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The differences between lead graphic designers 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 lead graphic designer and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a lead graphic designer has an average salary of $76,009, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a lead graphic designer include adobe photoshop, graphic design and design concepts. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Lead Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $76,009 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $36.54 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 46,260 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
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.
Lead graphic designers and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lead Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $76,009 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $131,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Netflix | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a lead graphic designer and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Lead Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between lead graphic designers' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Lead Graphic Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 61.8% Female, 38.2% | 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% |