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Graphic technician vs graphics specialist

The differences between graphic technicians and graphics 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 technician and a graphics specialist. Additionally, a graphics specialist has an average salary of $56,007, which is higher than the $42,632 average annual salary of a graphic technician.

The top three skills for a graphic technician include graphic design, adobe illustrator and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a graphics specialist are graphic design, adobe illustrator, and adobe photoshop.

Graphic technician vs graphics specialist overview

Graphic TechnicianGraphics Specialist
Yearly salary$42,632$56,007
Hourly rate$20.50$26.93
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs8,85012,267
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age3838
Years of experience1212

Graphic technician vs graphics specialist salary

Graphic technicians and graphics specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Graphic TechnicianGraphics Specialist
Average salary$42,632$56,007
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $60,000Between $38,000 And $81,000
Highest paying CityPhoenix, AZSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyVentura County Community FoundationZeniMax Media
Best paying industryTechnologyFinance

Differences between graphic technician and graphics specialist education

There are a few differences between a graphic technician and a graphics specialist in terms of educational background:

Graphic TechnicianGraphics Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Graphic technician vs graphics specialist demographics

Here are the differences between graphic technicians' and graphics specialists' demographics:

Graphic TechnicianGraphics Specialist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 58.3% Female, 41.7%Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6%
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 technician and graphics specialist duties and responsibilities

Graphic technician example responsibilities.

  • Create spec sheets, perform mathematical typesetting, proofread comps and color separations, and manage file archive.
  • Apply graphics to vehicles, windows and billboards.
  • Typeset new jobs, printing and bindery work.
  • Maintain print files for digital retrieval on PC and Macintosh computers.
  • Operate copy center, run bindery equipment, and basic typesetting.
  • Maintain Macintosh and PC network with associate output devices (plotters, printers etc . )
  • Show more

Graphics specialist example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development and execution of several overhead presentations, advertising design, brochure marketing, and desktop publishing initiatives.
  • Create graphics / artwork for screen print, dye-sublimation, embroidery, apparel, fliers, and web graphics.
  • Prepare page layouts for posters, signage, handouts, brochures, business cards, stationery, and direct mail pieces.
  • Edit HTML for menu systems in CBT courses.
  • Work with large format digital printers, plotters, and lamination machines.
  • Create an HTML template defining the look and feel for UNITEC's intranet.
  • Show more

Graphic technician vs graphics specialist skills

Common graphic technician skills
  • Graphic Design, 16%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 14%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 9%
  • PC, 7%
  • Windows, 6%
  • Computer Graphics, 5%
Common graphics specialist skills
  • Graphic Design, 12%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 9%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Adobe Indesign, 5%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 5%
  • Visualization, 5%

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