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Graphic engineer vs graphic artist

The differences between graphic engineers and graphic artists 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 engineer and a graphic artist. Additionally, a graphic engineer has an average salary of $110,329, which is higher than the $54,900 average annual salary of a graphic artist.

The top three skills for a graphic engineer include C++, opengl and unity. The most important skills for a graphic artist are graphic design, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.

Graphic engineer vs graphic artist overview

Graphic EngineerGraphic Artist
Yearly salary$110,329$54,900
Hourly rate$53.04$26.39
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs31,3878,752
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age3838
Years of experience1212

What does a graphic engineer do?

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.

What does a graphic artist do?

A graphic artist is either an illustrator or an animator who creates art work that will be used in graphic projects such as advertisements, posters, or even book covers. Although a graphic artist has his/her own style of artwork, he/she may be often commissioned to create art specifically for a particular project. A graphic artist may work with a graphic designer in order to convey the overall message of a project. The portfolio of a graphic artist includes cartoons, illustrations, and graphic novels.

Graphic engineer vs graphic artist salary

Graphic engineers and graphic artists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Graphic EngineerGraphic Artist
Average salary$110,329$54,900
Salary rangeBetween $78,000 And $155,000Between $35,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WABellevue, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyMetaParsons
Best paying industryFinanceNon Profits

Differences between graphic engineer and graphic artist education

There are a few differences between a graphic engineer and a graphic artist in terms of educational background:

Graphic EngineerGraphic Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Design
Most common collegeCarnegie Mellon UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Graphic engineer vs graphic artist demographics

Here are the differences between graphic engineers' and graphic artists' demographics:

Graphic EngineerGraphic Artist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 77.7% Female, 22.3%Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage13%13%

Differences between graphic engineer and graphic artist duties and responsibilities

Graphic engineer example 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.
  • Render game lights, graphics and effects using OpenGL, Maya and XNA game studios.
  • Streamline and preflightfinal art files for production.
  • Show more

Graphic artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage external communications such as brochures and other sales collateral for direct mail from inception to circulation.
  • Develop, debug, and maintain client websites using HTML & CSS, WordPress, and basic use of JavaScript.
  • Flash & Dreamweaver software assisting in production of the company website.
  • Create custom graphic art for cars, windows, store fronts, business signs.
  • Design and implement the company's first Facebook app and engages in designing everything encompassing pixels and print.
  • Design, develop and maintain websites as projects present themselves with the use of HTML and WYSIWYG web development tools.
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Graphic engineer vs graphic artist skills

Common graphic engineer skills
  • C++, 41%
  • OpenGL, 16%
  • Unity, 12%
  • Debugging, 7%
  • Animation, 6%
  • Windows, 3%
Common graphic artist skills
  • Graphic Design, 12%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 10%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 9%
  • Art Direction, 7%
  • Photography, 5%
  • Brochures, 4%

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