Medical Illustrators and Photographers

The Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) reports that medical illustrators and animators earn median annual salaries of $83,500, and earnings can range up to $170,000. Self-employed medical illustrators earn median salaries of $85,000, and their earnings can reach up to $300,000 per year. Large visual studios with employees can generate earnings of as much as $1.25 million to $6 million for their owners or partners. The AMI also reports that "some medical illustrators receive royalties from secondary licensing of existing artwork. These reuse arrangements with stock art agencies, publishers, and clients can provide a supplemental, and sometimes significant, source of income."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual earnings for salaried photographers was approximately $40,760 in May 2023. The lowest paid 10 percent made less than $28,510, while the highest paid 10 percent made more than $95,740 per year.

Medical illustrators and photographers employed by hospitals and other large institutions generally receive good benefits, including health and life insurance, pension plans, and vacation, sick, and holiday pay.