There are currently an estimated 29,100 illustrators in the United States. The illustrator job market is expected to grow by 5.2% between 2022 and 2032.
How employable are illustrators?
CareerExplorer rates illustrators with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 6,300 illustrators. That number is based on 1,500 additional illustrators, and the retirement of 4,800 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 |
| Georgia | 280 |
| Oregon | 280 |
| Virginia | 260 |
| Connecticut | 200 |
| North Carolina | 190 |
| Utah | 190 |
| Tennessee | 180 |
| Minnesota | 170 |
| Arizona | 160 |
| Missouri | 160 |
| New Jersey | 150 |
| Maryland | 150 |
| South Carolina | 150 |
| Colorado | 140 |
| Indiana | 130 |
| Iowa | 90 |
| Wisconsin | 90 |
| Hawaii | 70 |
| Nebraska | 60 |
| Kentucky | 60 |
| Montana | 60 |
| Puerto Rico | 50 |
| New Mexico | 50 |
| Kansas | 50 |
| Louisiana | 30 |