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The differences between technical artists and motion graphics 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 motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a technical artist has an average salary of $90,692, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.
The top three skills for a technical artist include python, animation and C++. The most important skills for a motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.
| Technical Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,692 | $62,558 |
| Hourly rate | $43.60 | $30.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 70,696 | 44,960 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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.
A motion graphic designer specializes in producing artworks used in television, film, and web. Their responsibilities often revolve around submitting within a deadline, attending creative meetings, collaborating with fellow designers, following directives from clients, producing trial designs, and editing them in adherence to senior designers or clients' recommendations. There are also instances when a motion graphic designer must manage documentation, address inquiries and concerns, and report to higher-ranking personnel. Furthermore, one may choose to work for a company or independently.
Technical artists and motion graphics designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Technical Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Average salary | $90,692 | $62,558 |
| Salary range | Between $57,000 And $141,000 | Between $44,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a technical artist and a motion graphics designer in terms of educational background:
| Technical Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between technical artists' and motion graphics designers' demographics:
| Technical Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 75.9% Female, 24.1% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| 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% |