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The differences between graphic engineers 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 engineer and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a graphic engineer has an average salary of $110,329, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a graphic engineer include C++, opengl and unity. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Graphic Engineer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $110,329 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $53.04 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 31,387 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
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 engineers and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Engineer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $110,329 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $155,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic engineer and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Engineer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic engineers' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Graphic Engineer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.7% Female, 22.3% | 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% |