CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
Mid Level Illustrator Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Mid-career professionals with 3–5 years of experience at median market pay.
$84,354/yr
Typical range: $68,097 – $119,952
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in San Francisco
Illustrator Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $56,035 | $4,670 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,303 | $6,025 | +29% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $84,354 | $7,030 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,440 | $7,953 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $115,685 | $9,640 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $131,592 | $10,966 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $135,569 | $11,297 | +142% |
Current Salary
$84,354
Mid Level · 3–5 years
Hourly: $41/hr
Next Level Target
$95,440
Senior · 6
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mid level Illustrator salary in San Francisco, CA?
Mid Level Illustrators in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $84K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a mid level Illustrator make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $84K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $41/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from mid level to senior Illustrator in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in San Francisco, CA earns $120K–$155K/yr.