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What is a book illustrator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a book illustrator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $43.02 an hour? That's $89,472 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 2,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreBook IllustratorUS Average
Salary
7.0

Avg. Salary $89,472

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
3.5

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.75%

Asian 7.74%

Black or African American 4.36%

Hispanic or Latino 14.36%

Unknown 5.76%

White 67.03%

Gender

female 58.58%

male 41.42%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
3.5

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Book illustrator career paths

Key steps to become a book illustrator

  1. Explore book illustrator education requirements

    Most common book illustrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.0 %

    Associate

    12.6 %

    Master's

    9.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific book illustrator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Art Directors35.35%
    Adobe Photoshop33.24%
    Adobe Indesign13.06%
    Book Layout9.84%
    Sketch8.51%
  3. Research book illustrator duties and responsibilities

    • Used Applescript, Javascript, and Photoshop actions to automate tasks.
    • Assist in launching an animation initiative for ancillary media.
    • Freelance illustration work for medical and scientific communication, with vary clients including researchers, small businesses, and textbook companies.
  4. Prepare your book illustrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your book illustrator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a book illustrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable book illustrator resume templates

    Build a professional book illustrator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your book illustrator resume.
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
    Book Illustrator Resume
  5. Apply for book illustrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a book illustrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first book illustrator job

Zippi

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Average book illustrator salary

The average book illustrator salary in the United States is $89,472 per year or $43 per hour. Book illustrator salaries range between $60,000 and $132,000 per year.

Average book illustrator salary
$89,472 Yearly
$43.02 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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