Also called: Biomedical Visualization Specialist
Creates the drawings, 3D models, and animations that show how the body works, for textbooks, courtrooms, and surgeons.
Watches a surgery in person to sketch the procedure, then turns it into a step-by-step illustration for a surgical textbook. Other projects: a 3D animation of how a new drug attacks cancer cells, or an exhibit for a malpractice trial.
Estimate; many are freelancers.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in medical illustration (only a handful of US programs) with an art and science background.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Studio Art, Biology, Medical Illustration.
Growing about average. Small, specialized field.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Image-generation AI handles stock anatomy visuals, cutting commissions; accurate, surgeon-verified and courtroom-grade work still needs experts.
Classes: AP Art/Studio Art, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Digital design.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1013.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.