Craft Artists Salary in California
Craft Artists in California make a median of $59,980 a year, or about $28.84 an hour. The range runs from $49K at the entry level to $175K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $60K get you in California?
About craft artists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level craft artists (10th percentile) start around $49K. Mid-career wages sit at $60K.Top earners bring in $175K or more - a $126K spread from bottom to top.
Craft Artists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $67K | +74% | N/A |
| California | $60K | +56% | 290 |
| Missouri | $59K | +53% | 160 |
| Texas | $52K | +35% | 340 |
| Pennsylvania | $52K | +35% | 90 |
| New York | $49K | +26% | 130 |
| Wisconsin | $48K | +25% | 50 |
| Florida | $47K | +22% | N/A |
| North Carolina | $47K | +21% | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $45K | +16% | N/A |
| Washington | $43K | +13% | 70 |
| Kentucky | $39K | +1% | 50 |
| Oregon | $39K | +0% | 120 |
| Maine | $38K | -1% | 140 |
| Tennessee | $38K | -2% | N/A |
Track craft artists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do craft artists make in California?
The median is $59,980 a year - that works out to about $28.84 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,880, and experienced craft artists can clear $174,990. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $60K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,028/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 54.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a craft artists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median craft artists salary is worth about $59,980 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do craft artists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.