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Scientific Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Axle

Junior Illustrator

Hamilton, MT · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation, Visual ...

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Scientific Illustration information

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$13

$31

$52

How much do scientific illustration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific illustration in the United States is $31.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $40.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to work as a scientific illustrator?

To work as a scientific illustrator, develop strong drawing skills and knowledge of biology, anatomy, or other scientific fields. Proficiency in digital illustration tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop is essential, and building a portfolio showcasing scientific accuracy can help secure freelance or full-time positions. A background in science or formal training in scientific illustration can enhance job prospects.

How do scientific illustrators typically collaborate with researchers and scientists during a project?

Scientific illustrators frequently work closely with researchers and scientists throughout a project to ensure accuracy and clarity. Collaboration often involves attending discussions to understand complex concepts, reviewing drafts for scientific correctness, and revising illustrations based on expert feedback. This partnership helps translate intricate data and findings into visual formats that are both accessible and precise, making communication skills and adaptability key strengths in this role. Effective teamwork not only enhances the final product but also fosters professional growth through exposure to diverse scientific disciplines.

How much do scientific illustrators make?

Scientific illustrators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those working in specialized fields earning higher salaries. Salaries can vary based on education, skill level, geographic location, and whether they work freelance or for institutions such as research organizations or publishers.

What is the difference between Scientific Illustration vs Medical Illustration?

AspectScientific IllustrationMedical Illustration
Required CredentialsArt degree, specialized training in scienceArt degree, medical or biological training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, publishingHospitals, medical publishers, educational institutions
Industry UsageBiology, ecology, geology, general sciencesMedicine, surgery, anatomy, healthcare

Scientific Illustration and Medical Illustration share similar artistic and scientific skills, but Medical Illustration focuses specifically on healthcare and anatomy, often requiring additional medical knowledge. Both roles are essential for education, research, and publication, but they serve different specialized fields within the scientific community.

What Are Scientific Illustration Jobs?

The responsibilities of someone in science illustration are to draw accurate representations of scientific information. They may focus on natural sciences and create depictions of things like different species or cell structure for textbooks. Other illustrators may concentrate on anatomy and medical images. Some professionals in biological and other types of scientific illustration may draw illustrations with input from a scientist for inclusion alongside research information in a scientific journal. Qualifications vary, but artistic skill and the ability to accurately depict scientific concepts is important in this career.

What jobs use scientific illustration?

Scientific illustrators work in fields such as biology, medicine, geology, and environmental science to create detailed visual representations of complex concepts. They often collaborate with researchers, use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, and may work in research institutions, museums, publishing, or freelance settings.

What is scientific illustration?

Scientific illustration is the practice of creating detailed and accurate visual representations of scientific subjects, such as plants, animals, anatomy, or processes. These illustrations are used to communicate complex information clearly in textbooks, research papers, museum exhibits, and educational materials. Scientific illustrators combine artistic skill with scientific knowledge to ensure their work is both visually appealing and scientifically accurate. Their work helps make scientific concepts accessible to experts and the general public alike.

Is scientific illustration a good career?

Scientific illustration is a specialized field that combines art and science to create accurate visual representations of scientific concepts, often requiring skills in drawing, biology, and computer software. It offers opportunities in research institutions, publishing, and education, with a need for strong attention to detail and technical proficiency. Job prospects depend on education, portfolio quality, and industry demand, and the work can involve freelance or full-time positions.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Illustrator, you need a solid foundation in both art and science, often supported by a degree in scientific illustration, biology, or a related field. Proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, visual communication, and the ability to collaborate with scientists are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, clear, and visually engaging representations of complex scientific concepts for education, research, and publication.
More about Scientific Illustration jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientific Illustration jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Illustration job openings:
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Scientific Illustration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Illustration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,473 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Science Illustration Intern

Science Illustration Intern

Xerces Society Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$24/hr

Part-time, Internship

PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
JOB TITLE: Science Illustration Intern
LOCATION: Remote position within the United States. Candidates must have a personal office location suitable for work purposes, with broadband internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their assigned work location.
COMPENSATION: $24 per hour
STATUS & SCHEDULE: Part time, approximately 20 hours/week.
DURATION: September - December 2026, flexible based upon student's academic schedule
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 31, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs
Xerces provides accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org with your specific request.
JOIN US!
At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
As the Scientific Illustration Intern for the Xerces Society, you will build your portfolio and gain experience in science illustration by creating visual media that advances public understanding of invertebrates and advocacy for their conservation. This is a remote position at 20 hours per week from September through December. The intern will be a member of the communications team and work directly with many Xerces Society staff. The internship is made possible by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation .
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Produce scientific illustrations, animations, and/or data visualizations of invertebrates and the conservation issues impacting them. Projects will include developing print and digital media to illustrate invertebrate morphology, depict ecological interactions, and promote programs like the Xerces Society habitat kits.
  • Work with the communications team and conservation program staff to identify and produce visual storytelling opportunities for Xerces conservation initiatives.
  • Participate in relevant staff meetings and events.
  • Participate in Xerces Society program experiences, as available.
  • Present and exhibit final illustrations through a Xerces Society platform.

Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
  • Ability to portray natural subjects in a scientific manner in one or more mediums
  • Experience creating artwork from life and from photo references
  • Ability to meet deadlines and incorporate feedback
  • Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
  • Strong time, project management, and collaboration skills

PREFERRED
  • Ability to communicate scientific concepts through data visualization, and/or
  • Experience creating animated short videos

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
  • Current undergraduate or graduate student in the Fall 2026 semester, pursuing a degree or certificate in scientific illustration, fine arts, graphic design, or similar related field of study.

PREFERRED
  • Interest in ecology, conservation, and science communication
  • Passion to develop skills in scientific illustration

BENEFITS: This position includes paid time off (PTO) accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Include a portfolio of 5-10 illustration samples that demonstrate skill and experience in scientific illustration of wildlife and natural subjects. 3-5 additional samples of data visualization or animation may be included, if applicable. Please upload one pdf of all samples. You may add links and brief narrative context as needed. Include a cover letter describing how you fulfill the qualifications listed above and how you hope the internship will enhance your professional development.
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs
TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to consider.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Xerces Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

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