How Much Do Cartoonist Make?
How much do cartoonist make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for cartoonist in the arts, media & entertainment category. Learn about cartoonist pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $45,000 to $60,000.
How Much Do Cartoonist Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do cartoonist make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Cartoonist in the Arts, Media & Entertainment field can expect to earn an average salary of $70,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $45,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $60,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of cartoonist by time periods, cartoonist typically make around $5,833.333 per month and approximately $1,346.154 per week. The basic salary of cartoonist varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level cartoonist typically start with a base salary of $45,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $60,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $60,000.
The salary landscape for cartoonist is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do cartoonist make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,346.154 per week. How much do cartoonist make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $40,000 to $80,000, with the median salary sitting at $70,000. Additionally, many cartoonist receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 15.75% of their base salary.
How Much Do Cartoonist Get Paid Per Annum? Cartoonist Salary
Annual salary data for cartoonist across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do Cartoonist Get Paid in a Month? Cartoonist Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for cartoonist at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do Cartoonist Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for cartoonist across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Cartoonist Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for cartoonist over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Cartoonist Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for cartoonists are often awarded based on project success, audience engagement, publication performance, or milestone achievements in their work.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
A Cartoonist role can offer commission or incentive opportunities, especially through freelance projects, merchandise sales, or revenue-sharing arrangements with publishers and platforms.
Overtime
Overtime pay for cartoonists is uncommon, as many work freelance or on fixed contracts, often leading to variable hours without additional compensation.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for cartoonists include health insurance, retirement plans like a 401(k), paid time off (PTO), flexible work hours, and opportunities for professional development.
Cartoonist Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the cartoonist role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A cartoonist creates humorous illustrations or comics that convey ideas, stories, or social commentary. They use artistic skills and creativity to engage audiences, often reflecting cultural trends or personal experiences. Through their unique style, cartoonists entertain while provoking thought, making them vital contributors to both art and communication.
Primary Responsibilities
Creating original characters, Developing storylines, Illustrating comic strips or panels, Collaborating with writers and editors, Designing layouts and backgrounds, Participating in brainstorming sessions, Revising artwork based on feedback, Managing deadlines and schedules, Promoting work through social media or exhibitions.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A cartoonist typically starts the day brainstorming ideas, sketching characters, refining concepts, inking and coloring illustrations, meeting deadlines, attending client meetings, and promoting their work on social media platforms.
Work Environment
Remote or Hybrid
Cartoonists often work in studios or home offices, using digital tools or traditional media, with flexible hours and creative freedom.
Physical Demands
Minimal
Cartoonists often work in sedentary conditions, requiring prolonged sitting and fine motor skills for drawing. They may face tight deadlines and need a creative workspace.
Cartoonist Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a cartoonist, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Field: Fine Arts, Illustration, Animation, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Art Education, Creative Writing, Media Arts.
Experience
3 years
Employers seek cartoonists with creativity, strong drawing skills, a unique style, storytelling ability, experience in various media, and proficiency in digital tools. Collaboration and communication skills are essential.
Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Certificate in Animation, Graphic Design Certification, Adobe Certified Expert (ACE), Illustration Certification, Cartooning Workshop Completion, Professional Memberships (e.g., National Cartoonists Society), Freelance Business License.
Required Skills
Drawing skills, creativity, storytelling ability, understanding of humor, character design, digital illustration proficiency, time management, attention to detail.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Cartoonist Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for cartoonist from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Animation Assistant
Early-career cartoonists create illustrations and comics, develop unique styles, pitch ideas, collaborate with publishers, build portfolios, engage with audiences online, and seek freelance opportunities.
Mid-Career
Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Storyboard Artist
Mid-career cartoonists create engaging illustrations, develop unique styles, collaborate with clients, manage deadlines, mentor junior artists, and navigate the business aspects of their craft.
Senior Management
Creative Director, Head of Storytelling, Senior Animation Producer
Senior cartoonists manage creative direction, oversee projects, mentor junior artists, ensure quality and consistency in style, collaborate on concepts, and engage with audiences for feedback.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 10 years
A typical career growth for a cartoonist involves starting with freelance work or internships, progressing to published comic strips or graphic novels, and potentially securing syndication deals. As experience grows, opportunities for collaborations and multimedia projects expand.
Cartoonist Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for cartoonist, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Stable
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Digital storytelling and webcomics growth, increased demand for diverse representation, rise of social media platforms for self-promotion.
Growth Factors
Growing digital content demand, social media influence, rise of visual storytelling, increased need for branding, and popularity of animation in entertainment drive cartoonist demand.
Future Opportunities
NFT art, augmented reality experiences, webcomics, interactive storytelling, educational animations, and social media content creation are emerging niches for cartoonists to explore.
Cartoonist Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for cartoonist, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Cartoonist Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for cartoonist, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About Cartoonist Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a cartoonist, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a cartoonist?
A degree in art or graphic design is beneficial, along with strong drawing skills and creativity.
How do cartoonists get paid for their work?
Cartoonists can earn money through freelance commissions, publishing contracts, syndication, and merchandise sales.
What is the average salary of a cartoonist?
Salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and whether they work freelance or for a company; averages range from $30,000 to $70,000 per year.
Is formal education required to be a successful cartoonist?
While not strictly necessary, formal education in art can enhance skills and provide valuable networking opportunities.
What skills are essential for a career in cartooning?
Key skills include drawing ability, creativity, storytelling, humor, and proficiency in digital illustration tools.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.