Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
Top skills:Critical ThinkingSpeakingReading ComprehensionMonitoringActive ListeningSocial Perceptiveness
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Craft Artist pay by experience level
Entry level$27,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$36,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$47,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$60,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$74,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+2.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
1,000
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Craft Artist salary by industry
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
1,630 workers
$52,000
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
1,330 workers
$52,500
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers
980 workers
$47,500
Sporting Goods, Hobby, and Musical Instrument Retailers
490 workers
$45,500
Miscellaneous Manufacturing
330 workers
$55,000
Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
330 workers
$55,000
Social Assistance
210 workers
$30,500
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
180 workers
$49,000
Amusement Parks and Arcades
170 workers
$50,500
Performing Arts Companies
150 workers
$78,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
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