What Can You Earn as An Artist in 2022?

This article was originally published in TeenLife's Guide to Your Future in Arts. To learn more about an artist salary and how you can jumpstart your career in the field, download the free guide today! 

What is an Average Artist Salary? 

Every year, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes data related to job trends across a number of different industries. This data includes information on occupation growth, the minimum level of education required for certain jobs and the annual median earnings for workers in a specific field.

If you’re looking forward to a career in the arts, there’s good news.

According to the latest Labor Statistics report, jobs in the entertainment industry are expected to grow 22% in the next ten years, adding more than 150,000 jobs. The arts and design industry is expected to grow as well, adding jobs at a rate of 4% over ten years. 

Many of these new positions will be in the animation and visual effects industry, as companies and other brands continue to meet the demand for visually appealing websites, apps and other interfaces. The rapid expansion of virtual reality, augmented reality and the metaverse is sure to affect the arts and graphic design industry as well.  

Additionally, as more artistic organizations begin to open their doors following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s expected that opportunities in the performing arts will continue to grow, at least for the next couple of years. Expect to see rapid growth in jobs among actors, musicians, dancers and other performers during this time. 

As of May 2020, the median annual salary for workers in the arts and design industry was $49,600. The median annual wage for entertainment and sports occupations was $47,080. Both of these figures are slightly higher than the overall median wage across all industries, which comes in at $41,950. 

Take a look at some of the jobs below, and see what you could earn in the arts! 

Art Directors

Job Description: Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $97,270

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Craft and Fine Artisans

Job Description: Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition

Entry Level Education: No Formal Education Required

Median 2020 Pay: $49,120

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Fashion Designers

Job Description: Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and footwear

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $75,810

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Floral Designers

Job Description: Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays

Entry Level Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Median 2020 Pay: $29,140

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Graphic Designers

Job Description: Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $53,380

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Industrial Designers

Job Description: Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $71,640

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Interior Designers

Job Description: Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $57,060

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Makeup Artists

Job Description: Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role

Entry Level Education: Postsecondary Non-Degree Award

Median 2020 Pay: $106,920

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Music Directors and Composers

Job Description: Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $52,250

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Producers and Directors

Job Description: Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions

Entry Level Education: $76,400

Median 2020 Pay: $52,250

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Set Designers

Job Description: Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $58,180

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Special Effects Artists and Animators

Job Description: Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $77,700

These are just a few of the many different career opportunities in the arts out there! Can you picture yourself in any of these occupations? Does an artist salary interest you? If so, check out the Guide to Your Future in Arts today!