CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$116,992/yr
Typical range: $121,307 – $156,599
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in Seattle
Illustrator Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $56,668 | $4,722 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $73,120 | $6,093 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $85,307 | $7,109 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $96,518 | $8,043 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $116,992 | $9,749 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $133,078 | $11,090 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $137,100 | $11,425 | +142% |
Current Salary
$116,992
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $56/hr
Next Level Target
$133,078
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in Seattle, WA earn approximately $117K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $117K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $56/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Illustrator in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in Seattle, WA earns $121K–$157K/yr.