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The differences between technical artists 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 technical artist, becoming a graphic designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a technical artist has an average salary of $90,692, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for a technical artist include python, animation and C++. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| Technical Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,692 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $43.60 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,696 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
Technical artists are employees with an artistic streak and an in-depth knowledge of programming. They are usually employed to work on video games and other related media. They are expected to understand the technical aspects of both sides of the project: the art and the system behind it. They are involved in the creation of storyboards, art palettes, and animation schemes. They are also involved in the creation of the codes and programs to make the video game work. As such, they know how to balance the needs of both sides. They should be able to determine the feasibility of various elements in the project.
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.
Technical artists and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $90,692 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $141,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a technical artist and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Technical Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | 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 technical artists' and graphic designers' demographics:
| Technical Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.7% 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% |