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The differences between graphic engineers and art directors 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 engineer, becoming an art director takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a graphic engineer has an average salary of $110,329, which is higher than the $88,367 average annual salary of an art director.
The top three skills for a graphic engineer include C++, opengl and unity. The most important skills for an art director are graphic design, art direction, and creative concepts.
| Graphic Engineer | Art Director | |
| Yearly salary | $110,329 | $88,367 |
| Hourly rate | $53.04 | $42.48 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 31,387 | 11,472 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
Graphic engineers are professionals who are responsible for creating integrated graphics and visual effects systems used in the design and development of software applications. These engineers must collaborate with art directors and graphic designers to produce motion graphics and visuals using computer tools and software. They are required to train new production artists in using Photoshop to perform digital retouching. Graphic engineers must also use software such as OpenGL, Maya, and XNA game studios to render game lights, graphics, and effects.
An art director's duty will vary depending on the line of industry involved. However, most of the responsibilities will revolve in taking charge of the artistic direction and decisions in a project or campaign. Most of the time, it is an art director's call to conceptualize and bring a vision to completion and take the lead in coordinating with various artists and creative staff. Furthermore, an art director must oversee the progress of workflow and workforce, develop plans and strategies, and approve or provide suggestions in every creative output from staff.
Graphic engineers and art directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Engineer | Art Director | |
| Average salary | $110,329 | $88,367 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $155,000 | Between $57,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | The Walt Disney Company |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic engineer and an art director in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Engineer | Art Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between graphic engineers' and art directors' demographics:
| Graphic Engineer | Art Director | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.7% Female, 22.3% | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% |
| 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, 4.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 7.8% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 11% |