How much does a 2D Lead Artist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 2D Lead Artist in the United States is $123,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $140,661
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $111,001 to $132,697
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $99,212

Key Factors That Influence 2D Lead Artist Salaries

A 2D Lead Artist'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 Lead Artist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 2D Lead Artist'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): $125,190
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $101,524
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $122,128
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $151,114
  • Expert (over 8 years): $183,641
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Graphic Design Specialist V less than 1 year $125,190
Graphic Design Supervisor 1-2 years $101,524
2D Lead Artist 2-4 years $122,128
Graphic Design Senior Manager 5-8 years $151,114
Graphic Design Director over 8 years $183,641

Top Paying Cities for 2D Lead Artist

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:

  • San Jose: $156,338
  • San Francisco: $154,626
  • Oakland: $151,368

2D Lead Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 2D Lead Artist 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 Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 2D Lead Artist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 2D Lead Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a 2D Lead Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $148,740 $72.0 20%

2D Lead Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 2D Lead Artist'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$111,001
Average $123,950/year
$132,697
$9,250
Average $10,329/month
$11,058
$2,135
Average $2,384/week
$2,552
$53
Average $60/hour
$64
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $132,697 $11,058 $2,552 $64
Average $123,950 $10,329 $2,384 $60
25th Percentile $111,001 $9,250 $2,135 $53

Most common benefits for 2D Lead Artist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for 2D Lead Artist

Here are companies hiring for 2D Lead Artist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next 2D Lead Artist Job

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

  • Check Off Your List | Columbus, OH

    Check Off Your List | Columbus, OH

    Executive Assistant. Check Off Your List (COYL) is hiring a remote part-time Executive Assistant to support our exponential growth. COYL provides highly tr... more

    14 Days Ago

  • Veo | Columbus, OH

    Veo | Columbus, OH

    E-Scooter Delivery Driver. Columbus, Ohio, United States. At Veo, our mission is to end car dependency by making clean transportation accessible to all. A ... more

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  • HighGround | Columbus, OH

    HighGround | Columbus, OH

    Restoration Technician. Turn Chaos into Calm Join Our Rapidly Growing Team. Founded in 1988, Power Dry is a leader in emergency water and mold removal serv... more

    14 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $12 - $22/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Food... more

    15 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $12 - $22/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Bake... more

    19 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Care... more

    19 Days Ago

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FAQ about 2D Lead Artist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for 2D Lead Artist?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for 2D Lead Artist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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