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What is a visual information specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Tom Futrell

If you are creative and tech-savvy, then perhaps you should look into becoming a visual information specialist. Even though the name sounds complex, their job at a basic-level mirrors graphic design and related jobs. As a visual information specialist, you will work for clients to create designs and layouts along with providing technical support in visual information aspects.

Some of the duties and responsibilities that you will perform as a visual information specialist include assessing the client's requirements and planning the graphic design based on the availabe resources. You will manage various aspects of studio works and handle printing operations. You will also provide technical support in every aspect of the visual information process. Essential skills that will help you succeed as a visual information specialist include creativity, attention to detail, technical expertise, team work, communication, and knowledge of different software suites similar to Photoshop.

To qualify for this role, you need a bachelor's degree in graphic design. Certifications in computer software will definitely give you an advantage over other candidates applying for this position. Prior work experience will also be advantageous. The average hourly salary for this position is $25.90, which amounts to more than $53,000 annually.

What general advice would you give to a visual information specialist?

Tom Futrell

Associate Professor, Louisiana Tech University

For recent graduates, my advice is to embrace curiosity and consistently work hard. Dedicate time to experimentation, reading, writing, asking questions, and developing a robust design process. This effort will stand out in your work, offering potential employers valuable insight into who you are and how you think.
ScoreVisual Information SpecialistUS Average
Salary
5.1

Avg. Salary $65,085

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 43.95%

male 56.05%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress level
4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Visual information specialist career paths

Key steps to become a visual information specialist

  1. Explore visual information specialist education requirements

    Most common visual information specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.7 %

    Associate

    21.0 %

    Master's

    6.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific visual information specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Photography15.18%
    Video Production7.36%
    Adobe Creative Suite6.55%
    Adobe Photoshop5.75%
    Adobe Indesign5.47%
  3. Complete relevant visual information specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New visual information specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a visual information specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real visual information specialist resumes.
  4. Research visual information specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage content updates and PR/communication material on intranet website and ensure content are visible on mobile phones and tablets.
    • Manage and maintain the organization s online content via a proprietary content management systems (CMS) and social media channels.
    • Manage and utilize extensive internal photography libraries and external resources.
    • Lead the development and execution of several overhead presentations, advertising design, brochure marketing, and desktop publishing initiatives.
  5. Prepare your visual information specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your visual information specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a visual information specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable visual information specialist resume templates

    Build a professional visual information specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your visual information specialist resume.
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
    Visual Information Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for visual information specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a visual information specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first visual information specialist job

Zippi

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Average visual information specialist salary

The average visual information specialist salary in the United States is $65,085 per year or $31 per hour. Visual information specialist salaries range between $41,000 and $102,000 per year.

Average visual information specialist salary
$65,085 Yearly
$31.29 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do visual information specialists rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Visual information specialist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Cons

When working with others who can not make up their minds as deadline approaches nor take responsibility and blames others for their own "misdoings".


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Being able to combine creativity and analytical skills

Cons

I had to scroll all the way to the bottom to see the salary range.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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