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Medical Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UWorld, LLC

Pediatrics / Physician Author

Irving, TX

$163K - $211K/yr

Collaborate with our medical illustration team to create captivating, high-yield imagery that highlights essential surgical concepts and procedures. * Engage with a multidisciplinary team of ...

UWorld

Pediatrics / Physician Author

Irving, TX · On-site

$163K - $211K/yr

Collaborate with our medical illustration team to create captivating, high-yield imagery that highlights essential surgical concepts and procedures. * Engage with a multidisciplinary team of ...

UWorld, LLC

Pediatrics / Physician Author

Irving, TX · On-site

$163K - $211K/yr

Collaborate with our medical illustration team to create captivating, high-yield imagery that highlights essential surgical concepts and procedures. * Engage with a multidisciplinary team of ...

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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 Jun 30, 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. Opportunities are available in hospitals, publishing, and digital media, often requiring proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of anatomy and medical concepts.

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.

Is becoming a medical illustrator worth it?

A career as a medical illustrator offers opportunities to combine art and science, often requiring skills in anatomy, graphic design, and software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. The profession can be rewarding for those interested in healthcare communication, but job availability varies and typically requires specialized training or a degree in medical illustration or related fields.

What are medical illustrators?

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.

How much do medical illustrators earn?

Medical illustrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals or those working in specialized fields earning higher. Salaries can vary based on education, portfolio quality, geographic location, and whether they work freelance or for institutions such as hospitals or publishing companies.

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 do I become a medical illustrator?

To become a medical illustrator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as medical illustration, biology, or art, followed by specialized training or a master's degree in medical illustration. Proficiency in art, anatomy, and digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modeling software is essential, and certification from the Association of Medical Illustrators can enhance job prospects.

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.
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Medical Illustrator jobs near you
Lecturer-Illustration

Lecturer-Illustration

University of Colorado Denver I Anschutz

Denver, CO

$5.1K/mo

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Colorado Denver rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University of Colorado – College of Arts & Media

Lecturer

The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment.  We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

This posting will establish and maintain a pool of Lecturers for the College of Arts & Media Visual Arts Department to teach in the area of Illustration. Candidates hired from this pool will fill temporary, non-tenure track positions and will teach no more than two courses per semester. Appointments will be part-time (less than 50%) and will be made semester-by-semester, depending on the needs of the department. Therefore, this posting does not necessarily reflect a current open position. 

 

Support Received

This position reports to Visual Arts Department and the area head of the Painting/Drawing program.

Examples of Work Performed

Teach courses from foundation level drawing to advanced levels in Illustration using both traditional and digital media processes. 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $5,150 per 3-credit semester course.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services.

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. 

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits.

Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

Diversity and Equity:

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/human-resources/employee-relations-performance/ada-compliance

Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Exceptional broad knowledge of the history of art, contemporary art, illustration and design
  • Ability to work independently

Minimum Requirements

MFA degree in studio art, design or illustration, or advanced degree in related field and minimum of three years of professional experience in Design 

  • Advanced communication and self-promotion skills in print and social media
  • Strong skills in teaching graphic applications and ability to also teach perspective, figure drawing and sequential drawing (storyboards and graphic novels)
  • 2 – 3 years of professional practice in illustration
  • Strong facility with graphic applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
  • Ability to teach and work with a diverse student body

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2-3 years teaching experience on the college level
  • 3 – 5 years professional illustration experience 
  • Strong facility to teach motion / animation applications such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D

Apply