As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Engineering Illustrator in the United States is $71,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, an Engineering Illustrator'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
Recruit with AI
AI Onboarding
An Engineering Illustrator'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 Engineering Illustrator'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Illustrator | 5-7 years | $71,116 |
| Art and Design Manager | 7+ years | $111,013 |
| Art and Design Director | 7+ years | $151,561 |
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 Engineering Illustrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.62% |
| Graphic Design | 2.83% |
| Photoshop | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Flexibility
|
$73,254 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$72,542 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$71,831 |
1%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$71,831 |
1%
|
|
Creativity
|
$71,831 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineering Illustrators 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 Engineering Illustrator with a No Diploma is between $61,651 and $66,587).
Engineering Illustrator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 9.0% |
| Associates | 23.1% |
| Bachelors | 57.7% |
| Masters | 6.4% |
| Doctorate | 2.6% |
Understanding how an Engineering Illustrator'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 May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Engineering Illustrator, 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 | 56% |
| Photo Studio Manager | $108,000 | 52% |
Salaries for an Engineering Illustrator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $61,698 in 2023 to around $61,733 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Illustrator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,698 |
| 2024 | $62,006 |
| 2025 | $61,733 |
| 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 Engineering Illustrator and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Engineering Illustrator 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.
Illustrators are indeed in high demand, with an estimated 29,100 professionals in the U.S. The job market for illustrators is projected to grow by 5.2% from 2022 to 2032. As for salary, Engineering Illustrators can expect to earn between $58,990 and $82,840, with a median salary of $67,560, reflecting the growing opportunities in this field.
The salary for an Engineering Illustrator ranges from $58,990 to $82,840 per year. The average salary is approximately $67,560 annually. Additional compensation may vary, but the total pay can be influenced by experience and specific job responsibilities.
To become a Technical Illustrator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, illustration, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or freelancing can help build your portfolio. The salary for Engineering Illustrators ranges from $58,990 to $82,840, with a median salary of $67,560, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
The highest paid IT job in 2025 is the Engineering Illustrator, with a maximum annual salary of $82,840. The average salary for this role is around $67,560, while the minimum starts at $58,990. This position is gaining traction in the tech industry, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in visual communication and design.
The salary for an Engineering Illustrator ranges from a minimum of $58,990 to a maximum of $82,840, with a mid-range salary of $67,560. This indicates that while it may not be among the highest-paying jobs, it offers a competitive salary within the engineering and design fields.
In a typical contract, the author or self-publisher pays a one-off fee for services rendered, which can range from approximately $58,990 to $82,840, depending on the illustrator's experience and the project's complexity. This fee includes the illustrator granting all rights of the project illustrations to the author or self-publisher.
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:
