Comic book illustrators' wages vary greatly depending upon their skill.
The average annual wage of salaried illustrators was $42,650 in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau does not specifically track the comic book illustrator field, and the wages of this field can vary wildly based on the caliber of the artists and the comic book they illustrate for, but the generalized illustration field is relatively close in duties and average wages for comic book illustrators. Comic illustrators may also earn additional money, or have access to more jobs, if they are willing to assist other comic artists with their work by inking rough sketches coloring or lettering.
What Working as a Comic Book Illustrator Entails
A general illustrator creates images that may be used in everything from greeting cards to cereal boxes; in contrast, a comic book illustrator works within the tight confines of comic books, sometimes called graphic novels. Comic book illustrators draw comic characters within a storyline, which is usually set up in panels upon the page. A comic book illustrator must be able to work quickly and within the style and quality required by the publisher of the comic book.
Educational Background Required to be a Comic Book Illustrator
There is no hard and fast requirement set by comic publishers to become a comic book illustrator. However, there is some educational background that any aspiring comic artist would be wise to complete before applying. A bachelor's or master's in a fine arts program at a general university or art school is an advantage for any future comic book illustrator; some schools also offer specific illustrator programs, including graphic design and even sequential art courses, which relate to comic books and graphic novels. Lastly, in addition to educational training, an aspiring comic book illustrator must have a firm grasp on anatomy and an aesthetically pleasing comic book style in order to be hired in the competitive market of comics and graphic novels.
Entry-level and Best-in-Field Earnings as a Comic Book Illustrator
An illustrator new to the field should not expect to make more than around $40,000 a year, though an experienced and in demand illustrator can earn up to $250,000 according to the salary cap reported by Albert Kim in his 2008 article for portfolio.com "Comic Genius". A more realistic expectation would be the highest 10 percent of average earnings reported in the illustration field by the Bureau of Labor statistics at a more modest $83,410 annually.
Other Factors Affecting Salaries for Comic Book Illustrator
Generally, a comic book illustrator is paid a flat, per-page rate but may enjoy periodic royalties checks as well, depending upon his contract's terms. A comic book illustrator employed by DC, Marvel or Darkhorse, the three giants of the industry, is more likely to make a higher wage than if he were to work for independent publishers or if he self-published his own comic. An experienced and popular comic illustrator beloved by the fans can also demand a higher wage to match his star power than those just entering the workforce.
