Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Developing original ideas, approaches, designs, or solutions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Craft and fine artists improve their skills through practice and repetition. A bachelor’s degree is common for these artists. PayThe median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $55,290 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,300 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for craft and fine artists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of craft and fine artists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $55,290 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,300 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for craft and fine artists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of craft and fine artists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,300 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for craft and fine artists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of craft and fine artists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.
Work Environment
Many artists work in fine- or commercial-art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. Others work in private studios in their homes. Some artists share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work.
How to Become a Craft or Fine Artist
Craft and fine artists improve their skills through practice and repetition. A bachelor’s degree is common for these artists.
Pay
The median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $55,290 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 4,300 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for craft and fine artists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of craft and fine artists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Many artists work in fine- or commercial-art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. Others work in private studios in their homes. Some artists share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work.
How to Become a Craft or Fine Artist
Craft and fine artists improve their skills through practice and repetition. A bachelor’s degree is common for these artists.
Pay
The median annual wage for craft and fine artists was $55,290 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 4,300 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for craft and fine artists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of craft and fine artists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for craft and fine artists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of craft and fine artists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about craft and fine artists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.