There are currently an estimated 28,000 illustrators in the United States. The illustrator job market is expected to grow by 6.8% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are illustrators?
CareerExplorer rates illustrators with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 4,800 illustrators. That number is based on 1,900 additional illustrators, and the retirement of 2,900 existing illustrators.
What’s the supply of illustrators?
The illustrator industry is concentrated in California, New York, Florida
Illustrator job market by state
| State Name | Employed Illustrators |
|---|---|
| California | 2,280 |
| New York | 1,560 |
| Florida | 740 |
| Texas | 550 |
| Ohio | 480 |
| Michigan | 470 |
| Pennsylvania | 370 |
| Washington | 350 |
| Massachusetts | 320 |
| Illinois | 300 |
| Oregon | 280 |
| Georgia | 280 |
| Virginia | 260 |
| Connecticut | 200 |
| North Carolina | 190 |
| Utah | 190 |
| Tennessee | 180 |
| Minnesota | 170 |
| Arizona | 160 |
| Missouri | 160 |
| South Carolina | 150 |
| New Jersey | 150 |
| Maryland | 150 |
| Colorado | 140 |
| Indiana | 130 |
| Wisconsin | 90 |
| Iowa | 90 |
| Hawaii | 70 |
| Nebraska | 60 |
| Montana | 60 |
| Kentucky | 60 |
| Kansas | 50 |
| Puerto Rico | 50 |
| New Mexico | 50 |
| Louisiana | 30 |