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The differences between photographers and graphic designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a photographer, becoming a graphic designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a graphic designer has an average salary of $49,450, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.
The top three skills for a photographer include adobe photoshop, customer service and excellent time management. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| Photographer | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $33,968 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $16.33 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 1,772 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.67 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 39 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.
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.
Photographers and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Photographer | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $33,968 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $22,000 And $52,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Technology |
There are a few differences between a photographer and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Photographer | Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 51% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Photography | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Harvard University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between photographers' and graphic designers' demographics:
| Photographer | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 39 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |