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2D Illustrator Salary in California

How much does a 2D Illustrator make in California? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2D Illustrator in California is $75,394 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a 2D Illustrator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,706
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,432 to $81,839
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,093
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 2D Illustrator Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 2D Illustrator Salaries

A 2D Illustrator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 2D Illustrator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 2D Illustrator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $58,675
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $74,052
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $89,864
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $102,809
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,828
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Claims Examiner I less than 1 year $58,675
2D Illustrator 1-2 years $74,052
Claims Examiner III 2-4 years $89,864
Claims Examiner IV 5-8 years $102,809
Claims Examiner V over 8 years $128,828

How Do 2D Illustrator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 2D Illustrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,681.
  • California: $75,394.
  • Massachusetts: $74,389.

Top Paying Cities for 2D Illustrator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $75,524
  • West Hollywood: $75,469
  • Dodgertown: $75,523

2D Illustrator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 2D Illustrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 2D Illustrator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2D Illustrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 2D Illustrator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services $90,473 $43.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $86,703 $42.0 15%
Healthcare $82,934 $40.0 10%
Retail & Wholesale $79,164 $38.0 5%

2D Illustrator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 2D Illustrator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$68,432
Average $75,394/year
$81,839
$5,703
Average $6,283/month
$6,820
$1,316
Average $1,450/week
$1,574
$33
Average $36/hour
$39
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $81,839 $6,820 $1,574 $39
Average $75,394 $6,283 $1,450 $36
25th Percentile $68,432 $5,703 $1,316 $33

Find Your Next 2D Illustrator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 2D Illustrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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    In

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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