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Advertising Illustrator, Artist, Book Illustrator, Concept Artist, Concept Illustrator, Commercial Illustrator, Editorial Illustrator, Fashion Illustrator, Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Artist, Medical Illustrator, Sketch Artist, Storyboard Artist, Technical Illustrator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, illustrators:
Most illustrators develop a signature artistic style with a distinctive look. Unlike cartoonists, illustrators create images that are either more abstract, or more physically accurate and realistic. They may work in a variety of fields or specialize in a particular type of work:
Illustrators usually work in their own homes or in studios. They may sit or stand for long periods of time and must deal with the constant pressure of deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and stationery, and in producing 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations
Interest in precision working to produce illustrations and to assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products and television advertising and productions; may adapt existing illustrations
Interest in consulting with clients to establish the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communication needs
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
In addition to the ability to draw or paint, illustrators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 30, 2024 and Jul 12, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements | 82 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Estimate costs of materials and time to complete graphic designs and illustrations | 81 |
| Tasks: Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives | 64 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials | 64 |
| Attention to detail | 62 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs | 61 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials | 59 |
| Tasks: Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides | 56 |
| Tasks: Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication | 55 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 54 |
Although related education is not required to succeed in this field, many illustrators have post-secondary training in fine art or graphic design. Regardless of their educational background, illustrators need computer skills and knowledge of illustration software.
Most successful freelance illustrators are known for their personal artistic style or subject matter specialization. Staff or in-house artists may have to be comfortable working with a variety of visual media such as computer graphics, acrylic, watercolour, pen, pencil, gouache, inks, and pastels. They must be able to produce illustrations for various purposes (both rough ideas and finished works).
Medical illustrators usually have biomedical training in addition to formal art training. The University of Toronto offers a 2-year Master of Science degree in Biomedical Communications. For current information about the program, please check the University of Toronto calendar or website.
Technical illustrators often require specialized backgrounds in biology, engineering, architecture, or other scientific areas.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most illustrators work on a freelance basis. Many freelancers accept many different types of work. For example, they may work for:
Some illustrators, especially those who specialize, work for companies. For example, medical illustrators may work for:
Fashion illustrators may work for:
Freelance illustrators negotiate contracts for each illustration or series of illustrations. Contracts specify deadlines, fees, and who will hold the copyright for the work.
It can be difficult to get started in this field because clients often prefer to work with illustrators they have worked with before. Illustrators may begin as staff at a graphic design house, then progress to freelance work. To obtain freelance contracts, illustrators typically market their services on the internet by posting their portfolios on their own website or various graphic design sourcing sites. They may also purchase space to showcase their work in graphic design source books, or mail work samples to potential clients, attend trade shows, or employ an agent.
Advancement generally results from building a portfolio and a reputation. With these, a freelance illustrator can attract a larger client group over time.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Graphic designers and illustrators
2016 NOC: 5241
79.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Freelance illustrators negotiate an hourly rate or a flat fee for each project, depending upon several factors, including the type of client, the reputation of the illustrator, the scope of the project, and the type and length of use of their work. For example, is it for one-time or ongoing use, for regional, national or international purposes, in single or multiple media.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $44.34 | $26.77 | $22.84 |
| Overall | $19.84 | $48.36 | $30.51 | $26.65 |
| Top | $21.50 | $61.18 | $34.49 | $30.27 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $58,347 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $52,436 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $50,769 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $64,153 |
| Public Administration | $69,898 |
Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) website: www.ami.org
Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) website: www.canscaip.org
The Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) website: capic.org
Design Professionals of Canada website: descan.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
