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Editorial Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Editorial Design (MarketWatch) The Opportunity MarketWatch is seeking a Director of ... Oversee visual contributors, freelancers, illustrators and creative partners as well as managing ...

Designer (editorial) This part-time designer for editorial will support the visual presentation of ... Proficiency in Adobe InDesign; basic working knowledge of Photoshop or Illustrator. * Strong ...

Designer (editorial) This parttime designer for editorial will support the visual presentation of ... Proficiency in Adobe InDesign; basic working knowledge of Photoshop or Illustrator. * Strong ...

Collaborate with designers on content creation, including infographics, scenario illustrations, and study guides * Help onboard new content managers by modeling editorial standards and providing ...

New

MARKETING AND EDITORIAL COPYWRITER About Surya Inc. Surya Inc. is an innovative home furnishings ... Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) preferred * Detail and ...

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Editorial Illustration information

See salary details

$29.5K

$50.3K

$76K

How much do editorial illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for editorial illustration in the United States is $50,294.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is editorial illustration?

Editorial illustration refers to artwork created specifically to accompany and enhance written content in publications such as magazines, newspapers, and online articles. These illustrations help visually communicate the message, tone, or theme of an article, often providing commentary or adding emotional impact. Editorial illustrators work closely with editors and art directors to ensure their images align with the story and audience. Unlike commercial illustration, which focuses on selling products, editorial illustration aims to inform, provoke thought, or entertain readers through visual storytelling.

What are some common challenges editorial illustrators face when working with editorial teams?

Editorial illustrators often navigate tight deadlines and the need to quickly interpret complex stories or concepts visually. They must balance their creative vision with the editorial direction, ensuring that their artwork aligns with the publication’s tone and message. Collaboration and clear communication with editors, art directors, and writers are essential, as feedback cycles can be fast-paced and require flexibility. Successfully managing these aspects is key to producing impactful illustrations that enhance the reader's experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an editorial illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Editorial Illustrator, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of visual storytelling, and proficiency with illustration fundamentals, often supported by a degree in illustration or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is typically required, along with experience in publishing workflows. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to interpret complex ideas visually are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing compelling, communicative artwork that effectively supports editorial content and engages readers.

How much do editorial illustrators make?

Editorial illustrators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of assignments. Freelance illustrators may have variable income based on project volume and client rates, often charging per illustration or project. Building a strong portfolio and proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can influence earning potential.

What does an editorial illustrator do?

An editorial illustrator creates visual images to accompany articles, essays, or opinion pieces in newspapers, magazines, or online publications. They interpret written content through drawings, digital illustrations, or infographics, often using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Their work helps communicate complex ideas and engage readers visually.

What are editorial illustration jobs?

Editorial illustration jobs allow you to use your artistic abilities to make a living. In this career, you work for a newspaper or magazine and create visual content for their publications. Your responsibilities are to draw illustrations and design a layout to fit your work into the written content. Each sketch should follow the content in theme or messaging. Your duties require you to be creative, but you must also be able to work in tandem with editorial teams. You must get your work approved by the art director. You do most of your work in software like Adobe Illustrator.

What is the difference between Editorial Illustration vs Book Illustration?

AspectEditorial IllustrationBook Illustration
PurposeTo accompany articles, essays, or editorial content in magazines, newspapers, or online mediaTo visually interpret and enhance the narrative of a book or story
Work EnvironmentFreelance or staff in media, publishing, or advertising agenciesTypically freelance or employed by publishers or authors
Required SkillsStrong conceptual skills, quick turnaround, adaptability to editorial themesStorytelling ability, detailed illustration skills, consistency across pages

Editorial Illustration and Book Illustration both involve creating visual art, but they serve different purposes. Editorial illustrations focus on complementing articles and are often produced quickly for media outlets, while book illustrations aim to bring stories to life with detailed visuals. Understanding these differences helps artists target their skills and clients effectively.

What cities are hiring for Editorial Illustration jobs?

Cities with the most Editorial Illustration job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Editorial Illustration jobs?

The most popular types of Editorial Illustration jobs are:

What states have the most Editorial Illustration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Editorial Illustration jobs include:

Infographic showing various Editorial Illustration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,294 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Director of Editorial Design

Dow Jones

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Dow Jones rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 19 rated publishing


Job description

Job Description:Director of Editorial Design (MarketWatch)
The Opportunity

MarketWatch is seeking a Director of Editorial Design to lead the visual expression of our journalism.


This is a newsroom leadership role responsible for helping readers better understand money, markets and the economy through compelling design, thoughtful presentation and innovative storytelling. Working closely with the Editor in Chief and newsroom leaders, the Director of Editorial Design will influence everything from homepage presentation and newsletter design to social storytelling, enterprise projects and emerging editorial products.


The ideal candidate combines exceptional visual judgment with strong editorial instincts, audience awareness and a passion for digital journalism. They are energized by building systems, elevating storytelling and helping a newsroom evolve.


This role is based in New York. Other locations will be considered based on merit.


Responsibilities
  • Serve as MarketWatch's senior visual leader, helping shape presentation strategy and editorial expression across platforms.
  • Shape and evolve a cohesive visual identity for MarketWatch across the website, newsletters, social channels and other reader-facing products.
  • Partner closely with the Editor in Chief and newsroom and support and development teams on major editorial initiatives, enterprise projects and reader-experience priorities.
  • Lead visual strategy for homepage presentation, story packaging, recurring franchises and major news moments.
  • Establish and maintain design standards that improve clarity, consistency and reader engagement.
  • Work across editorial, product, audience, newsletter, social, video and marketing teams to create a cohesive reader experience.
  • Help identify opportunities where presentation, design and visual storytelling can strengthen journalism and improve reader understanding.
  • Oversee visual contributors, freelancers, illustrators and creative partners as well as managing budgets for creatives.
  • Manage and mentor staff, including a Data & Visuals Journalist and future visual storytelling hires.
  • Champion experimentation with emerging storytelling formats, technologies and workflows-including the thoughtful application of AI-enabled tools-to improve how MarketWatch journalism is presented and consumed.
  • Ensure all visual work meets the highest editorial, ethical and journalistic standards.

What Success Looks Like

In the first 12 to 24 months, the Director of Editorial Design will:


  • Establish a more distinctive and recognizable visual identity for MarketWatch.
  • Improve the presentation and packaging of journalism across platforms.
  • Strengthen the visual experience of newsletters, social storytelling and major editorial initiatives.

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in editorial design, visual journalism, digital media, product storytelling or a related field.
  • Demonstrated success leading visual strategy in a newsroom, media company or digital publishing environment.
  • Exceptional visual storytelling skills and a portfolio showcasing innovative editorial work.
  • Strong understanding of audience behavior and digital publishing.
  • Experience collaborating across editorial, product, audience, social and marketing teams.
  • Ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging and accessible visual experiences.
  • Strong leadership, communication and organizational skills.
  • Experience managing visual contributors, freelancers or creative teams.
  • Familiarity with UX, product design and modern digital storytelling approaches.
  • Curiosity about emerging technologies and evolving audience behaviors.

About MarketWatch

MarketWatch is a trusted source of news, analysis and personal-finance journalism for millions of readers seeking to make smarter decisions about money, markets and the economy. We help readers understand not only what happened, but why it matters and what they can do next.

As MarketWatch continues to evolve its journalism, products and audience strategy, we are seeking a creative and ambitious leader to shape how our journalism is experienced across platforms.


Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets

Reasonable Accommodation

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.

Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.

Business Area:

Dow Jones - Wealth & Investing

Job Category:

Creative & Design

Union Status:

Non-Union roleBase Pay Range: $155,000 - $185,000

We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.

For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.

For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.


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