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Entry Level Biological Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Biological Illustration information

See salary details

$31K

$42.1K

$56K

How much do entry level biological illustration jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level biological illustration in the United States is $42,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Biological Illustrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Biological Illustrator, you need a solid background in art and science, with proficiency in drawing techniques and an understanding of biological concepts, often supported by a degree or coursework in scientific illustration or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and specialized software such as CorelDRAW is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help convey complex scientific information visually and collaborate with researchers. These abilities ensure accurate, clear, and engaging illustrations that support scientific education, research, and publication.

What is the difference between Entry Level Biological Illustration vs Entry Level Scientific Illustration?

AspectEntry Level Biological IllustrationEntry Level Scientific Illustration
Required CredentialsPortfolio, basic art skills, possibly a degree in biology or artPortfolio, strong drawing skills, background in science or art
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, freelanceResearch institutions, publishing, freelance
Industry UsageBiology, medicine, environmental sciencesScience, medicine, technical publishing

Both roles require strong artistic skills and a background in science or biology. Entry Level Biological Illustration focuses on creating detailed biological images, often for educational or research purposes, while Entry Level Scientific Illustration covers a broader range of scientific fields. Both careers typically involve working in research or academic environments and may include freelance opportunities.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level biological illustrators in their first year on the job?

Entry-level biological illustrators often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex scientific information accurately and translating it into clear, visually compelling illustrations. Working closely with scientists or researchers, they must quickly learn to communicate effectively to ensure illustrations meet both scientific and artistic standards. Additionally, managing deadlines for multiple projects, adapting to different illustration styles, and mastering digital illustration tools can be demanding at first. However, these challenges provide valuable opportunities for skill development and professional growth within collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.

What are entry level biological illustrators?

Entry level biological illustrators are professionals who create detailed drawings and visual representations of plants, animals, and other biological subjects. Their work helps scientists, educators, and publishers communicate complex biological information in a clear and visually engaging way. Typically, entry level illustrators work under the guidance of more experienced illustrators or researchers, and use both traditional and digital tools to produce their artwork. They may find employment at research institutions, museums, publishing companies, or as freelancers.
More about Entry Level Biological Illustration jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Biological Illustration jobs? The most popular types of Biological Illustration jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Biological Illustration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Biological Illustration jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Biological Illustration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,105 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Career Services Coordinator

Career Services Coordinator

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY • Hybrid

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

285th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Develops and delivers customized instruction regarding job search strategies, career trends, and workplace success through seminars, workshops, designated classes, and class-based presentations
  • Communicates with students and alumni regarding employment opportunities, instructional program/services offerings, employer recruiting events, and career trend information
  • Markets students, academic programs, and university and office programs and services to prospective employing organizations. Identifies employment opportunities, establishes new employer recruiting partnerships, and supports related university corporate outreach and partnership goals
  • Ensures positive and effective university and employer recruiting and hiring partnerships. Participates in employer hiring strategy development and recruiting activities and programs
  • Partners with various divisions to support university initiatives in admissions, alumni relations, global partnerships, research development, and institutional fundraising
  • Counsels students regarding the employment process and employment related issues
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Knowledge of career development and planning theory, practices, and techniques
  • Skill in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication to influence and articulate a variety of topics to different and diverse audiences
  • Skill in multi-tasking, project management, prioritization, and organization
  • Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, cultural awareness, and confidentiality
  • Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced environment

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 3 years of relevant experience
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

This position will support the following colleges in a shared Career Service Model.

College of Art and Design (CAD): Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Film & Animation, Illustration, Photography, Studio Arts, New Media Design. Focus on portfolio-based careers and creative industries.

College of Liberal Arts (COLA): Humanities, social sciences, communication, public policy, and exploratory majors. Focus on career exploration, storytelling, and public sector careers.

College of Science (COS): Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, and computational fields. Focus on research, lab roles, and healthcare pathways.

College of Health Sciences & Technology (CHST): Diagnostic medical sonography, nutrition sciences, and pre-health pathways. Focus on clinical experience and healthcare employment.

School of Individualized Study (SOIS): Interdisciplinary customized degrees aligned to career goals.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

Hybrid

Compensation

$62,353.20 Annual

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.


Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.


If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request tocareers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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