This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the ... government contracts. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program ...
This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the ... government contracts. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program ...
Technical Documentation Illustrator
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$129K - $171K/yr
This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the ... government contracts. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program ...
Technical Documentation Illustrator
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$129K - $171K/yr
This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the ... government contracts. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program ...
Technical Documentation Illustrator with Security Clearance
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$129K - $171K/yr
This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the ... government contracts. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program ...
Technical Documentation Illustrator with Security Clearance
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$129K - $171K/yr
This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the ... government contracts. You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Lawrence, MA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Lawrence, MA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Fayetteville, AR · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Fayetteville, AR · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Saint Louis, MO · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Saint Louis, MO · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Athens, GA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Athens, GA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
PA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
PA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Gainesville, FL · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Gainesville, FL · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Des Plaines, IL · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Des Plaines, IL · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Grand Prairie, TX · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Grand Prairie, TX · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
West Lafayette, IN · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
West Lafayette, IN · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
NM · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
NM · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
TX · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
TX · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Phoenix, AZ · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Phoenix, AZ · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Columbus, OH · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Columbus, OH · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Johns Creek, GA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Johns Creek, GA · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Matthews, NC · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Matthews, NC · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Detroit, MI · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Detroit, MI · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Glendale, AZ · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Adobe Illustrator Tutor
Glendale, AZ · Remote
$18 - $40/hr
What We Look For In a Adobe Illustrator Tutor * Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of vector ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...
Contract Illustrator information
See salary details
$38K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$32.5K - $38.3K
26% of jobs
$38.3K - $44K
7% of jobs
$44K - $49.8K
12% of jobs
$49.8K - $55.6K
2% of jobs
The median wage is $56.2K / yr.
$55.6K - $61.4K
25% of jobs
$64K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$61.4K - $67.1K
5% of jobs
$67.1K - $72.9K
4% of jobs
$72.9K - $78.7K
1% of jobs
$78.7K - $84.5K
0% of jobs
$84.5K - $90.2K
0% of jobs
$90.2K - $96K
17% of jobs
$32.5K
$59.3K
$96K
How much do contract illustrator jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract illustrator in the United States is $59,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are contract illustrators?
Contract illustrators are professional artists hired on a freelance or temporary basis to create visual artwork, such as drawings, digital illustrations, or graphics, for clients. They typically work on specific projects, such as book covers, advertisements, product packaging, or editorial content, rather than being permanent staff members of a company. Their work is guided by the client's requirements, and they may collaborate with art directors, writers, or marketing teams. Contract illustrators often manage multiple projects for different clients at once, and they are responsible for meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality artwork. This role offers creative flexibility and the opportunity to work across diverse industries.
How does a contract illustrator typically collaborate with clients and creative teams throughout a project?
As a contract illustrator, you will often begin projects by discussing the client's vision, objectives, and brand guidelines, either directly with clients or through an art director. Regular communication is essential, often involving feedback loops at various stages—sketches, drafts, and final revisions—to ensure the artwork meets expectations. Collaboration may also include working with writers, graphic designers, and marketing teams to align the illustrations with overall project goals. Being open to feedback, managing deadlines, and maintaining clear documentation of changes are key to successful partnerships in this role.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Illustrator, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Contract Illustrator, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of visual storytelling, and a portfolio demonstrating your artistic style and versatility. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and sometimes digital drawing tablets is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and adaptability help build client relationships and manage multiple projects effectively. These skills ensure that illustrations meet client specifications, deadlines, and quality standards in a competitive freelance market.
What is the difference between Contract Illustrator vs Freelance Graphic Designer?
| Aspect | Contract Illustrator | Freelance Graphic Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Portfolio, illustration skills, possibly art or design degrees | Portfolio, design skills, possibly graphic design certifications |
| Work Environment | Typically works on specific illustration projects, often for publishers or advertising | Varied projects including branding, marketing, digital media |
| Employer/Industry Usage | Hired by publishers, advertising agencies, or clients for specific illustration tasks | Hired directly by clients or agencies for diverse design needs |
Contract Illustrators focus primarily on creating visual artwork for specific projects, often in publishing or advertising. Freelance Graphic Designers handle a broader range of design tasks, including branding and digital media. While both roles require a strong portfolio, Contract Illustrators specialize in illustrations, whereas Freelance Graphic Designers have a wider skill set. The choice depends on the project type and industry needs.
More about Contract Illustrator jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Illustrator jobs? Cities with the most Contract Illustrator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Illustrator jobs? The most popular types of Illustrator jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Illustrator jobs include:
Anduril rating
9.1
Anduril
Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7.4
Manufacturers average
Based on 74,403 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Deployments team is a cross-functional group that partners with every business line and supports all products that Anduril builds. Our responsibilities include product operations, training and adoption, along with user documentation and several other functions. We believe that the quality of our documentation should reflect the quality of our products, which are world-class.
ABOUT THE JOBWe are seeking a Technical Illustrator to support mission-critical defense programs by developing high-quality technical illustrations used in maintenance, operations, and training documentation. This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the Deployments Technical Writing function. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience creating authoring standard-compliant (S1000D, MIL-STD-40051) illustrations and thrives in fast paced, Engineering-driven environments. The role will define how engineering data is translated into accurate scalable, and reusable visual content that supports mission success, rapid iteration, and future government contracts.
You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program stakeholders to translate complex mechanical, electrical and system level concepts into clear accurate and usable visuals that support operations and maintainers in the field. This role will also advise on technical standards and best practices for illustration development.
- Define and implement S1000D compliant illustration standards across technical documentation.
- Advise technical writers and illustrators on appropriate graphic type (procedural, descriptive, parts)
- Develop and maintain illustration style guides
- Create and revise 2D and 3D content using Rapid Illustrator in support of defense docs (IETMs, manuals, training manuals).
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, source data and redlines to produce accurate illustrations.
- Develop exploded views, parts, breakdowns, installations/removal graphics and system schematics
- Ensure illustrations comply with S1000D. MIL-STD, and program specific style guides
- Collaborate with technical writers to align graphics with procedural content
- Manage illustrations revisions through configuration control and document change processes
- Maintain and contribute to a reusable graphics asset library
- Support reviews with engineering, QA, and program stakeholders
Tools:
- PTC IsoDraw
- Adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop)
- CAD
- S1000D authoring environments
- PLM/configuration management systems
- 3+ years of experience as a technical illustrator in aerospace, defense, or government contracting
- Proficiency with PTC IsoDraw/ Rapid Author/ Rapid Illustrator
- Experience supporting DoD programs and working in regulated documentation environments
- Ability to interpret engineering source data (drawings, models, specifications)
- Experience working with technical publication tools (Arbortext, Rapid Author, Cortona)
- Ability to relocate, if not already local to be onsite in Costa Mesa, CA
- Prior work in DOD programs such as fighter aircraft
- Experience working with a Teamcenter PLM environment
- Experience working with technical pubs tools such as Arbortext, Oxygen, RapidAuthor
- Active DoD security clearance
- Experience in utilizing CAD models as source data for illustration
- Experience creating interactive 3D animations
- Experience creating or maintaining illustration style guides
- Background in both illustration and authoring
Working at Anduril
About Anduril, in their own words
From Anduril
As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.
About Anduril Industries
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.
Industry
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Company size
501 - 1,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Costa Mesa, CA, US
Year founded
2017