Art Therapists
O*NET 29-1129.01 · SOC 29-1129
Art Therapist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $78k a year with +12.6% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 3,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Facilitate art-making sessions to help clients express emotions.
- →Analyze patients' artwork to assess psychological and emotional states.
- →Develop treatment goals integrating art therapy with clinical care.
- →Maintain confidential records of client sessions and artwork responses.
- →Collaborate with mental health teams on patient treatment planning.
Education & How to Get In
Art Therapist roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Art Therapist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Art Therapist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Art Therapist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Art Therapists is projected to grow 12.6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·42% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Art Therapist make?
The median Art Therapist earns $78k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Art Therapist jobs?
Our model puts Art Therapist at 8 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 42% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Art Therapist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 3,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Art Therapist?
Art Therapist roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Art Therapist?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Art Therapist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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