CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$115,796/yr
Typical range: $120,068 – $154,998
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $56,089 | $4,674 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,373 | $6,031 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $84,435 | $7,036 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,532 | $7,961 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $115,796 | $9,650 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $131,718 | $10,977 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $135,699 | $11,308 | +142% |
Current Salary
$115,796
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$131,718
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Illustrator salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in New York, NY earn approximately $116K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $116K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in New York, NY earns $120K–$155K/yr.