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Job outlook for craft artists in the United States
Are craft artist jobs in demand?
Craft artist job and salary trends over time
Craft artist jobs over time
Craft artist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 35 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 38 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 43 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 37 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 44 | 0.00% |
Average craft artist salary over time
Craft artist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $55,119 | $26.50 | +1.4% |
| 2025 | $54,383 | $26.15 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $53,646 | $25.79 | --2.0% |
| 2023 | $54,743 | $26.32 | +4.5% |
| 2022 | $52,393 | $25.19 | +8.9% |
Craft artist jobs by state
Most common states for craft artists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 39,536,653 | 339 | 1% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 74 | 1% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 65 | 1% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 57 | 1% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 41 | 1% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 23 | 1% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 22 | 1% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 16 | 1% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 10 | 1% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 10 | 1% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 4 | 1% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 4 | 1% |
| 13 | New York | 19,849,399 | 67 | 0% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 22 | 0% |
| 15 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 5 | 0% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 5 | 0% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 3 | 0% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 1 | 0% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 1 | 0% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 0 | 0% |
Craft Artist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of craft artist experts
Rider University
University of Indianapolis
Kent State University
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Western Illinois University
Foothill College
Colby College
The University of Southern Mississippi
Baylor School of Music
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Arkansas Baptist College
Independence Community College
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Todd Dellinger: Know thyself. This response has many facets and implications - know your 'deep why' or vision of yourself as an artist and professional and frame around the impact you wish to have on others - this becomes a sort of 'lodestar' for the work ahead of crafting a career. Know who you are internally, as well as externally - as a 'package' because you are entering an industry where you - and the work you produce - are the commodity, for good or bad. As such, define and adhere to your boundaries - so that you cannot be taken advantage of, and can stay true to your vision. Know yourself in the context of the business - and know the business aspects of what you do. You are, at the end of the day, a business - too many artists ignore that. Then, stick to your knowledge of and vision for yourself as an artist and professional.
What will help Craft Artists increase their earning potential?
Todd Dellinger: Adaptability to change - it's inescapable and has been forever in the arts - but change comes so swiftly and from so many directions now - particularly those changes brought about by technology and media/communications. Be ahead of the curve when it comes to what new uses of AI, what new applications for social media and how to manipulate those to your advantage, to your 'business' of being an artist in this world. Entrepreneurial skills are vital in any business. You will need to be your own entrepreneur - exercising creative, innovative ways of using your talents and skills 'outside the box' and applying these in parts of the industry and in other settings to expand your earning and learning potential.
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
gerard brown: Folks starting out in the crafts and the fine arts often think the most important thing is the images of their work they put out in the world - through social media, on grant applications, etc. But you also need to be able to write and speak about your work in ways that inspire and motivate ordinary people to share your interests. Too often, people come out of school speaking the language of school and writing for an academic reader - I wish everyone would read more good journalism about art in magazines and news papers (yes, they are online!) and learn to communicate about their work in an accessible, approachable way earlier in their careers.
What Craft Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
gerard brown: Obviously, this is going to vary widely depending on the field you're entering within the art, craft, and design professions. In design, the next three to five years will be deeply shaped by AI and we'll need designers who can bring the human perspective to an increasingly technology dependent world. I think everyone in design should be taking a UX course. In the fine arts and crafts areas, we may see a cultural pushback against the drive toward technology and a greater emphasis on the personal, the unique, the handmade, and the narrative. It will be important for artists and artisans in these fields to be able to communicate their vision to their clients and patrons.
What will help Craft Artists increase their earning potential?
gerard brown: Given that the lion's share of folks in the arts and crafts are self-employed, the salary question is an awkward one. If you're a designer and work for a firm, you can look critically at the place you work, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and take on professional development work (like continuing ed classes or post-professional training) to meet the needs of your firm. But if you're an independent artist or crafts person, you're going to need to think differently about this. You're going to need to figure out how to create reliable relationships with clients, so they come back and refer others to you for work. You're going to have to identify alternative markets where you can exhibit (and sell) your work without competing against yourself in the same neighborhood. All of this is going to require artists to think about customer service in new an innovative ways and may mean thinking outside the box of galleries, fairs, and consignments.
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Todd Dellinger: Have a diverse and relevant toolkit of skills and expertise - creative and artistic ones, yes - but perhaps even more importantly, skills and expertise which translate into multiple, diverse corners of arts & entertainment and into other sectors. Know how to translate your artistic wizardry from the stage to a phone, from the studio to a streaming platform, from one arts discipline or style or genre to multiple others. But also, know how write up a marketing piece, a grant narrative, plan an event, manage a budget. You might find day-work in the very place where you're sharing your talent at night.
What Craft Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Todd Dellinger: Adaptability to change - it's inescapable and has been forever in the arts - but change comes so swiftly and from so many directions now - particularly those changes brought about by technology and media/communications. Be ahead of the curve when it comes to what new uses of AI, what new applications for social media and how to manipulate those to your advantage, to your "business" of being an artist in this world. Entrepreneurial skills are vital in any business. You will need to be your own entrepreneur - exercising creative, innovative ways of using your talents and skills "outside the box" and applying these in parts of the industry and in other settings to expand your earning and learning potentia
What will help Craft Artists increase their earning potential?
Todd Dellinger: Know thyself. This response has many facets and implications - know your "deep why" or vision of yourself as an artist and professional and frame around the impact you wish to have on others - this becomes a sort of "lodestar" for the work ahead of crafting a career. Know who you are internally, as well as externally - as a "package" because you are entering an industry where you - and the work you produce - are the commodity, for good or bad. As such, define and adhere to your boundaries - so that you cannot be taken advantage of, and can stay true to your vision. Know yourself in context of the business - and know the business aspects of what you do. You are, at the end of the day, a business - too many artists ignore that. Then, stick to your knowledge of and vision for, yourself as an artist and professional.
Nathaniel Foley
Assistant Professor of Art & DesignUniversity of Indianapolis
Fine And Studio Arts
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Nathaniel Foley: Creatives must possess the confidence to sell and speak about themselves and their multifaceted and transferable skill sets. As creative problem-solvers, artists place themselves in a unique position to be able to engage all facets of the job market to positively contribute to today's society. Never place yourself in a mindset of only being able to function as a starving artist as you have gone through extensive training to think, take risks, communicate, and make differently than other disciplines, which sets you apart and provides you a unique opportunity to craft your own path. Do not be afraid to take risks by pursuing jobs that might not completely fit your perceived path because they will open doors and opportunities in the future.
What Craft Artist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nathaniel Foley: As we continue to grapple with technology and its impact on society, artists will continue to find ways to use it creatively, so there will be an increase in rapid prototyping, AI, and other digital areas. Additionally, fine art-based traditions will continue to evolve and remain important as a foundation to support all technological explorations and research. The artist's toolbox will always be expanding and supported by their training and ability to think, make, take risks and communicate.
What will help Craft Artists increase their earning potential?
Nathaniel Foley: A career in fine art is never a linear path like other professional fields, so one must remain flexible and aware of all opportunities that they might fit or create. Additionally, they possess numerous skill sets that are unique and they must be able to highlight them to an employer to demonstrate their value.
Andrew Kuebeck
Assistant Professor - Jewelry/Metals/EnamelingKent State University
School of Art
What skills stand out on Craft Artist resumes?
Andrew Kuebeck: While the pandemic has certainly changed many of the available venues that students entering the job market would have typically chosen to begin their careers, the skills that they were taught and the pluck of their personalities have allowed many of them to enter the workforce and flourish in a variety of ways. I can speak more directly and more confidently about my own recent graduates (BFA and MFA students in the Jewelry/Metals/Enameling Department), but I would presume that their accomplishments would be emblematic of the Studio Division in general. The BFA is constructed as a pre-professional degree giving students the technical, conceptual, and professional practice skills to allow them to enter the workforce at an entry-level within their fields, establish their own entrepreneurial ventures, continue on to grad school, or establish their own studios or collectives. The MFA provides the guidance and support (technical and conceptual) to allow students to concentrate on the creation of their works, entering the market with greater flexibility in the careers that they are able to confidently apply for and attain. The MFA serves as a terminal degree in the Studio Arts, allowing applicants to apply for teaching and residency opportunities in addition to those available to those who have attained their BFAs. While each discipline is different, MFA students are encouraged to expand their professional practice skills, establishing relationships with exhibition venues, commercial galleries, co-operatives, and their field more directly.
Recent BFA students have acquired jobs as interns at jewelry stores (to eventually switch to full-time employment in their expanded role), gained employment at Art Centers as Instructors, and attained Assistantships at Graduate Programs (affording them the opportunity to continue to produce work while also learning how to teach and give service to their respective departments).
Recent MFA students have entered the job market as full-time artists (creating bodies of work that they sell through boutiques and exhibit at regional galleries and exhibitions), work as bench jewelers at family-owned jewelry businesses, promote and teach virtual art-making classes for participants that can’t travel due to pandemic restrictions and becoming Artists in Residence at national known crafts programs (where they maintain those studio spaces and teach).
Students in craft disciplines who successfully traverse the world of academia into a job market typically have a wide variety of technical and professional practice skills that allow them to stand out. Most institutions and employers will look for a strong body of work that is well crafted and thoughtful, evidence of participation in exhibitions or conferences within their fields, honest and supportive references from their mentors, and a grade point average that is consistent with a dedicated, hardworking student. Hand skills and technical virtuosity are typically valued, although most jobs allow for some additional on-the-job training. But an understanding of a wide range of techniques and machines is encouraged. Students that have demonstrated leadership skills through participation in club sales, travel opportunities, or acting as department monitors have additional skills that employers value.
Students’ personalities, hard-working demeanor, trustworthiness, and ability to work meticulously are also highly desired and come up very often whenever I am called to be a reference for a student applying for a job.
What soft skills should all Craft Artists possess?
Paige Williams: The World Economic Forum has identified the four most important skills that ALL students graduating from college in the 21st century will need to be successful. These are the same skills that artists, designers, and creative writers explore through 21st Century Art Education at the Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC): Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication. 21st Century creatives will need to understand how to explore solutions to complex problems, think outside of the box, work with others, and effectively articulate their ideas. At the Art Academy of Cincinnati, our students in first-year experience engage in courses whose focus is communication, collaboration, ideation, research, and discovery from day one.
What skills will help Craft Artists earn the most?
Paige Williams: A combination of the 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication will provide the most effective skill base for those seeking success in creative fields.
Tammy Killian
Chair - Department of Theatre and DanceWestern Illinois University
Drama/Theatre Arts And Stagecraft
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Tammy Killian: Yes, I believe that this group of graduates (2020 and 2021) will be impacted. I like to think that most graduates will be impacted in that they will be more innovative, more independent, and will have a greater sense of priorities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Craft Artists to find work opportunities?
Tammy Killian: Currently, no. With COVID-19 shutting down the industry, this is not a great time to look for work. Film and TV production companies are beginning to shoot again, with many precautions in place. The outdoor theatre has survived. Many small venue theatres have moved outdoors or are doing drive-in events. Finding a job now is about being willing to relocate, research, and being flexible.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Tom Gough: Without a crystal ball, it will be impossible to tell. I will say the ones I have corresponded with are itching and aching for opportunities, mostly to interact live. I hope, coming out of this, there will be a bit of a gold rush as audiences are aching for the live social element of the performing arts. But the current circumstances are taking their toll on a number of smaller arts organizations as they struggle with the uncertain economics of the present time and the How? When? etc. A decline in opportunities would certainly be felt by emerging artists.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Craft Artists to find work opportunities?
Tom Gough: Before the pandemic, there were a great number of metropolitan markets with a wealth of opportunities-the Bay Area continues to be a leader, many recent former students (Foothill College) have found and created opportunities for themselves in the Chicago market. Any of our technical theatre graduates who have moved to Las Vegas have immediately found work. But until audiences are allowed to re-assemble. . . .
How do you envision technology impacting Craft Artists in the next 5 years?
Tom Gough: One thing the pandemic has prompted is some extraordinary creativity in using real-time technology. And I would say the greatest innovation from this is bridging geography. I personally have now done projects with people in different time zones and continents. I predict this sort of innovative use will continue to be employed in some respect though not replace the live experience.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Craft Artists to find work opportunities?
Annie Kloppenberg: As has been the case for many years, the vast majority of young artists need to carve their own paths in order to succeed. With theaters shuttered, much attention has been given to artists who have found creative ways to pursue and produce their work. But in reality, that is not new. Generally speaking, Americans don't value the live arts the way people in many other cultures do. Artists for whom this work matters have needed to find ways to do their work in their communities.
People working in performing arts have, for many years, needed to leverage all their skills both to make ends meet and to be able to do their work. They have found flexible jobs to support their creative practice, have pursued jobs in the arts sector off the stage, have created fundraising platforms and productive partnerships beyond the arts sector, and have built audiences for their work in communities large and small. Artists create opportunities for themselves, and the pressure will be on to continue to do so. These are lessons, by the way, that can be applied beyond the arts sector!
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Annie Kloppenberg: I think there certainly will be-as there will be an enduring impact on our economy and culture at large. It is hard to predict exactly what shape those changes will take. I have faith that our health care researchers will create an antidote to coronavirus, but what the pandemic has also made visible in new ways is the range of inequities that are deeply woven into the fabric of our culture. Producing an antidote to that is less straightforward. While it may be harder to find entry-level jobs, I also think that graduates entering the workforce will do so with creativity and with a palpable commitment to social justice. Young people stepped up as organizers this summer, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit to see them continue to step up in their professional lives in the coming years. And I think we need to make room for them to do that.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Dr. Ashley Allen Ph.D.: In terms of employment, I hope not. Right now, there is an impact in all levels of education (PreK-higher education) because of the uncertainty of what education will "look like" in this time of COVID, and specifically what making music will look like. There are also budget issues because of lower-than-normal enrollment and the uncertainty of education in these times. I am hoping that the job market will open back up for music educators, even as early as spring 2021, but right now, we just don't know. I will say that we had great success in placing our recent music education graduates, even in these times. So it is possible to find a good job as a recent graduate, even now.
In terms of life, absolutely. We are all going through stages of grief and recovery as we navigate this new reality. We are also learning how to innovate, grow, and hopefully be more mindful of our own self-care and work-life balance. I think we are being forced to reexamine all of these things, as there are limits right now to what we can accomplish, endure, and overcome, both physically and emotionally. I think those things will last a lifetime for all of us who have lived through 2020, and will hopefully change us for the better moving forward.
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Dr. Randall Bradley: Yes, I believe that the COVID-19 will have a lasting effect on our students and on the church. For starters, it has been more difficult than usual to place our students because church search committees stopped meeting in March, and it was impossible for churches to host our graduates for interviews and meet-and-greet opportunities that are so vital to church placement. However, I believe that some of the enduring impacts of the coronavirus pandemic will be the greater role that technology will play in churches of all sizes moving forward.
Nearly every church I know (even very small ones) has found ways to use technology to remain connected to their worshiping community. I don't think that this development is something that will end with the pandemic. I see our future graduates playing larger roles in helping to prepare worship that communicates not only to those gathered in the worship space live, but also to the virtual worshipers who join in from many other places. Also, the sheer volume of technology that churches have purchased during this time will need to be used in their congregations moving forward.
I also think that future worship leaders will be challenged to discover new ways in which virtual worship can be considered fresh and creative, rather than just an airing of what is in the worship space. Churches are going to demand greater innovation and creativity going forward, and future ministers are going to be challenged at this point. Lastly, I think that once we have all exercised greater dependence on technology during the pandemic, and experienced first-hand its potential for effectiveness, we will never return to our old ways of doing things. These changes will affect the ways in which meetings are held; administrative decisions are made, personnel is managed, and more. These implications will alter the way that worship leaders not only plan and lead worship but also how they implement and administer their ministries.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Alison Petty Ragguette: I think that jobs are very scary as art and design departments contract in size to weather the pandemic's financial setbacks.
I think new graduates understand it will take some time for things to get back to normal. Artists are resourceful and are finding new ways to get through this trying time.
It has been a very distressing time for these graduates, but they find resilience in their creativity, and it is changing their art practice.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Craft Artists to find work opportunities?
Alison Petty Ragguette: Most teaching opportunities are online at the moment. Our alums who graduate did gain some online teaching skills, so I would say they have an advantage.
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Kimberly Weast: At this time, work on creating your work and presenting it - however you can. This is a prime opportunity to break molds that have been in place for many years. Work on building your webpage, Instagram, and improve your other social media presence. Still, practice your craft. Professionals are professionals because they practice and stay equipped.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Kimberly Weast: I believe it will take longer for some to get employment. This is why it is so important to begin to create one's unique work.
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Rev.Henry Parker: Professionalism is paramount in today's marketplace. You must be able to perform your craft at a level of excellence, be well acquainted with trends and future technological propensities, and have a digital presence that is attractive to industry gatekeepers.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Craft Artists?
Rev.Henry Parker: Yes! The positive impact is occurring as we speak. The industry is adapting to a virtual marketplace. Those persons adept at social media marketing, the ability to do deep-work, and produce at very high levels will lead in the future. Negatively, I believe it will be quite some time before sizable venues will be a prominent and lucrative opportunity economically.
Paul Molnar
Associate Professor of TheatreIndependence Community College
Fine Arts
What general advice would you give to a Craft Artist?
Paul Molnar: I believe that flexibility, out-of-the-box thinking, and passion will be required. The good news is, those things have always been required. The difference is, individuals will have to look to create their opportunities more aggressively. Looking at the challenges we all face as potential opportunities is a start, and understanding that we are all in this together will be essential. Also, I think that focusing on one's community will serve the artists well. Even during lock-downs and social distancing, people still need theatre and the arts. Create local art to help your local community.