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Contract Illustrator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lead projects by collaborating with Morris' engineering, capital equipment sales, contracts ... Perform related duties as required The duties listed above are intended only as illustration of the ...

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Contract Illustrator information

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$31.6K

$57.7K

$93.3K

How much do contract illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract illustrator in Raleigh, NC is $57,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $66,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract illustrator?

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?

AspectContract IllustratorFreelance Graphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, illustration skills, possibly art or design degreesPortfolio, design skills, possibly graphic design certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically works on specific illustration projects, often for publishers or advertisingVaried projects including branding, marketing, digital media
Employer/Industry UsageHired by publishers, advertising agencies, or clients for specific illustration tasksHired 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Illustrator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Illustrator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Contract Illustrator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Contract Illustrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Illustrator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,689 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Productivity Specialist

Morris South

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join a USA Today Top Workplace!

Morris Group, Inc., one of the largest machine tool distribution networks in North America, is a third generation, family owned and operated business that serves manufacturers of precision machined parts in the United States. Our mission is to help manufacturers maintain a competitive advantage in the world economy by improving productivity.

Morris South is a division of Morris Group, Inc. We supply CNC machine tools, tooling, accessories, software, automation, and more to manufacturers of precision machined parts. Our customer base is located in the southeast U.S. We serve manufacturers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and the Florida panhandle. Our mission is to help manufacturers from all industry sectors achieve and maintain a competitive advantage by improving productivity. We help you make better parts, less expensively.

Summary of Responsibility:

Within these companies, Productivity Specialists comprise the most comprehensive customer service, support, and aftermarket sales in the industry. We need your validated experience to bring innovative ideas to our customers. Morris is looking for the brightest machinists and programmers to offer the latest products, efficiency generating solutions, and a level of machine installation customer support that is unmatched by our competitors.

What You Will Contribute:

  • Develop strong customer relationships across multiple levels within their organizations: shop floor, programming, engineering, purchasing, and senior management.

  • Act as a central knowledge base for machine accessories, work holding, and tooling products to recommend solutions direct to customers and for machine sales planning.

  • Analyze customer equipment and processes to recommend solutions that improve the customer’s return on their capital investment, while growing efficiency and profitability.

  • Partner with capital equipment sales in assigned territory to ensure all customer needs are met from pre-sales to project completion.

  • Encouraging a sales territory to generate revenue when not supporting capital machine projects.

  • Develop and deliver outstanding customer product demonstrations.

  • Attend industry events and supplier training seminars to stay current with new products, processes, and technologies.

  • Lead projects by collaborating with Morris’ engineering, capital equipment sales, contracts, service, and management teams.

  • Possess an in-depth knowledge of the machine tool industry and product lines represented by the company.

  • Maintain a high degree of integrity and professionalism that safeguards the trust and confidence of customers and colleagues.

  • Use a conscientious approach to identify and solving our customer’s challenges.

Other Functions:

  • Perform related duties as required

The duties listed above are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Minimum 5 years of machine tool experience

  • Preference for candidates with experience reviewing and processing part prints, fixturing strategies, and tooling selection

  • Internally driven with a deep-seated desire to win in a competitive marketplace

  • Self-motivated and capable of operating with minimal direction

  • Candidate must bring a strategic approach to all work and creativity for solving challenges

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple priorities

  • Ability to excel in a team environment as well as when working independently

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to optimally present products and solutions to customers in one on one and group settings

  • Prior experience working with various levels of employee and management

  • Intermediate to sophisticated knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and other related business programs.

  • Prior experience in public speaking or presentation.

  • Prior successful experience in project management.

  • Position requires access to reliable transportation, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and a clean driving record.

  • A current U.S. passport (Preferred, but not required)

  • Daily travel throughout the assigned territory with occasional long distance or overnight travel required

What’s in it for You:

We take great pride in our employees and offer a variety of benefits that allow our employees to be successful inside and outside of work:

  • Competitive starting salary

  • Market competitive comprehensive health benefits including a zero premium medical plan offering, vision, dental, and company paid life insurance

  • 3+ Week's Vacation to Start

  • 10 Company Paid Holidays

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution

  • Tuition reimbursement

  • Employee appreciation events and perks

  • Employee Assistance Program

Mental and Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Must be highly mobile, able to access all areas of the premises.

  • Ability to concentrate and remain focused while prioritizing multiple tasks, responsibilities, and projects.

  • Ability to sit for prolonged period of times.

  • Able to perform bending, twisting, stooping, reaching, and lifting of moderate to heavyweight material up to 50 lbs. with assistance from equipment or other employees.

  • Ability to frequently use hands and arms.

  • Vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

  • Ability to work responsibly and professionally in dynamic job sites that may involve tight timelines, changing priorities, and interaction with customers and team members.

Certain positions are designated as safety-sensitive due to the nature of the work performed. Employees in these roles may also be expected to:

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach for extended periods while servicing equipment.

  • Ability to work in tight spaces or awkward positions, including accessing equipment interiors and elevated areas.

  • Strong hand–eye coordination and fine motor skills required for precise electrical, mechanical, and diagnostic work.

  • Ability to work in industrial environments, with exposure to noise, lubricants, coolants, metal chips, and other manufacturing conditions, while consistently wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Requisition # 1678C, Raleigh NC