CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Illustrator Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$113,594/yr
Typical range: $117,783 – $152,050
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $82,829 | $6,902 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $93,715 | $7,810 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$113,594
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$129,213
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Illustrators in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $114K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $114K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.