Craft artists
SOC Code: 27-1012Also known as:
Art Objects Repairer, Artisan, Artist, Calligrapher, Candle Maker
Median Annual Salary
$38,480
+2.1% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs
What Craft artists Do
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
💰 Salary
$38,480
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
11,600
Projected Employment (2034)
11,900
Related Careers
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
$60,560 •
-1.2% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers
$49,140 •
-5.5% growth
Painting, coating, and decorating workers
$40,860 •
+1.4% growth
Etchers and engravers
$40,450 •
-0.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
- Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
- Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.
- Pack products for shipping.
- Fabricate patterns or templates to guide craft production.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Craft artists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a craft artists:
Art/Art Studies, General
18,711 degrees awarded •
730 colleges offer this program
Visual and Performing Arts, General
3,333 degrees awarded •
267 colleges offer this program
Painting
607 degrees awarded •
50 colleges offer this program
Jewelry Arts
483 degrees awarded •
22 colleges offer this program
Drawing
254 degrees awarded •
31 colleges offer this program
Sculpture
235 degrees awarded •
42 colleges offer this program
Printmaking
154 degrees awarded •
34 colleges offer this program
Ceramic Arts and Ceramics
153 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts
107 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
67 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Craft artists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become craft artists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do craft artists make?
The median annual salary for craft artists is $38,480.
What education do craft artists need?
Most craft artists positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Art/Art Studies, General, Visual and Performing Arts, General, Painting.
Is becoming craft artists a good career choice?
Craft artists is projected to see +2.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for craft artists?
Top colleges for aspiring craft artists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Tufts University, University of Georgia, University of California-Irvine.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to craft artists?
Craft artists may also be known as: Art Objects Repairer, Artisan, Artist, Calligrapher, Candle Maker, Ceramic Artist, Ceramics Artist, China Painter, Colorer, Colorist, Copyist, Craft Worker, Crafter, Crafts Worker, Craftsman, Custom Framer, Decorative Arts Production Artist, Fiber Artist, Fiber Designer, Fine Craft Artist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.