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The differences between multimedia specialists and freelancers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a multimedia specialist, becoming a freelancer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a freelancer has an average salary of $59,367, which is higher than the $52,299 average annual salary of a multimedia specialist.
The top three skills for a multimedia specialist include video production, graphic design and photography. The most important skills for a freelancer are customer service, web content, and video production.
| Multimedia Specialist | Freelancer | |
| Yearly salary | $52,299 | $59,367 |
| Hourly rate | $25.14 | $28.54 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 21,798 | 2,088 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A multimedia specialist is in charge of developing multimedia and visual materials according to project and program needs. They typically work together with a company's creative team where they are responsible for performing research and analysis, understanding the purpose of projects, conceptualizing plans, identifying market trends, preparing samples for client approval, and developing strategies to optimize operations. Furthermore, as a multimedia specialist, it is essential to adhere to project timelines and budgets, including the company's policies and regulations.
A freelancer is a self-employed individual that provides services for multiple clients at one time and usually earns money on a per-job basis. Often known as independent contractors, freelancers usually set their schedules while running their own business and have a flexible lifestyle. They have the liberty to choose their clients that may be less confined to specific markets or sectors. Freelancers usually find work within the creative industries such as graphic design, copywriting, or photography.
Multimedia specialists and freelancers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Multimedia Specialist | Freelancer | |
| Average salary | $52,299 | $59,367 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $71,000 | Between $40,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport, RI | - |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | - |
| Best paying company | Gap Inc. | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a multimedia specialist and a freelancer in terms of educational background:
| Multimedia Specialist | Freelancer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Communication | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between multimedia specialists' and freelancers' demographics:
| Multimedia Specialist | Freelancer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 71.3% Female, 28.7% | Male, 47.7% Female, 52.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 7.7% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 11% | 13% |