Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary in Illinois
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in Illinois earn a median of $53,850 a year ($25.89 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $32,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,630 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $55,490. Illinois ranks 14th of 30 states for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators pay. The average (mean) salary is $60,710, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| 25th percentile | $43,770 | $21.04 |
| Median | $53,850 | $25.89 |
| 75th percentile | $76,900 | $36.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,630 | $47.90 |
| Average (mean) | $60,710 | $29.19 |
Half of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,487.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,243.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,071.15 |
| Weekly | $1,035.58 |
| Hourly | $25.89 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $53,850 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $54,990 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $98,540 |
| Nevada | $81,630 |
| New York | $78,870 |
| Washington | $72,430 |
| Connecticut | $71,210 |
| Maryland | $66,180 |
| Georgia | $65,010 |
| New Mexico | $63,090 |
| Minnesota | $61,730 |
| California | $58,240 |
See Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators pay in every state.
Related jobs in Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $62,560 | $30.08 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $40,270 | $19.36 |
| Art Director | $103,550 | $49.79 |
| Interior Designer | $76,290 | $36.68 |
| Floral Designer | $35,880 | $17.25 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $81,180 | $39.03 |
| Designers, All Other | $77,460 | $37.24 |
| Craft Artist | $43,040 | $20.69 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $49,120 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $76,380 | $36.72 |
| Editor | $76,060 | $36.57 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,080 | $38.98 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $60,740 | $29.20 |
| Writers and Authors | $68,220 | $32.80 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1013. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make in Illinois?
The median salary for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Illinois is $53,850 a year, or $25.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,630 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make in Illinois?
The top 10% of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Illinois earn at least $99,630 a year. The top 25% earn $76,900 or more.
What is the starting pay for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,720 a year, and a quarter of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn $43,770 or less.