As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Illustrator I in the United States is $56,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Illustrator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Illustrator I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Illustrator I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Illustrator I | 0-2 years | $56,436 |
| Graphic Artist / Designer II | 2-4 years | $69,538 |
| Art and Design Manager | 4-5 years | $111,064 |
| Art and Design Director | 5+ years | $151,637 |
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 Illustrator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 5.22% |
| Photoshop | 2.43% |
| Sales Systems | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Study Design
|
$74,567 |
32%
|
|
Consulting
|
$65,528 |
16%
|
|
Leadership
|
$64,964 |
15%
|
|
Innovation
|
$63,269 |
12%
|
|
Illustration
|
$62,139 |
10%
|
|
Project Management
|
$61,574 |
9%
|
Understanding how an Illustrator I'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Illustrator I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Artist / Designer II | $69,600 | 23% |
| Video Web Integrator/Editor | $74,300 | 32% |
| Photo/Video Specialist II | $70,900 | 26% |
Salaries for an Illustrator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,350 in 2023 to around $55,260 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Illustrator I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,350 |
| 2024 | $55,613 |
| 2025 | $55,260 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Illustrator I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A beginner illustrator should consider charging based on the following salary data: an annual salary range of approximately $51,090 to $68,190. This translates to an hourly rate of about $25 to $35, depending on experience and project complexity. For project-based work, fees could range from $25 to $1,000 per illustration.
Illustrators can earn a decent salary, with a minimum of $51,090, a mid-range salary of $56,890, and a maximum of $68,190. However, pay can be inconsistent, especially in the early years, leading many to seek additional part-time work. Opportunities exist in various locations, but being near a city can be beneficial, particularly for those without an agent.
An entry-level Illustrator typically earns between $51,090 and $68,190 annually, with a mid-salary of around $56,890. This range reflects the varying pay scales across different regions and industries, ensuring that entry-level positions offer competitive compensation for creative talent.
As an Illustrator, you can expect to earn between $51,090 and $68,190 annually, with a median salary of $56,890. This translates to a monthly pay ranging from approximately $4,258 to $5,682, depending on your experience and skill level.
The salary for an Illustrator ranges from a minimum of $51,090 to a maximum of $68,190, with a median salary of $56,890. While this can be considered a decent income, whether it is high-paying depends on individual circumstances and location. Overall, it offers a competitive salary within the creative industry.
Yes, competition for freelance illustration jobs is increasing, and clients are spending less on creative work during this economic uncertainty. However, this trend will eventually change. While clients may experiment with AI for certain tasks, it won't replace illustrators, whose salaries range from $51,090 to $68,190, reflecting their unique skills and creativity.
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.)
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