Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary in U.S.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in U.S. make a median of $60,560 a year, or about $29.12 an hour. The range runs from $26K at the entry level to $141K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $61K get you in U.S.?
About fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators (10th percentile) start around $26K. Mid-career wages sit at $61K.Top earners bring in $141K or more - a $114K spread from bottom to top.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $140K | +131% | 1,760 |
| Massachusetts | $84K | +38% | 30 |
| Indiana | $79K | +31% | 40 |
| New York | $79K | +30% | 960 |
| Washington | $78K | +29% | 840 |
| South Carolina | $73K | +21% | 190 |
| Connecticut | $73K | +20% | 140 |
| Maryland | $73K | +20% | 30 |
| Minnesota | $64K | +5% | 70 |
| Arizona | $63K | +5% | 80 |
| Oregon | $63K | +5% | N/A |
| New Jersey | $63K | +4% | 50 |
| Georgia | $62K | +2% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $59K | -2% | 140 |
| Virginia | $59K | -3% | N/A |
Track fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make in U.S.?
The median is $60,560 a year - that works out to about $29.12 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $26,420, and experienced fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators can clear $140,660. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $61K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,225/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 33.4% 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 fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. 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 fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators salary is worth about $60,560 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators 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.