As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Technical Illustrator in the United States is $71,116 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Technical Illustrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Technical 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 a Technical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Illustrator | 5-7 years | $71,116 |
| Art Manager | 7+ years | $111,013 |
| Art 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 Technical 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
|
$73,249 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$72,538 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$71,827 |
1%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$71,827 |
1%
|
|
Creativity
|
$71,827 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Technical 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 a Technical Illustrator with a No Diploma is between $61,907 and $66,866).
Technical 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 a Technical 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 a Technical 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 Manager | $111,013 | 56% |
| Photography Studio Manager | $107,962 | 52% |
Salaries for a Technical 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 Technical 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
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Technical Illustrator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Technical Illustrator's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Technical Illustrator earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Technical Illustrator is $89,699.
The highest pay for Technical Illustrator is $87,152.
The lowest pay for Technical Illustrator is $57,154.
Creates illustrations for use in technical manuals, product specifications, maintenance documents, advertisements, and other media. Utilizes a variety of graphic files, photo images, and sketches to create detailed technical illustrations. Produces 3-D, cutaway, or exploded views of objects. Familiar and proficient with graphic illustration and CAD software tools. Typically requires an associate degree in art, design, or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
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.
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