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Job outlook for computer artists in the United States
Are computer artist jobs in demand?
Computer artist job and salary trends over time
Computer artist jobs over time
Computer artist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 97 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 104 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 105 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 105 | 0.00% |
Average computer artist salary over time
Computer artist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,683 | $29.66 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $60,215 | $28.95 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $58,204 | $27.98 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $56,275 | $27.06 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $55,050 | $26.47 | +1.6% |
Computer artist jobs by state
Most common states for computer artists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 63 | 9% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 38 | 7% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 366 | 6% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 48 | 6% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 73 | 5% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 40 | 5% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 37 | 5% |
| 8 | Vermont | 623,657 | 32 | 5% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 347 | 4% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 269 | 4% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 169 | 4% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 88 | 4% |
| 13 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 60 | 4% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 46 | 4% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 41 | 4% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 38 | 4% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,067 | 3% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 228 | 3% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 108 | 3% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 54 | 3% |
Computer Artist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of computer artist experts
Florida Gulf Coast University
California State University - Stanislaus
University of Oklahoma
Steve Hughart II
Laboratory Coordinator I/ Adjunct ProfessorFlorida Gulf Coast University
Fine And Studio Arts
What will help Computer Artists increase their earning potential?
Steve Hughart II: The most important skills that I would suggest would be to learn and understand the Adobe Creative Cloud Applications such as Photoshop and Illustrator for example. These platforms will benefit you immensely in the art field in a ton of different ways. All artists will use these applications in one form or another. That being said, I would also encourage everyone to do as much work as possible with your hands. Learn to use power tools, pick up a piece of paper and pencil instead of the iPad, use a real camera instead of your phone. With AI growing so fast digital media work will all be AI generated, so focusing on improving your editing skills and creating with your hands will be where the jobs are.
What general advice would you give to a Computer Artist?
Professor Kate Jordahl: It is an excellent time to begin in the visual and performing arts because we have such a need for creativity and our approaches to the problems of the world, the challenges of our society, and the ever-changing fabric of business. Whether you work directly in making things and performing or you are a supervisor who organizes other people's creative tasks, this is a very rewarding area with a balance of using all of your skills to create and make projects successful
What general advice would you give to a Computer Artist?
Jeffrey Fracé: An artist at the beginning of their career, unless they are lucky enough to have a trust fund, has the unique challenge of effectively managing at least two businesses at once. Most of you will begin as a freelancer, and earn most of your money not from your art. To minimize the time it takes to earn a living with your art, keep your cost of living low, and try not to wear yourself out at your day job. Create day-to-day stability, but put your energy — your best self — into your art. Keep meeting people, keep practicing, and keep creating and producing original work. The more you diversify your skills — scripted and improvised, stage and camera, artistic and commercial, learning and teaching — the better chance you’ll have achieving a balance of satisfying work and satisfying income.
What Computer Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jeffrey Fracé: More and more, the actor, director, or designer who is also a creator has a better chance of succeeding in the field. This means creating new work in any medium — original live performance, writing and shooting your own movie (low-budget or no-budget is absolutely legit), or creating online content, for example. This also means creating opportunities for yourself instead of waiting for them to arrive — “put yourself out there” is a cliché, but more necessary than ever. To have the best chances for success with your original work, you will also need to be a producer and marketer. The next most important skill is interdisciplinary collaboration. Learn how you work with other people and practice to get better at it. Hone your listening skills, and develop interest in other disciplines and how they intersect with yours. Practice bravery and flexibility in how you approach new projects and collaborative partnerships.
What general advice would you give to a Computer Artist?
Ananda Keator: 3D printing accessories, digital renderings, and (hopefully) revival of almost lost arts.
What will help Computer Artists increase their earning potential?
Ananda Keator: Be multifaceted, don't try to specialize just yet. And see #1
What general advice would you give to a Computer Artist?
Tess Elliot: Stay true to yourself. Be patient and have confidence in yourself and your work. Artists early in their careers often don't make money from their work. This is okay. Find a way to support yourself while continuing to make and share your work and things will fall into place. Seek out that unique path to career fulfillment.