be flexible and to stay on top of the design trends. They create websites, posters, packaging, logos, advertising, and marketing materials, depending on the nature of the business.
The animators are specialized artists who conceptualized ideas from their creative minds with technology applications. Animators cater to different specialties depending on their expertise. They used multiple techniques and tools to create a digital masterpiece. An animator is required to have an excellent time and project management skills to meet deadlines. They should also be detail-oriented and technology savvy to keep up with the latest trend in the digital market. Animators are required to have regular communication with the respective department for the updates or adjustments as needed.
Graphic designers and animators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Designer | Animator | |
| Average salary | $49,450 | $76,853 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $69,000 | Between $52,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Las Vegas, NV |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Media |
There are a few differences between a graphic designer and an animator in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Designer | Animator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Animation |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic designers' and animators' demographics:
| Graphic Designer | Animator | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% |
| 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, 4.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 11% |