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The differences between graphic engineers and lead graphic designers 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 lead graphic designer. Additionally, a graphic engineer has an average salary of $110,329, which is higher than the $76,009 average annual salary of a lead graphic designer.
The top three skills for a graphic engineer include C++, opengl and unity. The most important skills for a lead graphic designer are adobe photoshop, graphic design, and design concepts.
| Graphic Engineer | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $110,329 | $76,009 |
| Hourly rate | $53.04 | $36.54 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 31,387 | 46,260 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| 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 lead graphic designer is responsible for creating, designing, and updating the company's visual aspects. The lead graphic designer works closely with the branding department alongside the advertising and marketing team. It is essential for the lead graphic designer must be creative, willing to think outside the box, and brave to dare novel ideas. The lead graphic designer is also responsible for leading the creative department in accomplishing assigned tasks from management.
Graphic engineers and lead graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Graphic Engineer | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $110,329 | $76,009 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $155,000 | Between $44,000 And $131,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Netflix |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Technology |
There are a few differences between a graphic engineer and a lead graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Graphic Engineer | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Carnegie Mellon University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between graphic engineers' and lead graphic designers' demographics:
| Graphic Engineer | Lead Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.7% Female, 22.3% | Male, 61.8% Female, 38.2% |
| 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% |