Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between graphic designers 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 and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a graphic design specialist has an average salary of $55,925, 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 a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $49,450 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $23.77 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 45,625 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
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 designers and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $49,450 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $69,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic designer and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | 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 designers' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | 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% |