Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
O*NET 27-1013.00 · SOC 27-1013
Fine Artist is a risky career choice. Median pay is $55k a year with -2.9% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 2,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Sketch preliminary drawings before starting a painting or sculpture
- →Mix paints to achieve desired colors and textures
- →Carve or mold materials into three-dimensional sculptures
- →Submit portfolio work to galleries for exhibition consideration
- →Create detailed illustrations for books, magazines, or editorial clients
Education & How to Get In
Most Fine Artist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Creative, studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Fine Artist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Fine Artist?
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 Fine Artist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators is projected to decline 2.9% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·51% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
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 a Fine Artist make?
The median Fine Artist earns $55k 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 Fine Artist jobs?
Our model puts Fine Artist at 19 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 51% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Fine Artist a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 2.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 2,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Fine Artist?
Most Fine Artist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Fine Artist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Fine Artist 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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