Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary (2025)
Based on 11,220 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $31,630 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $37,560 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $55,490 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $83,200 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $144,210 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$32K
25th
$38K
Median
$55K
75th
$83K
90th
$144K
Highest Paying States for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| California | $104,570 |
| Oregon | $95,050 |
| New York | $90,650 |
| Washington | $76,000 |
| Connecticut | $73,830 |
| Nevada | $68,580 |
| Minnesota | $68,540 |
| Georgia | $68,230 |
| Maryland | $67,970 |
| Arizona | $65,590 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is California at an average of $104,570 per year, while Arizona has an average of $65,590 — a difference of $38,980. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11,220 workers were employed as Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustratorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations. The annual mean wage of $73,150 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 27-1013