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Your Future In Arts: What Can You Earn?
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
very 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 on the next page, and see what you could earn in the arts!
OCCUPATION
ART DIRECTORS
CRAFT AND FINE ARTISANS
FASHION DESIGNERS
FLORAL DESIGNERS
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS
MAKEUP ARTISTS
MUSIC DIRECTORS AND COMPOSERS
PRODUCERS AND DIRECTORS
SET DESIGNERS
SPECIAL EFFECTS ARTISTS AND ANIMATORS
JOB SUMMARY ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION
Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions Bachelor’s Degree
Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition No Formal Education Required
Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and footwear Bachelor’s Degree
Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays High School Diploma or Equivalent
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers Bachelor’s Degree
Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products Bachelor’s Degree
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role Postsecondary Non-Degree Award
Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles Bachelor’s Degree
Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions Bachelor’s Degree
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 Bachelor’s Degree
Special effects artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment Bachelor’s Degree
