Illustrator Jobs in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, Washington$73,750 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Illustrator Jobs in Tacoma

Looking for a Illustrator job in Tacoma? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Illustrator in Tacoma, WA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Tacoma has a strong job market for Illustrators. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Illustrator Salary in Tacoma

Entry Level
$45,135
Median
$73,750
Senior Level
$108,560

Illustrator salaries in Tacoma are 18% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

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

Required Skills

IllustrationAdobe IllustratorDrawingConcept ArtDigital Art

Illustrator Job Market in Tacoma

Tacoma, WA is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Illustrator professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Tacoma offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare 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 Tacoma

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Illustrators in Tacoma 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 Tacoma

Living in Tacoma as a Illustrator means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 118% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Illustrator salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

118
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Illustrator in Tacoma

Tacoma 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 Tacoma: 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 Washington

Washington has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Illustrator earning $73,750 would save approximately $3,688 annually. This makes Tacoma attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Illustrators

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

Relocating to Tacoma

Washington has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Illustrator salary in Tacoma, WA?

The average Illustrator salary in Tacoma, WA is $73,750 per year. Entry-level Illustrators typically start around $45,135, while experienced professionals can earn $108,560 or more. The national average for Illustrator roles is $62,500.

How many Illustrator jobs are available in Tacoma?

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

Is Tacoma a good city for Illustrators?

Tacoma is an solid choice for Illustrators. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for creative & design professionals.

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

Top skills for Illustrators in Tacoma 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 Tacoma?

Tacoma's cost of living is above the national average (118% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Tacoma is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Illustrators in Tacoma?

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

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