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Artist-in-residence salary
Average artist-in-residence salary
$53,528
Average Artist-in-Residence Salary
The average salary for an Artist-in-Residence in the United States is approximately $53,528 per year or around $26 per hour. This figure varies significantly based on geographical location, years of experience, and the specific industries in which artists are employed.
How Location Affects Salary
For instance, artists in metropolitan areas often earn higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for artistic programs. States like California and New York typically offer higher compensation compared to others. Additionally, the type of institution—whether a university, gallery, or nonprofit—can influence salary levels.
Job Opportunities and Career Growth
As an Artist-in-Residence, you will have the opportunity to work closely with various organizations, gaining invaluable experience while contributing to community engagement through art. These positions not only enhance your portfolio but also allow for networking with other artists and receiving mentorship. Consider exploring various roles and locations to maximize your earning potential and career development.
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Where can an Artist-In-Residence earn more?
Average artist-in-residence salary by state
The highest-paying states for artists-in residence are Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The lowest average artist-in-residence salary states are Colorado, Washington, and Idaho.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for artists-in residence
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | $77,982 | $37.49 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $79,682 | $38.31 |
| 3 | Delaware | $73,500 | $35.34 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $80,522 | $38.71 |
| 5 | Vermont | $70,779 | $34.03 |
| 6 | Maine | $56,345 | $27.09 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $81,116 | $39.00 |
| 8 | Nevada | $60,141 | $28.91 |
| 9 | Alaska | $69,693 | $33.51 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $69,628 | $33.48 |
| 11 | Louisiana | $44,975 | $21.62 |
| 12 | Maryland | $64,310 | $30.92 |
| 13 | Kentucky | $45,150 | $21.71 |
| 14 | District of Columbia | $69,210 | $33.27 |
| 15 | Arizona | $46,082 | $22.15 |
| 16 | California | $53,254 | $25.60 |
| 17 | Michigan | $49,093 | $23.60 |
| 18 | Iowa | $42,978 | $20.66 |
| 19 | New York | $66,134 | $31.80 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $60,352 | $29.02 |
| 21 | Illinois | $48,351 | $23.25 |
| 22 | West Virginia | $53,834 | $25.88 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | $45,630 | $21.94 |
| 24 | Ohio | $54,327 | $26.12 |
| 25 | Virginia | $52,618 | $25.30 |
| 26 | North Dakota | $41,188 | $19.80 |
| 27 | Indiana | $42,800 | $20.58 |
| 28 | Mississippi | $42,885 | $20.62 |
| 29 | Florida | $40,977 | $19.70 |
| 30 | South Carolina | $43,953 | $21.13 |
| 31 | Minnesota | $42,515 | $20.44 |
| 32 | Texas | $38,478 | $18.50 |
| 33 | Hawaii | $46,713 | $22.46 |
| 34 | Tennessee | $40,256 | $19.35 |
| 35 | Georgia | $41,289 | $19.85 |
| 36 | North Carolina | $42,311 | $20.34 |
| 37 | New Mexico | $38,990 | $18.75 |
| 38 | Utah | $40,362 | $19.40 |
| 39 | Kansas | $37,406 | $17.98 |
| 40 | Missouri | $39,614 | $19.05 |
| 41 | South Dakota | $40,125 | $19.29 |
| 42 | Colorado | $37,013 | $17.79 |
| 43 | Nebraska | $38,823 | $18.66 |
| 44 | Oklahoma | $37,984 | $18.26 |
| 45 | Arkansas | $34,759 | $16.71 |
| 46 | Alabama | $38,073 | $18.30 |
| 47 | Wyoming | $31,853 | $15.31 |
| 48 | Oregon | $38,984 | $18.74 |
| 49 | Montana | $34,888 | $16.77 |
| 50 | Idaho | $34,956 | $16.81 |
| 51 | Washington | $35,203 | $16.92 |
Highest paying cities for artists-in residence
The highest-paying cities for artists-in residence are Boston, MA, Manchester, NH, and Hoboken, NJ.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston, MA | $81,312 | $39.09 |
| 2 | Manchester, NH | $78,578 | $37.78 |
| 3 | Hoboken, NJ | $70,351 | $33.82 |
| 4 | Baltimore, MD | $64,835 | $31.17 |
| 5 | Pittsford, NY | $63,596 | $30.57 |
| 6 | Philadelphia, PA | $61,227 | $29.44 |
| 7 | Kalamazoo, MI | $45,483 | $21.87 |
| 8 | Cookeville, TN | $40,770 | $19.60 |
| 9 | Salt Lake City, UT | $39,835 | $19.15 |
| 10 | Springfield, MO | $39,328 | $18.91 |
| 11 | Northport, AL | $37,834 | $18.19 |
Artist-in-residence salary details
An artist-in-residence's salary ranges from $25,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $110,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is an artist-in-residence's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $110,000 | $9,167 | $53 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,000 | $6,500 | $38 |
| Average | $53,528 | $4,461 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
Highest paying artist-in-residence jobs
The highest paying types of artists-in residence are lead designer, senior designer, and user experience designer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Designer | $110,001 | $9,167 | $52.89 | 45,423 |
| Web Designer | $63,842 | $5,320 | $30.69 | 50,899 |
| Design Internship | $45,791 | $3,816 | $22.01 | 97,018 |
| User Experience Designer | $91,159 | $7,597 | $43.83 | 52,582 |
| Owner & Designer | $48,688 | $4,057 | $23.41 | 91,490 |
| Designer | $66,347 | $5,529 | $31.90 | 52,433 |
Top companies hiring artists-in residence now:
Which companies pay artists-in residence the most?
Artist-in-residence salaries at Cranbrook and Maryland Institute College of Art are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average artist-in-residence salary at companies like Emerson College and Temple University are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cranbrook | $114,622 | $55.11 |
| 2 | Maryland Institute College of Art | $82,495 | $39.66 |
| 3 | Emerson College | $68,895 | $33.12 |
| 4 | Temple University | $59,062 | $28.40 |
| 5 | Southern New Hampshire University | $53,548 | $25.74 |
| 6 | The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania | $47,649 | $22.91 |
| 7 | North Shore Health Systems | $47,649 | $22.91 |
| 8 | Stevens Institute of Technology | $46,864 | $22.53 |
| 9 | Williams College | $42,681 | $20.52 |
| 10 | Tennessee Technological University | $41,402 | $19.90 |
| 11 | Western Michigan University | $26,283 | $12.64 |
| 12 | Missouri State University | $26,232 | $12.61 |
| 13 | Tarleton State University | $24,207 | $11.64 |
| 14 | Coastal Carolina University | $24,120 | $11.60 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Artist-In-Residence salary by industry
The average artist-in-residence salary varies across industries:
- The average artist-in-residence salary in the non profits industry is $48,263, the highest of any industry.
- The average artist-in-residence salary in the finance industry is $40,979.
- Artists-in residence in the retail industry earn an average salary of $28,777, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for artists-in residence
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non Profits | $48,263 | $23.20 |
| 2 | Media | $40,979 | $19.70 |
| 3 | Education | $39,646 | $19.06 |
| 4 | Retail | $28,777 | $13.84 |
High paying artist-in-residence jobs
Artist-in-residence salary trends
The average artist-in-residence salary has risen by $7,915 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average artist-in-residence earned $45,613 annually, but today, they earn $53,528 a year. That works out to a 3% change in pay for artists-in residence over the last decade.
Compare artist-in-residence salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average artist-in-residence salary over time
Compare artist-in-residence salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Artist-in-residence salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,500 | $25.73 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $51,700 | $24.85 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $50,500 | $24.28 | -0.3% |
| 2022 | $50,600 | $24.35 | -2.6% |
| 2021 | $51,900 | $24.97 | +8.5% |
Recently added artist-in-residence salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolt Action | Artist In Residence: Content Creator | Houston, TX | 05/13/2025 | $41,740 |
| Move Texas | | Artists In Residence | Karnes City, TX | 05/04/2025 | $18,261 |
| New York Edge, Inc. | Artist In Residence Coordinator | Fine, NY | 04/30/2025 | $73,045 |
| Mesa County Valley School District 51 | Artist In Residence-Elementary Art | Boone, CO | 04/25/2025 | $32,349 |
| New York Edge, Inc. | Artist In Residence Coordinator | Fine, NY | 03/28/2025 | $73,045 |
| Sarah Lawrence College | Artist In Residence at Wartburg and Sarah Lawrence College | Bronxville, NY | 03/18/2025 | $65,000 |
| Bard College | Artist-In-Residence-Extended Media | Hudson, NY | 03/12/2025 | $57,981 |
| Umass | Artist-In-Residence/Research Fellow | Union, NJ | 02/19/2025 | $60,704 |
| Playbill, Inc. | Academic/Instructor Paid Faculty Artist-In-Residence and Interim Artistic Director of Emerson Stage | Boston, MA | 02/17/2025 | $66,000 |
| California for The Arts | 2024 India Basin Artist In Residence → | San Francisco, CA | 02/17/2025 | $40,000 |
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