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The differences between visual information specialists and graphic design specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a visual information specialist and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a visual information specialist has an average salary of $65,085, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a visual information specialist include photography, video production and adobe creative suite. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Visual Information Specialist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $65,085 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $31.29 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 66,802 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A graphic design specialist utilizes their artistic expertise in creating imagery and designs that convey a particular message. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to determine their needs and goals, developing concepts and subjecting it for client approval, and revising designs as necessary. In a company setting, a graphic design specialist may work with a team, coordinating with them while sticking to budgets and deadlines. Furthermore, as a team member, it is essential to report to managers or supervisors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Visual information specialists and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Visual Information Specialist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $65,085 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $102,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Food and Drug Law Institute | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Government | Technology |
There are a few differences between a visual information specialist and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Visual Information Specialist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | 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 visual information specialists' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Visual Information Specialist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.0% Female, 44.0% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| 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, 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 | 13% | 13% |