Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
SOC Code: 27-1013Also known as:
3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist), 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist), Animated Cartoons Painter, Artist, Automotive Artist
Median Annual Salary
$60,560
-1.2% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
27K
Current Jobs
What Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators Do
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
💰 Salary
$60,560
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-1.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
26,500
Projected Employment (2034)
26,200
Related Careers
Art directors
$111,040 •
+4.2% growth
Craft artists
$38,480 •
+2.1% growth
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800 •
+1.6% growth
Graphic designers
$61,300 •
+2.1% growth
Etchers and engravers
$40,450 •
-0.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
- Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
- Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
- Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
- Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
- Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
- Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.
- Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Some College
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators:
Art/Art Studies, General
18,711 degrees awarded •
730 colleges offer this program
Fine/Studio Arts, General
12,013 degrees awarded •
655 colleges offer this program
Visual and Performing Arts, General
3,333 degrees awarded •
267 colleges offer this program
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other
751 degrees awarded •
74 colleges offer this program
Intermedia/Multimedia
732 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Painting
607 degrees awarded •
50 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
Best Colleges for Becoming a Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make?
The median annual salary for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators is $60,560.
What education do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators need?
Most fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Art/Art Studies, General, Fine/Studio Arts, General, Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Is becoming fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators a good career choice?
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators is projected to see -1.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators?
Top colleges for aspiring fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Georgia, Tufts University, University of California-San Diego.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators?
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators may also be known as: 3D Artist (Three Dimensional Artist), 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist), Animated Cartoons Painter, Artist, Automotive Artist, Balloon Artist, Blacksmith, Book Illustrator, Card Painter, Caricature Artist, Cartoon Artist, Cartoonist, Character Artist, Color Artist, Comic Artist, Comic Book Artist, Comic Book Designer, Comic Illustrator, Commercial Artist, Commercial Illustrator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.