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The differences between graphic designers and programmers 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 a programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a programmer has an average salary of $73,007, 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 programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Graphic Designer | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $49,450 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $23.77 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 45,625 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 38 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 8 |
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.
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Graphic designers and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Designer | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $49,450 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $69,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a graphic designer and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Designer | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between graphic designers' and programmers' demographics:
| Graphic Designer | Programmer | |
| Average age | 38 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| 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, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 11% |