How much does an artist make?
a year · about $34 an hour
A typical artist in the United States makes $71,240 a year, about $34 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
The day depends on the specialty: an artist may sketch, test colors or materials, then make a piece at home or in a studio. A tattoo artist may plan a design with a client and use sterilized tools.
Did you know? In 2013, over 60% of U.S. workers with a second job as an artist were self-employed—many were their own bosses!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $36,580 and $136,660How do you become one?
In the US, practice, take art classes, and build a portfolio; college can help, but this broad job has no single school route. Some specialties, such as tattooing, require state-specific safety training or a license.
Why does pay differ?
In the US, experienced artists with skills clients want or a recognizable style may earn more; some specialties, such as tattooing, also require a state license. Pay differs by employer and location, and freelance income can change with the number of projects booked.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($128,610), lowest in Iowa ($39,550).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Kids' questions
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $36,580 | $71,240 | $136,660 | about 7,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $128,610 | about 470 |
| Georgia | $119,680 | about 360 |
| Virginia | $111,530 | about 180 |
| Connecticut | $103,740 | — |
| West Virginia | $101,400 | about 50 |
Official definition: All artists and related workers not listed separately.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes271019.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/demo/guidance/industry-occupation/soc_2018_defi
- www.arts.gov/impact/research/arts-data-profile-series/adp-3/sample-findings
- www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/pdf/Tattoo-law.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY