CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
Mid Level Illustrator Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Mid-career professionals with 3–5 years of experience at median market pay.
$82,829/yr
Typical range: $66,866 – $117,783
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Illustrator salary by experience level in Washington DC
Illustrator Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $55,022 | $4,585 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,996 | $5,916 | +29% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $82,829 | $6,902 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $93,715 | $7,810 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $113,594 | $9,466 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $129,213 | $10,768 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $133,118 | $11,093 | +142% |
Current Salary
$82,829
Mid Level · 3–5 years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$93,715
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 Washington DC, DC?
Mid Level Illustrators in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $83K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $83K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from mid level to senior Illustrator in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Illustrator in Washington DC, DC earns $118K–$152K/yr.