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The differences between photo editors and graphic designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a photo editor, becoming a graphic designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a photo editor has an average salary of $63,168, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for a photo editor include adobe photoshop, stock photography and photo shoots. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| Photo Editor | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $63,168 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $30.37 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | -5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 10,068 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 44 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
Photo Editors are employees in the creatives or marketing department of the company. They handle photos used by the company for its marketing collaterals, social media posts, or publishing. They also ensure that the photos are in line with the company's brand and image. Photo Editors may add items or elements to make the photo more eye-catching.
Graphic designers are visual communicators who create graphic ideas to deliver a message through art and images which inspire, inform, and motivate consumers with the use of computer software, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign or by hand. They have the ability to design stunning illustrations that are easily understood, even without a lot of thinking or based on the demand of their clients. It is very crucial to them as well to be flexible and to stay on top of the design trends. They create websites, posters, packaging, logos, advertising, and marketing materials, depending on the nature of the business.
Photo editors and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Photo Editor | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $63,168 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $104,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a photo editor and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Photo Editor | Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 75% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Photography | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between photo editors' and graphic designers' demographics:
| Photo Editor | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 44 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | 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 | 12% | 13% |