CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Illustrator Salary in New York
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$46,612/yr
Typical range: $43,879 – $56,645
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in New York
Illustrator Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $46,612 | $3,884 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $60,144 | $5,012 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $70,168 | $5,847 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $79,390 | $6,616 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $96,230 | $8,019 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $109,462 | $9,122 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $112,770 | $9,398 | +142% |
Current Salary
$46,612
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $22/hr
Next Level Target
$60,144
Junior · 2
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Illustrator salary in New York, NY?
Entry Level Illustrators in New York, NY earn approximately $47K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Illustrator make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $47K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $22/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Illustrator in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in New York, NY earns $100K–$129K/yr.