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Full Time Book Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 ... Experience with heavily illustrated books required. * Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills

The Hachette Book Group is seeking a Production Editor for its Workman imprints to manage 20-25 ... Experience with heavily illustrated books required. * Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills

Art Director - Romance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... top illustrators, artists, and designers, ensuring innovative and competitive book designs ... Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits ...

Art Director - Romance

Naperville, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... top illustrators, artists, and designers, ensuring innovative and competitive book designs ... Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits ...

Senior Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

... book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ... Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ...

... book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ... Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ...

Senior Designer

New York, NY

$111K - $119K/yr

... book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ... Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ...

Art Director

New York, NY

$132K - $138K/yr

... book covers and interiors. Lead the development of compelling visual concepts for new nonfiction ... Hire, art direct, and manage freelance designers, illustrators, and packagers. Provide clear ...

Art Director

New York, NY · On-site

$132K - $138K/yr

... book covers and interiors. Lead the development of compelling visual concepts for new non-fiction ... Hire, art direct, and manage freelance designers, illustrators, and packagers. Provide clear ...

... book covers and interiors for both original non-fiction and licensed content, targeting readers ... Meet with editors, find and hire illustrators /packagers and freelance designers. Manage schedules ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Book Illustrator information

See salary details

$32.5K

$59.3K

$96K

How much do full time book illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time book 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.

Are illustrators still in demand?

Full-time book illustrators are still in demand as publishers seek engaging visuals for children's books, graphic novels, and educational materials. Success in the field often requires strong artistic skills, proficiency with digital illustration tools, and a portfolio showcasing diverse work.

Is AI taking over illustration jobs?

AI is increasingly used in illustration, including for book illustrations, but it generally complements rather than replaces full-time book illustrators. Human artists bring creativity, storytelling, and unique style that AI cannot fully replicate, making skilled illustrators still essential in the industry.

What is the difference between Full Time Book Illustrator vs Freelance Book Illustrator?

AspectFull Time Book IllustratorFreelance Book Illustrator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in illustration, fine arts, or related fieldMay have similar credentials but often relies on portfolio and experience
Work EnvironmentEmployed by a publisher or company, working in an office or studioWorks independently, often remotely from home or studio
Industry UsageCommonly employed in publishing houses or media companiesServes individual clients, self-employed, or small publishers
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for stable employment with benefitsSeeking flexible, project-based work

Full Time Book Illustrators are employed by publishers, offering stability and benefits, while Freelance Book Illustrators work independently on a project basis, providing flexibility but less job security.

How much does a Book Illustrator make?

A full-time book illustrator typically earns between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and the complexity of projects. Rates can vary based on whether the illustrator is freelance or employed by a publisher, with some earning additional income through royalties or licensing. Strong drawing skills and proficiency with digital illustration tools are important for success in this role.

Do publishers find illustrators?

Publishers often find full-time book illustrators through industry connections, art agents, or by reviewing portfolios online. Building a strong portfolio and networking within the publishing industry can increase opportunities for illustrators to be discovered or hired directly by publishers.
More about Full Time Book Illustrator jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Book Illustrator jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Book Illustrator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Book Illustrator jobs? The most popular types of Book Illustrator jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Book Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Book Illustrator jobs include:
Associate Art Director, Union Square & Co.

Associate Art Director, Union Square & Co.

Hachette Book Group

New York, NY

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Union Square & Co. is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and creative Associate Art Director to join our team. As an integral part of our group, this person will carry each project through the design process, including conception, execution, approval, and transmitting files to Production. They should have extensive experience in book cover design and feel comfortable focusing on a range of genres. The Associate Art Director will personally manage 3 designers and will report to the Art Director, Adult Books.

Duties include:

Conceptualizes and generates creative and innovative cover designs for UNSQ's Adult list, including Classics, and select Gift titles

Works closely with the Art Director to maintain the highest quality of design and production standards while keeping on track with deadlines

Manages and advises small group of Senior and Junior level designers

Collaborates closely with editorial team to develop thoughtful, market-appropriate designs

Oversees all stages of preparation including prepress, color correction, setting print-ready files up for special effects, and proof review.

Maintains ongoing communications and schedules with the Editorial and Production departments to ensure timely execution and follow through from manuscript to bound book for all projects

Researches and oversees freelance illustrators and designers when required

Ensures that designs fulfill UNSQ's high standards, represent the brand in the market, and push the envelope in both concept and execution

Attends weekly status and design meetings

Stays abreast of changes in publishing industry, design trends, and new techniques that will improve the efficiency and creativity

Minimum requirements:

4-year college degree preferably in Graphic Design, or equivalent work experience

Minimum 5-7 years design experience in book publishing

Proficient in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat

Extensive experience designing book covers

Experience hiring and overseeing illustrators, negotiating rates, and rights usage

Detailed knowledge of pre-press requirements for print: manufacturing process, proofing, and color correction

Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio to be considered for this position.

This role is based in our New York office. Employees are expected to work on-site three days per week in accordance with our hybrid work model. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the office.

The compensation for this position is $75,000-$85,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location - talk with your recruiter to learn more. There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.

As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing diverse voices in all aspects of our business is fundamental to what we do. Our publishing programs must reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, political views and ideas that shape our society and publish books for all readers.

Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The following benefits are offered by the company: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, health and dependent care FSA, commuter benefit plan, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, travel assistance, 401(k), discretionary bonus program, PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave) and group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

Mission Statement

Union Square & Co. publishes books and gift products with a point of view. What distinguishes us is our independent, entrepreneurial spirit. We collaborate with bestselling, award-winning, and debut authors and creatives to publish at the highest quality across categories. We strive to bring you entertainment, discovery, and fun through objects you can cherish.

Employment Type: Full-Time