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What is a graphic engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

While the term "graphic engineer" can refer to a software developer who generates visual graphics for computer programs, it is more commonly used to refer to a "graphic designer" or "graphic artist." Your main job here is to create motion graphics and images utilizing computer tools and software. As such, you must interact with art directors and graphic designers. You must teach new production artists how to execute digital retouching using Photoshop. To render games, visuals, and effects, graphic engineers like you must employ software such as OpenGL and XNA game studios.

People who aspire to be graphics engineers need a bachelor's degree in a related discipline like computer science, graphic design, or drafting and design. You also need to have mathematics, graphics, computer software, and hardware skills. The average yearly pay for a graphic engineer is $100,446 per year or $48.29 per hour.

ScoreGraphic EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.9

Avg. Salary $110,329

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 22.31%

male 77.69%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress level
4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a graphic engineer

  1. Explore graphic engineer education requirements

    Most common graphic engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.6 %

    Associate

    16.2 %

    Master's

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific graphic engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    C++40.51%
    OpenGL16.33%
    Unity12.04%
    Debugging7.22%
    Animation6.19%
  3. Complete relevant graphic engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New graphic engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a graphic engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real graphic engineer resumes.
  4. Research graphic engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and update all as built cad files.
    • Manage digitizer plans, develop and, coordinate and modifications to the GIS.
    • Support DOD agency needs in accomplishing engineer technical and non-technical goals associate with wireless LAN technology products.
    • Job include various other tasks from debugging software issues to developing various plugins.
  5. Apply for graphic engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a graphic engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first graphic engineer job

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Average graphic engineer salary

The average graphic engineer salary in the United States is $110,329 per year or $53 per hour. Graphic engineer salaries range between $78,000 and $155,000 per year.

Average graphic engineer salary
$110,329 Yearly
$53.04 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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