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Arts & Media · Colorado

How to Become a Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in Colorado

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in Colorado earn a median salary of $51,910/year, which is 6% below the national average. Colorado has a state income tax of ~4.4%. After taxes and rent, a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators takes home approximately $1,432/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$52K
Median salary in Colorado
-6%
vs. national average
4.4%
State income tax
250
Employed in Colorado

What a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators can afford in Colorado

Gross annual salary$51,910
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.4% state tax)$3,455/mo
Median 2BR rent (Colorado)-$2,023/mo
Rent as % of take-home58.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$51,910/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,432/mo

Becoming a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Colorado

1

Meet education requirements

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators positions in Colorado typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Colorado. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators positions in Colorado require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Colorado licensure or certification

Colorado may require specific licensing or professional certification for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustratorss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Colorado Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Colorado

Colorado employs 250 fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators. The highest concentrations are in Denver-Aurora-Centennial and Fort Collins-Loveland.

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary by metro area in Colorado

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Denver-Aurora-Centennial$77K$37.07/hr50
Fort Collins-Loveland$54K$25.86/hr70
Colorado Springs$49K$23.79/hr,

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary range in Colorado

10th percentile (entry)
$43K
25th percentile
$44K
Median (50th)
$52K
75th percentile
$76K
90th percentile (senior)
$102K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make in Colorado?

The median fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators salary in Colorado is $51,910 per year ($24.96/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $55,490. Salaries range from $43,040 to $102,120.

What are the requirements to become a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Colorado?

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators positions in Colorado typically require Bachelor's degree. Colorado may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Colorado licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators afford to live in Colorado?

At the median salary of $51,910, a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Colorado would take home approximately $3,455/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,023/month, that's 58.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Colorado?

The highest paying metro areas for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Colorado are Denver-Aurora-Centennial ($77,100), Fort Collins-Loveland ($53,790), Colorado Springs ($49,480). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Colorado have state income tax for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators?

Yes, Colorado has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%. On a $51,910 salary, this means roughly $2,284/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.