Illustrators

The pay for illustrations can be as little as a credit in the beginning of your career when it is important just to get exposure, but in general, illustrators are paid per image they produce or for a group of images created for a single project. Some illustrators can earn several thousand dollars for a single illustration, depending on the type of illustration and the client. Freelance work is often uncertain because of the fluctuation in pay rates and steadiness of work. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that median earnings for salaried fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, were $59,300 a year in May 2023. The top 10 percent earned more than $135,420, and the bottom 10 percent earned $28,390 or less. Fifty percent of salaried fine artists earned between $38,160 and $88,690.

The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) reports that medical illustrators earn median annual salaries of $83,500, and earnings can range up to $170,000.

Staff illustrators generally receive good benefits, including health and life insurance, pension plans, and vacation, sick, and holiday pay. Self-employed illustrators must provide their own benefits.