Technical Illustrator Salary Guide 2026
Key Takeaways
- National median base for technical illustrators: $62,000; BLS median for broader SOC 27-1013: $56,040
- Aerospace/defense is the highest-paying sector: $72K-$105K for senior illustrators with clearance
- Security clearance (Secret/TS) adds $5,000-$15,000 annual premium in defense illustration roles
- PTC Creo Illustrate and S1000D proficiency command higher pay than Adobe Illustrator alone
- Geographic premiums: DC metro (+25%), Los Angeles (+15%), Seattle (+20%) above national median
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