CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$88,616/yr
Typical range: $91,884 – $118,616
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Illustrator Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $42,923 | $3,577 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $55,385 | $4,615 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $64,616 | $5,385 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $73,108 | $6,092 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $88,616 | $7,385 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $100,800 | $8,400 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $103,847 | $8,654 | +142% |
Current Salary
$88,616
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $43/hr
Next Level Target
$100,800
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Illustrator salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $89K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Illustrator make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $89K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $43/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in Los Angeles, CA earns $92K–$119K/yr.