Graphic Designer vs Illustrator: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Graphic Designer
Create visual concepts for print and digital media.
Illustrator
Create original artwork and illustrations for books, media, and brands.
Graphic Designer earns more on average — the national median is $3,000/year (5%) higher than a Illustrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Graphic Designer vs Illustrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Graphic Designer | Illustrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $83,954 | $78,562 | Graphic +$5,392 |
| New York, NY | $70,892 | $65,350 | Graphic +$5,542 |
| Seattle, WA | $81,188 | $79,449 | Graphic +$1,739 |
| Austin, TX | $64,254 | $60,796 | Graphic +$3,458 |
| Chicago, IL | $60,729 | $58,603 | Graphic +$2,126 |
| Boston, MA | $74,091 | $73,498 | Graphic +$593 |
| London, UK | £45,312 | £43,732 | Graphic +$1,580 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$75,763 | CA$74,599 | Graphic +$1,164 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Graphic Designer or Illustrator earn more?+
A Graphic Designer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Graphic Designer is $58,000/year, compared to $55,000/year for a Illustrator — a difference of $3,000 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Graphic Designer or Illustrator?+
Graphic Designer roles are growing at 3% YoY while Illustrator demand is growing at 5% YoY. Illustrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Graphic Designer to Illustrator?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Adobe Illustrator.
Which is harder to automate — Graphic Designer or Illustrator?+
Illustrator has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 58%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.