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The differences between visual information specialists and animators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a visual information specialist, becoming an animator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an animator has an average salary of $76,853, which is higher than the $65,085 average annual salary of a visual information specialist.
The top three skills for a visual information specialist include photography, video production and adobe creative suite. The most important skills for an animator are animation, motion capture, and storyboards.
| Visual Information Specialist | Animator | |
| Yearly salary | $65,085 | $76,853 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $36.95 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 66,802 | 551 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 2 |
A visual information specialist is in charge of developing visual materials in adherence to the needs of a company or business. In a company setting, their responsibilities include coordinating with different departments to gather and analyze data, come up with designs and layouts, plan materials based on the purpose and availability of resources, and work together with the creative team. Furthermore, as a visual information specialist, it is essential to maintain active communication with teammates for a smooth and efficient workflow.
The animators are specialized artists who conceptualized ideas from their creative minds with technology applications. Animators cater to different specialties depending on their expertise. They used multiple techniques and tools to create a digital masterpiece. An animator is required to have an excellent time and project management skills to meet deadlines. They should also be detail-oriented and technology savvy to keep up with the latest trend in the digital market. Animators are required to have regular communication with the respective department for the updates or adjustments as needed.
Visual information specialists and animators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Visual Information Specialist | Animator | |
| Average salary | $65,085 | $76,853 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $102,000 | Between $52,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Las Vegas, NV |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Nevada |
| Best paying company | Food and Drug Law Institute | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Government | Media |
There are a few differences between a visual information specialist and an animator in terms of educational background:
| Visual Information Specialist | Animator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Animation |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between visual information specialists' and animators' demographics:
| Visual Information Specialist | Animator | |
| Average age | 38 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.0% Female, 44.0% | Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 11% |