Illustrator Jobs in Syracuse, NY

Syracuse, New York$56,875 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Illustrator Salary in Syracuse

Entry Level
$34,808
Median
$56,875
Senior Level
$83,720

Illustrator salaries in Syracuse are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Syracuse is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

IllustrationAdobe IllustratorDrawingConcept ArtDigital Art

Illustrator Job Market in Syracuse

Syracuse, NY is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Illustrator professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Syracuse offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Illustrator roles across various sectors. The market for Illustrator positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Illustrators in Syracuse

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Illustrators in Syracuse include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Illustrators in Syracuse

Living in Syracuse as a Illustrator means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Illustrator salary, rent would consume about 38% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

91
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Illustrator in Syracuse

Syracuse Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Illustrators in Syracuse: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Illustrator professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in New York

New York has relatively high state income taxes. A Illustrator earning $56,875 might pay approximately $4,550 in state income tax. However, New York's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Illustrators

The job outlook for Illustrators in Syracuse is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Syracuse offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Illustration, Adobe Illustrator, Drawing, Concept Art.

Relocating to Syracuse

Syracuse's affordable cost of living means your Illustrator salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. New York has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Illustrator salary in Syracuse, NY?

The average Illustrator salary in Syracuse, NY is $56,875 per year. Entry-level Illustrators typically start around $34,808, while experienced professionals can earn $83,720 or more. The national average for Illustrator roles is $62,500.

How many Illustrator jobs are available in Syracuse?

Syracuse has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Illustrator professionals. Major employers hiring Illustrators include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Education and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Syracuse a good city for Illustrators?

Syracuse is an solid choice for Illustrators. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's education industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Illustrators in Syracuse?

Top skills for Illustrators in Syracuse include Illustration, Adobe Illustrator, Drawing, Concept Art, Digital Art. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Illustrators in Syracuse?

Syracuse's cost of living is near the national average (91% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Syracuse is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Illustrators in Syracuse?

Syracuse Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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