As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Illustrator II in the United States is $69,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Illustrator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Illustrator 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 Illustrator 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 | $56,452 |
| Illustrator II | 2-4 years | $69,556 |
| Art and Design Manager | 4-5 years | $111,110 |
| Art and Design Director | 5+ years | $151,705 |
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 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
|
$79,298 |
14%
|
|
Creative Thinking
|
$77,907 |
12%
|
|
Digital Design
|
$77,907 |
12%
|
|
UI
|
$75,125 |
8%
|
|
System Design
|
$74,429 |
7%
|
|
Packaging Design
|
$74,429 |
7%
|
Illustrator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,868. While startup companies pay approximate $65,875.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,875 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $69,670 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $75,196 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $77,868 |
For Illustrator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Illustrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Illustrator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $97,384 | $47.0 | 40% |
| MFG Nondurable | $93,906 | $45.0 | 35% |
| Business Services | $90,428 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,950 | $42.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $83,472 | $40.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Illustrator 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 Illustrator II with a No Diploma is between $66,124 and $72,550).
Illustrator 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 Illustrator 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Illustrator 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 | $111,200 | 60% |
| Photo/Video Specialist III | $87,200 | 25% |
Salaries for an Illustrator 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 Illustrator 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
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Illustrator II roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The monthly income of an Illustrator varies based on experience and skill level. The minimum salary is approximately ₹54,850 (₹6,620 per month), the mid-salary is around ₹62,000 (₹7,590 per month), and the maximum salary can reach ₹70,958 (₹8,150 per month). This range reflects the potential earnings for Illustrators in India.
The average salary for a freelance illustrator ranges from $64,620 to $85,150 per year, with a midpoint salary of $74,590. These figures reflect the typical earnings based on collected data, providing a clear picture of the compensation landscape for freelance illustrators.
The salary for a Photoshop Illustrator ranges from a minimum of ₹64,620 to a maximum of ₹85,150, with an average (mid) salary of ₹74,590. This indicates a competitive earning potential for professionals in this field.
Illustrators can earn a decent salary, with a minimum of $64,620, a mid-range salary of $74,590, and a maximum of $85,150. However, many illustrators, especially those focusing on children's books, may earn significantly less, with nearly 50% making under $10,000 annually. Only a small percentage earn over $100,000.
Illustrators are in high demand, particularly in advertising, publishing, animation, and multimedia. With a salary range from $64,620 to $85,150, the profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the growing need for creative talent in various industries. This demand highlights the importance of skilled illustrators in today's visual-driven market.
Illustrators can pursue various roles, including Illustrator Representative/Agent, creating illustrations for licensing and products, working in print media and publishing, serving as Storyboard Artists, Technical Illustrators, Toy Designers, and Visual Development Artists for feature animation, entertainment, and TV. Salaries for illustrators typically range from $64,620 to $85,150, with a median salary of $74,590.
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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