As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artist II in the United States is $69,580 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Artist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI-Powered HR
An Artist II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Artist II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Artist I | 0-2 years | $56,424 |
| Artist II | 2-4 years | $69,525 |
| Art and Design Manager | 4-5 years | $111,031 |
| Art and Design Director | 5+ years | $151,587 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Artist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | 6% |
| InDesign | 4% |
| Animation | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
UX Design
|
$79,321 |
14%
|
|
Creative Thinking
|
$77,930 |
12%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$77,930 |
12%
|
|
UI
|
$75,146 |
8%
|
|
System Design
|
$74,451 |
7%
|
|
Packaging Design
|
$74,451 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Artist IIs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Artist II with a No Diploma is between $66,149 and $72,552).
Artist II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.3% |
| High School | 12.8% |
| Associates | 13.4% |
| Bachelors | 59.3% |
| Masters | 9.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how an Artist II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Artist II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design Manager | $111,100 | 60% |
| Photo/Video Specialist III | $87,200 | 25% |
Salaries for an Artist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,451 in 2023 to around $65,264 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Artist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,451 |
| 2024 | $65,676 |
| 2025 | $65,264 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Artist II and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Artist II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A 2D Animator at Netflix in the United States can expect to earn between $64,680 and $85,180 annually, with a median salary of approximately $74,580. This reflects a competitive compensation package that is significantly above the national average for similar roles.
The highest paying artist jobs include positions like Art Director, with salaries ranging from $64,680 to $85,180 per year. Other lucrative roles are Director of Creative Services and Game Designer, which can offer competitive salaries. Digital Artists also have a wide salary range, making the field diverse in earning potential.
While it's common to think that being an artist doesn't guarantee financial stability, the salary data shows that artists can earn between $64,680 and $85,180 annually. While not all artists become millionaires, there is potential for significant income in the field, and with dedication and talent, financial success is achievable.
As of now, 2D Game Artists in the US earn between $64,680 and $85,180 annually, with a median salary of $74,580. This translates to approximately $31.06 to $40.94 per hour, or about $1,890 to $3,200 per month. The salary can vary based on experience, location, and the specific employer.
The richest artist in America is American rapper Jay-Z, with a net worth estimated at US$2.5 billion in 2024. For artists in general, salaries range from a minimum of $64,680 to a mid-point of $74,580, reaching a maximum of $85,180, reflecting the diverse earnings in the music industry.
According to the latest salary data for artists, you can expect to earn between $64,680 and $85,180 annually, with a mid-salary of $74,580. While Forex trading can yield varying results, it's essential to approach it cautiously, as many beginners may face challenges in achieving consistent profits initially.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
