Salary progression Advertising cartoonist

Average salary 44 900 kr
Males 46 700 kr
Females 42 200 kr

What does an advertising illustrator do? – Tasks and work environment

An advertising illustrator works on creating visual illustrations, images, and graphic elements for advertisements, print materials, digital campaigns, and marketing materials. The profession involves interpreting clients' and commissioning parties' ideas and messages into impactful images and illustrations that enhance the effectiveness of advertising. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with art directors, copywriters, graphic designers, and marketing departments. The work environment is usually office-based, but many advertising illustrators also have the opportunity to work remotely or as freelancers, providing flexibility in their workday.

Salary development over time

The salary for advertising illustrators has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,500 SEK per month, increasing slightly to 43 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 44 900 SEK, representing an increase of about 7.7 % over two years. This positive trend can be linked to increased demand for visual content in digital marketing, as well as a higher level of professionalism within the industry. Competition for creative talents and requirements for technical skills have also contributed to rising salary levels for the profession.

Advertising illustrator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 39,200 SEK/month (men), 39,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 48,600 SEK/month (men), 43,500 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 262 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 90 % of what men do (men 46 700 SEK, women 42 200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Not available

Education and qualifications

To work as an advertising illustrator, a post-secondary education in graphic design, illustration, or visual communication is usually required. Many employers also seek experience with digital tools and a strong portfolio demonstrating creative ability and technical skill. Internships, courses, and ongoing professional development are often important complements to formal education.

  • Post-secondary education: 2–3 years in graphic design, illustration, or similar
  • Certifications: Courses in digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite
  • Internships: Recommended during or after education
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of images and form
  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio is required for most positions

Many advertising illustrators find their niche by combining traditional drawing with digital techniques, which means the profession is constantly evolving and opens up new creative expressions. Mastering both classical and modern methods can create unique opportunities in the job market.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Advertising illustrators are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include occupational pension schemes, training allowances, and in some cases, performance-based bonuses. Freelancers may sometimes negotiate project-based payments or royalties on reused material.

Competition and challenges

The profession of advertising illustrator is characterized by fierce competition, especially for the most attractive assignments and permanent positions. Digitalization has also changed industry requirements, where skills in advanced software and digital illustration have become increasingly important. Many assignments are project-based or freelance, which can mean irregular income and a need to constantly market one's services. Success requires a combination of creativity, technical skill, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.

Tips for those who want to become an advertising illustrator

To succeed as an advertising illustrator, it is beneficial to have a strong creative streak and curiosity about both traditional and digital techniques. Building a diverse portfolio that clearly demonstrates originality and technical skill is recommended, while also developing the ability to understand and interpret clients' needs. Flexibility and adaptability facilitate handling different types of assignments, and self-discipline is crucial for delivering on time. Good collaboration skills are also valuable, as the work often takes place in teams with other creatives. Finally, continuous further education and staying updated on new trends and tools in the industry are highly advantageous.

Key facts about advertising illustrators

  • Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
  • Education level: Post-secondary education 2–3 years
  • Hourly wage: 262 SEK
  • Gender wage gap: Women earn 90 % of what men do
  • Number of available jobs: 620

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, an advertising illustrator can advance to more specialized roles such as senior illustrator, art director, or project manager within advertising and communication. There are also opportunities to specialize in digital illustration, animation, or brand development. According to the latest assessment from the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no clear forecast specifically for advertising illustrators, as the profession is relatively small and statistical data is limited. However, the number of available jobs within the occupational group of graphic designers indicates that demand remains stable, with 620 current positions. Future prospects are influenced by rapid technological development and the need for visual creators in both digital and traditional media.

Frequently asked questions about advertising illustrators

  • What is the average salary of an advertising illustrator?
    - The average salary for an advertising illustrator is 44 900 SEK per month.
  • What are the lowest and highest salaries for advertising illustrators?
    - The lowest salary is 39,200 SEK and the highest is 48,600 SEK per month, depending on education, experience, and employment type.
  • How do gender differences look within the profession?
    - Women earn on average 42 200 SEK, which is 90 % of what men earn (46 700 SEK).
  • What education is required to become an advertising illustrator?
    - Usually, a post-secondary education in graphic design or illustration, often 2–3 years long.
  • Are there many job opportunities for advertising illustrators?
    - There are 620 available jobs within the occupational group of graphic designers, which includes advertising illustrators.
  • How much do advertising illustrators earn per hour?
    - The average hourly wage is 262 SEK.
  • What is the most common form of employment?
    - Many work at advertising agencies, but freelance and remote work are also common.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Advertising cartoonist is 49900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Advertising cartoonist is 40700 kr. Both men and women in this profession have the same lowest salary and work in the Privately employed workers.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 87% 40400 kr 40500 kr
35-44 90% 46700 kr 47200 kr
45-54 101% 46300 kr 46500 kr
55-64 85% 43700 kr 43900 kr
Snitt 90% 44600 kr 44900 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Advertising cartoonist has the SSYK code 2172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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