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Medical Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable ...

Visual Media Compositor

Redlands, CA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

DK Global is a leading litigation visuals firm that creates high-impact 3D animations and medical illustrations to help trial attorneys communicate complex information and advocate for justice. The ...

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Medical Illustrator information

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$55.5K

$166.8K

$270K

How much do medical illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical illustrator in the United States is $166,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $250,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges medical illustrators face when collaborating with healthcare professionals?

Medical illustrators often work closely with doctors, surgeons, and researchers to create accurate visuals. A common challenge is translating complex medical information into clear, visually engaging illustrations that meet both educational and scientific standards. This process requires excellent communication skills to clarify terminology and ensure accuracy, as well as flexibility to revise artwork based on expert feedback. Navigating tight deadlines and balancing artistic creativity with strict anatomical correctness are also frequent aspects of the role.

Is there a demand for medical illustrators?

Medical illustrators are in steady demand due to the need for clear visual communication in healthcare, education, and research. Employment opportunities are often found in hospitals, publishing companies, and educational institutions, with skills in digital tools and anatomy knowledge being important for success.

What is the difference between Medical Illustrator vs Medical Animator?

AspectMedical IllustratorMedical Animator
Required CredentialsDegree in medical illustration or related field, certification often preferredSimilar credentials; often requires skills in animation and multimedia
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, hospitals, educational institutionsVideo production, digital media companies, healthcare communication
Employer & Industry UsageMedical publishing, healthcare marketing, educationMedical education, advertising, patient education videos

Medical illustrators create detailed static images to explain complex medical concepts, while medical animators produce dynamic visualizations and animations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in related environments, but their outputs differ—illustrators focus on images, whereas animators specialize in motion graphics and videos.

What is a medical illustrator?

Medical illustrators are professionals who create visual materials to communicate complex medical and scientific information. They use their artistic skills and scientific knowledge to produce illustrations, animations, and interactive media for textbooks, journals, educational materials, and patient communication. Medical illustrators often collaborate with scientists, physicians, and educators to ensure accuracy and clarity in their work. Their visuals help enhance understanding of anatomy, surgical procedures, diseases, and biomedical concepts.

What does a medical illustrator do?

As a medical illustrator, your job is to provide illustrations that display anatomical accuracy. To produce this art, you research body parts and unusual conditions, find and use similar work for reference, or observe medical treatments. Your illustrations may be used in print, for video, or even animated as part of a guide. Medical illustrators often provide graphics for textbooks, medical journals, museum exhibits, research reports, and special events. Some medical illustrators work entirely by hand, while others use graphic design software to produce the desired products. You may work with a project manager who makes the final decision on art.

How much do medical illustrators make?

Medical illustrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, with experienced professionals or those working in specialized fields earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and whether they work freelance or for institutions such as hospitals or publishing companies.

How to get a job as a medical illustrator?

To become a medical illustrator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in medical illustration, biology, or art, along with specialized training in anatomy and medical concepts. Building a strong portfolio that demonstrates both artistic skill and understanding of medical subjects is essential, and proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling software is often required. Certification from professional organizations can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

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

To thrive as a Medical Illustrator, you need a solid background in both the life sciences and visual arts, typically supported by a degree in medical illustration or a related field. Proficiency in digital illustration software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), 3D modeling tools, and anatomical reference systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to communicate complex medical concepts visually are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities ensure accurate, engaging, and educational visual materials that support healthcare, research, and patient education.
What cities are hiring for Medical Illustrator jobs? Cities with the most Medical Illustrator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Illustrator jobs? The most popular types of Medical Illustrator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Medical Illustrator jobs? The top employers for Medical Illustrator jobs are:
What states have the most Medical Illustrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Medical Illustrator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Medical Illustrator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Illustrator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Illustrator jobs? For Medical Illustrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Medical Illustrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,846 per year, or $80.2 per hour.

Technical Illustrator Intern

Axcelis

Beverly, MA

$22.64 - $35.70/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Technical Illustrator Intern

Intern Cycle/ Timeline: September - December

Schedule: First Shift

Location: Beverly, MA (Onsite) Applicants must be based in MA and able to be onsite 5 days a week.

*To support students commuting to our Beverly, MA facility, we offer a travel stipend. See the Commute section below.

Ready to turn what you're learning in the classroom into real-world impact?

Axcelis is a global leader in ion implantation and semiconductor technology. Our Interns don't just observe-they contribute. For more than four decades, we've been driving innovation in semiconductor manufacturing technology, working with the world's leading chipmakers to power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. As an intern, you'll gain handson experience, learn from industry experts, and make a real impact on projects that shape the future of technology.

We are searching for Technical Illustrator Intern for a 3-month assignment at our Beverly, MA, facility. As a Product Documentation Technical Illustrator Intern, you'll help transform complex technical information into clear, engaging visual content. This is a great opportunity to build hands-on experience creating illustrations and animations used in real-world technical documentation while working closely with engineers and experienced documentation professionals.

About the Role

Axcelis is seeking a Technical Illustrator Intern to support our Product Documentation team. In this role, you will help create visual content that enables customers to safely install, operate, and maintain advanced equipment.

You'll gain experience translating complex mechanical and process concepts into clear, user-friendly illustrations and animations while contributing to real product documentation. Throughout the internship, you will work closely with a senior designer who will serve as your mentor, providing guidance, feedback and support.

What You'll Do

  • Assist in creating and updating product illustrations for manuals, procedures, and training materials
  • Support the development of visual content that explains equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
  • Help translate technical concepts into clear diagrams, graphics, and animations
  • Learn and use technical visualization tools (e.g., CAD-based illustration tools)
  • Update visuals based on engineering changes and documentation feedback
  • Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and documentation teams

What We're Looking For

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Design, Technical Illustration or Communication, Industrial Design, or a related field
  • Strong visual communication skills and attention to detail
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
  • Interest in learning technical illustration or CAD-based visualization tools
  • Ability to work collaboratively and take direction
  • Exposure to 3D or CAD-based tools (e.g., Creo Illustrate, SolidWorks Composer, Blender)
  • Basic understanding of technical diagrams or mechanical concepts
  • Experience creating illustrations for instructions, manuals, or training materials
  • Interest in technical documentation or user-focused design

Why Choose Axcelis for Your Internship?

  • Meaningful Work - Work on real projects that make a direct impact on our products, processes, and customers
  • Leadership That Knows Your Name - Senior leaders are invested in our Interns' growth and regularly engage with students throughout their assignment.
  • Mentorship -Interns are matched with an experienced mentor to help them navigate the company, build connections, and succeed in their role.
  • More Than an Internship - Our Intern program is a key pipeline for full-time early career roles, giving you a strong starting point after graduation.

Commute Information:

To support students commuting to our facility, Axcelis provides a $1,000 travel stipend, paid as a lumpsum in the first paycheck. Our headquarters in Beverly, MA, is located directly off Route 128 and just 10 minutes from the Beverly Train Station for those using public transportation. Transportation between the Beverly station and the facility is available through the Salem Skipper rideshare service. You can learn more about routes, schedules, and pricing here: https://city.ridewithvia.com/salem-skipper.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT


It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.

U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE

$22.64 - $35.70

This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.

Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on

multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work

location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as

you develop within the role.

Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the

Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular

employees working 20+ hours a week).