Architectural Illustrator Careers: Job Description & Salary Info

About this article
An architectural illustrator's median annual salary is around $49,000. Is it worth the education requirements? See real job descriptions and get the truth about career prospects to find out if becoming an architectural illustrator is right for you.
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Pros and Cons of a Career in Architectural Illustration

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Architectural illustrators create two- and three-dimensional designs to help clients visualize the completed interior and exterior of their buildings. Read about pros and cons of a career in architectural illustration so you can make the best career decisions for you.

Pros of an Architectural Illustrator Career
High median salary ($49,000 as of May 2014)*
Only a bachelor's degree is required**
Both technical and creative strengths can be applied**
Complete projects independently**
Employers expect for you to have an architectural background**

Cons of an Architectural Illustrator Career
Low employment growth (one percent between 2012 and 2022)*
Employers want someone who has experience**
Many architectural illustrators are freelance***
May need business skills***
Work opportunities are mostly restricted to architectural firms***

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Job Posts from May 2012, ***American Society of Architectural Illustrators

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Popular Schools

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    1. Full Sail University

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    Master's
      • M.S. - New Media Journalism
      • M.S. - New Media Journalism
    Bachelor's
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      • Game Development Bachelors - Online
      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Online
      • Visual Arts Bachelors with Computer Animation Concentration - Online
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    2. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • MA: Visual Communication Design
      • MFA: Graphic Design
      • MA: Strategic Communication: Social Innovation in Visual Communication
      • MAT: Visual Arts Education P-12 (36 Hours)
      • MAT: Visual Arts Education P-12 (45 Hours)
      • MA: Human-Centered Design
    Certificate
      • GRAD CERT: Social Innovation in Visual Communication
  • Richmond, VA

    Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Rochester, NY

    Rochester Institute of Technology

  • Savannah, GA

    Savannah College of Art and Design

  • West Hartford, CT

    University of Hartford

  • Ann Arbor, MI

    University of Michigan

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    St. John's University

Featured Schools

Full Sail University

  • M.S. - New Media Journalism
  • Visual Arts Bachelors with Game Art Concentration - Campus
  • Visual Arts Bachelors with Computer Animation Concentration - Campus

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Liberty University

  • MA: Visual Communication Design
  • MFA: Graphic Design
  • GRAD CERT: Social Innovation in Visual Communication

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