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Scientific Illustrator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Meso Scale Discovery

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

This position develops high-quality 2D and 3D visual assets, animations, technical illustrations ... of scientific visual assets and imagery. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Translate user ...

MSD

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

This position develops high-quality 2D and 3D visual assets, animations, technical illustrations ... of scientific visual assets and imagery. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Translate user ...

The Atlantic

Senior Art Director

Washington, DC

$105K - $135K/yr

They will also focus on creating original illustrations for daily coverage and digital features ... science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a ...

Viderity

Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$60K - $90K/yr

... Science Foundation (www.nsf.gov). Essential Skills Required: * Expert in Adobe Creative Cloud applications: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, plus strong PowerPoint expertise * Knowledge of both ...

New

Bespoke Technologies, Inc

Web Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop as wel as Dreamweaver, After Effects, or other similar software ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Graphic Design, Multimedia Development ...

GRVTY

Software Developer

Chantilly, VA

Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Bridge, PDF as well as Dreamweaver, After Effects, or other ... Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Graphic Design, Multimedia Development ...

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Scientific Illustrator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$57.7K

$173.6K

$280.9K

How much do scientific illustrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientific illustrator in Reston, VA is $173,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $260,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a scientific illustrator do?

A Scientific Illustrator creates detailed, accurate visuals to help communicate scientific concepts, data, and discoveries. They work with researchers, educators, and publishers to produce illustrations for textbooks, journals, museums, and digital media. Their work may include medical diagrams, wildlife renderings, or complex infographics. Scientific illustrators use traditional and digital tools to ensure clarity and precision in their artwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scientific illustrator?

To thrive as a Scientific Illustrator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of scientific concepts, and attention to detail, often supported by a degree in scientific illustration or a related field. Proficiency with digital illustration software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools is essential, and specialized certifications in scientific or medical illustration are valued. Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills help illustrators accurately interpret information and work effectively with scientists and publishers. These competencies ensure the creation of precise, visually engaging illustrations that clearly convey complex scientific information.

What are the typical work environments and collaborative dynamics for scientific illustrators?

Scientific illustrators can work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, research organizations, publishing companies, museums, or as independent freelancers. Collaboration is often a key aspect of the role, as illustrators regularly consult with scientists, researchers, editors, and educators to ensure accuracy and clarity in their visual materials. Team structures may vary; some illustrators work independently on commissioned pieces, while others are part of larger creative or research teams in institutions. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the work, strong communication skills and adaptability are important for thriving in diverse professional environments.

Are scientific illustrators in demand?

Scientific illustrators are in steady demand in fields such as biology, medicine, and environmental science, especially as scientific communication and education grow. Opportunities often require proficiency in digital illustration tools and a strong understanding of scientific concepts, with employment available in academic, publishing, and research institutions.

How do I become a scientific illustrator?

To become a scientific illustrator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, art, or a related field, along with strong drawing skills and knowledge of scientific concepts. Proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is also important, and building a portfolio of scientific artwork can help demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

How much money do scientific illustrators make?

Scientific illustrators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Those with specialized skills in digital tools or advanced degrees may earn higher salaries, especially in research institutions or publishing companies.

What jobs use scientific illustration?

Scientific illustrators create detailed visual representations for fields such as biology, medicine, geology, and environmental science. They work in research institutions, publishing, museums, and educational settings, often using tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and may require knowledge of anatomy, botany, or zoology.

What job categories do people searching Scientific Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Scientific Illustrator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Scientific Illustrator jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Scientific Illustrator job openings:

Scientific Illustrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Illustrator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 48% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $173,579 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

Creative Director, Editorial

The Atlantic

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Atlantic is seeking a Creative Director to oversee visual direction and brand expression across all editorial platforms-including the print magazine, website and app, podcasts, video, and live events. The Creative Director will manage The Atlantic's art department, and lead the team's work on design, illustration, and photography across The Atlantic's journalism.

The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, an ambitious design mind, and able to think big while maintaining attention to detail. Their work should elevate The Atlantic's visual identity while maintaining its core sensibility and spirit.

Qualifications of the ideal candidate:

  • Demonstrated talent for leadership, including creative vision, people-management experience, and the ability to both identify and execute against goals

  • Astute design and journalistic sense, and facility with both conceptual and reportorial work

  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively under deadlines and to manage concurrent projects

  • Established relationships with photographers, illustrators, and other artists, and a keen eye for emerging talent

  • Adaptability to change and grace under pressure

  • Clear communication skills and a collaborative spirit

  • Energized by a fast-paced and intensely demanding creative environment

  • Expertise with Adobe Creative tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign/K4

This position is based in New York City or Washington, D.C.

Salary minimum: $200,000; Salary maximum: $275,000

About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

_____________

The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer.The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encouragesmembers of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women,LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities.We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. TheAtlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.

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