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How Much Do Medical Illustrator Make?

How much do medical illustrator make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for medical illustrator in the architecture & design category. Learn about medical illustrator pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $60,000 to $80,000.

Base Salary (avg)
$75,000
Per Hour
$36/hr
Avg Bonus
$5,000
Job Outlook
14.45%
Experience
5 yrs

How Much Do Medical Illustrator Make? Complete Salary Guide

How much do medical illustrator make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Medical Illustrator in the Architecture & Design field can expect to earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $60,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $80,000 annually.

When breaking down the average salary of medical illustrator by time periods, medical illustrator typically make around $6,250 per month and approximately $1,442.308 per week. The basic salary of medical illustrator varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level medical illustrator typically start with a base salary of $60,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $75,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $80,000.

The salary landscape for medical illustrator is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do medical illustrator make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,442.308 per week. How much do medical illustrator make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $50,000 to $90,000, with the median salary sitting at $75,000. Additionally, many medical illustrator receive bonuses averaging $5,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.

How Much Do Medical Illustrator Get Paid Per Annum? Medical Illustrator Salary

Annual salary data for medical illustrator across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.

Entry Level Annual Salary

$60,000
Range: $50,000 - $70,000

Mid-Career Annual Salary

$75,000
Range: $60,000 - $80,000

Experienced Annual Salary

$80,000
Range: $70,000 - $90,000

How Much Do Medical Illustrator Get Paid in a Month? Medical Illustrator Monthly Salary

Monthly salary breakdowns for medical illustrator at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.

Entry Level Monthly Salary

$5,000
per month

Mid-Career Monthly Salary

$6,250
per month

Experienced Monthly Salary

$6,667
per month

How Much Do Medical Illustrator Get Paid in Different Locations?

Geographic salary variations for medical illustrator across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.

Austin
$80,000
Range: $55,000 - $110,000
Remote
$75,000
Range: $50,000 - $100,000
Seattle
$85,000
Range: $65,000 - $115,000
New York
$90,000
Range: $60,000 - $120,000
San Francisco
$95,000
Range: $70,000 - $130,000

Medical Illustrator Salary Trends

Historical salary progression for medical illustrator over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.

Medical Illustrator 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

10.25%

of annual salary

Bonuses for Medical Illustrators are typically awarded based on project completion, client satisfaction, and overall company performance or profitability.

Average Bonus

$5,000

annually

Commission

Commission or incentive opportunities for Medical Illustrators vary by employer; freelance illustrators may earn commissions on projects, while in-house roles usually offer a fixed salary.

Overtime

Overtime pay for Medical Illustrators is not common, as many work on a salaried basis. However, freelance illustrators may charge extra for additional hours.

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 a Medical Illustrator include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), flexible work hours, professional development opportunities, and possibly tuition reimbursement.

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plans
Development

Medical Illustrator Job Overview

Comprehensive details about the medical illustrator role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.

About This Role

Medical illustrators create detailed visual representations of medical and biological subjects, combining art and science. They produce illustrations for textbooks, journals, and educational materials, enhancing understanding of complex concepts. Their work aids in communication among healthcare professionals and patients, making intricate information accessible and engaging through visually compelling imagery.

Primary Responsibilities

Creating detailed medical illustrations, collaborating with healthcare professionals, producing educational materials, designing visual content for publications, developing 3D models and animations, ensuring accuracy in anatomical representation, utilizing digital illustration software, adhering to copyright and ethical standards, managing project timelines and deadlines.

Day-to-Day Tasks

A Medical Illustrator creates detailed medical visuals, collaborates with healthcare professionals, researches complex subjects, attends meetings to understand project goals, and manages deadlines while refining artistic techniques for clarity and accuracy.

Work Environment

Hybrid

Medical illustrators typically work in studios or offices, using digital tools to create detailed medical visuals in collaborative environments.

Physical Demands

Moderate

Medical illustrators typically work in office settings, requiring prolonged computer use, attention to detail, and the ability to visualize complex concepts through artistic skills.

Medical Illustrator Requirements & Prerequisites

Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a medical illustrator, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree.

Field: Medical Illustration, Biomedical Visualization, Fine Arts, Medical and Scientific Illustration, Anatomy, Graphic Design, Life Sciences, Illustration, Medicine, Health Communication.

Experience

5 years

Employers seek Medical Illustrators with a strong portfolio, proficiency in digital tools, knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in medical illustration, Master's degree in medical illustration, Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI), American Medical Illustration Certification, Portfolio review for certification, Continuing education credits.

Required Skills

Artistic skills, strong understanding of anatomy, proficiency in digital illustration software, attention to detail, communication skills, knowledge of medical terminology, ability to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, time management skills.

Technical Skills

Anatomical IllustrationDigital Illustration3D ModelingMedical TerminologyGraphic DesignBiological VisualizationSoftware Proficiency (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)Scientific Communication

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailCommunicationCreativityCollaborationTime ManagementAdaptability

Medical Illustrator Career Path

Professional progression opportunities for medical illustrator from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.

Entry Level

Positions:

Medical Illustrator Intern, Graphic Designer in Healthcare, Scientific Visualization Assistant

Early-career Medical Illustrators create visual representations of medical concepts, anatomy, and procedures, collaborating with healthcare professionals to enhance understanding through detailed illustrations and animations.

Mid-Career

Positions:

Graphic Designer, Scientific Illustrator, Medical Graphic Designer

Mid-career Medical Illustrators create detailed visual representations of medical concepts, collaborate with healthcare professionals, manage projects, mentor junior illustrators, and stay updated on industry advancements.

Senior Management

Positions:

Senior Medical Illustrator, Art Director in Medical Communications, Lead Visual Content Strategist

Senior medical illustrators oversee project management, collaborate with healthcare professionals, create detailed visuals for education and marketing, and ensure adherence to industry standards and ethics.

Career Progression Timeline

Timeline: 10 years

Medical illustrators typically start as entry-level artists, advancing to senior roles or specialized positions, and may eventually lead teams or establish their own studios. Continuous education enhances career prospects.

Medical Illustrator Industry & Growth

Market outlook and growth prospects for medical illustrator, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.

Job Outlook

14.45% Growth

Faster than average

Projected: 2024–2034

Industry Trends

Increased demand for digital and interactive media in medical education, Growth of telemedicine and virtual healthcare requiring visual content, Rising focus on personalized medicine leading to the need for customized illustrations.

Growth Factors

Growing healthcare complexity, advancements in medical technology, increased need for patient education, and demand for visual content in digital media drive Medical Illustrator demand.

Future Opportunities

Virtual reality, augmented reality, telemedicine visuals, 3D printing for anatomical models, and AI-generated medical imagery are emerging niches for medical illustrators.

Medical Illustrator Related Professions

Alternative career paths and similar roles for medical illustrator, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.

Similar Roles

Medical AnimatorScientific IllustratorHealthcare Graphic DesignerBiomedical Visualizer

Career Alternatives

Medical AnimatorBiomedical IllustratorScientific Graphic DesignerHealthcare Marketing Specialist

Upgrade Paths

Art DirectorCreative LeadMedical Communications Manager

Related Entry Roles

Graphic DesignerMedical Writer3D Modeler

Medical Illustrator Skills & Development

Essential skills and professional development resources for medical illustrator, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Technical Skills

Medical IllustrationAnatomical Knowledge3D ModelingDigital PaintingAdobe Creative SuiteIllustration SoftwareGraphic DesignCommunication Skills

Soft Skills Needed

CommunicationAttention to DetailCreativityCollaborationTime Management

Recommended Certifications

Certified Medical IllustratorBoard Certified Medical IllustratorMedical Illustration Certificate

Recommended Courses

Medical Illustration: Creating Compelling VisualsAnatomy for Medical IllustratorsDigital Illustration Techniques for Medical Professionals

Development Resources

LinkedIn LearningCourseraMedical Illustration & Animation Association (MIAA)Skillshare

Training Timeline

12months

Estimated training time

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Illustrator Salary

Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a medical illustrator, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.

What qualifications are needed to become a medical illustrator?

A bachelor’s degree in medical illustration or a related field, along with strong artistic skills and knowledge of anatomy.

How much do medical illustrators get paid?

Medical illustrators can earn between $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

What is the average salary of a medical illustrator?

The average salary for a medical illustrator is around $75,000 per year.

What kind of education is required for a career in medical illustration?

Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in medical illustration or fine arts with emphasis on science.

Are there certification programs available for medical illustrators?

Yes, the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators offers certification that can enhance job prospects.

How Much Others Make?

Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.

Important Disclaimer

Salary information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, education, industry, company size, and other factors. We strive to provide accurate data, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information. Please verify with official sources before making career decisions.