What Can You Earn With a Performing and Visual Arts Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) publishes data each year about career growth in thousands of occupations in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, including the minimum level of education required and the annual median earnings for specific careers. The organization also features a Career Outlook publication, which includes projected openings in different industries over a 10-year span. 

The BLS expects the arts and design sector to expand at a similar rate as the overall job market between 2022 and 2032, with about 95,800 new positions opening each year. The median annual average wage for arts and design professions ($51,660) surpasses the national average, underscoring potential earning power in the field ($48,060). 

More good news for the performing and visual arts industry was announced in early 2024 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Arts and cultural goods production added $1,102.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022. Here’s the breakdown of specific sectors’ contributions to the economy in 2022 (the most recent year for which information is available) and average annual growth:

• Architectural services: $30.6 billion, 10.9% ave. annual growth
• Creative advertising: $51.3 billion, 5.8% ave. annual growth
• Fine arts schools: $3.8 billion, 24% ave. annual growth
• Independent artists, writers, and performers: $47.3 billion, 18.4% ave. annual growth
• Museums: $12.9 billion, 6.9% ave. annual growth
• Performing arts organizations: $17.8 billion, 76.5% ave. annual growth
• Performing arts presenters: $21 billion, 70% ave. annual growth
• Photography and photo-finishing services: $8.6 billion, -3.3% ave. annual growth
• Specialized design services: $35 billion, 10.2% ave. annual growth

Top arts and cultural industries

According to the NEA, in 2022, the web publishing and streaming industry lead the arts and cultural sector, followed by broadcasting, government services, traditional publishing, and motion pictures. Over 70% of the 35 arts industries surpassed their 2019 value, with notable growth in areas like agents and managers, sound recording, computer systems design, and interior design services.

These figures highlight the dynamic nature of the arts and cultural landscape and its significant contribution to the U.S. economy.

Arts and cultural employment

Several years post-pandemic, this sector has showed resilience, with employment returning to pre-COVID levels. About 5.2 million workers contributed to the industry generating a combined $540.9 billion in pay. Top employment sectors within this industry included government sectors, arts retail, film and television, broadcasting, and digital media.

Keep reading for more information about different visual and performing arts careers and check out our Guide to Performing & Visual Arts Colleges 2023 and Your Future in Arts 2024 publication. 

Click on any title below for additional information about the job profile.

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

2023 median pay: $106,500

Art Therapist

Job description: Art therapists use creative expression to help people heal and grow emotionally.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $55,900

Craft and Fine Artisans

Job description: Craft and fine artisans use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.

Entry level education: No formal education required

2023 median pay: $52,910

Editors

Job description: Editors oversee the creation and production of diverse media, from print and digital publications to marketing materials, collaborating with writers to deliver high-quality output.

Entry level education: Bachelor's Degree

2023 median pay: $75,020

Fashion Designers

Job description: Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and footwear.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $97,030

Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

Job description: Film and video editors craft visual narratives by assembling footage, while camera operators capture the raw material that brings those stories to life.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $65,070

Floral Designers

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

Entry level education: HS diploma or equivalent

2023 median pay: $35,500

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

2023 median pay: $64,700

Industrial Designers

Job description: Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured items.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $76,250

Interior Designers

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

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $68,530

High School Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

Job description: Art, drama, and music teachers demonstrate different artistic techniques and prepare students to create their own projects, performances, and work.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $65,220

Journalists

Job description: Journalists specialize in writing nonfiction content for media and may focus on a specific area like politics or entertainment.

Entry level education: Bachelor's Degree

2023 median pay: $57,500

K-6 Art, Drama and Music Teachers

Job description: Art, drama, and music teachers demonstrate different artistic techniques and prepare students to create their own projects, performances, and work.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $63,670

Music Directors and Composers

Job description: Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange music in many different styles.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $62,590

Painters, Sculptors and Illustrators

Job description: Painters, sculptors, and illustrators create visual art using various techniques and mediums.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $71,420

Producers and Directors

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

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $82,510

Public Relations Specialists

Job description: PR specialists create and maintain positive public images for their clients — they can also help clients grow their share of voice and establish themselves as industry thought leaders.

2023 median pay: $66,750

Set and Exhibit Designers

Job description: Set and exhibit designers craft immersive environments for film, television, theater, and exhibitions.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $59,490

Social Media Specialists

Job description: Social media specialists manage a brand's online presence across platforms.

Entry level education: Bachelor's Degree

2023 median pay: $57,939

Sound Engineering Technicians

Job description: Sound engineering technicians capture, manipulate, and enhance sound for various media, from films to podcasts.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $74,100

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Job description: Special effects (SFX) artists and animators create images that a appear to move & visual effects for various forms of media & entertainment.

Entry level education: Bachelor’s Degree

2023 median pay: $99,060

Technical Writers

Job description: Technical writers prepare how-to guides, instruction manuals, journal articles, and other supporting documents to "translate" and communicate complex, technical information for diverse audiences.

Entry level education: Bachelor's Degree

2023 median pay: $80,050

Writer

Job description: Writers craft narratives across different formats, from children's books, novels and poetry to screenplays and graphic novels — and everything in between.

Entry level education: Bachelor's Degree

2023 median pay: $73,690