Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustratorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Design Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$55,490
25th–75th pct. $37,560–$83,200
Top pay (est.)
$187,500
Top 10% $144,210
Pay in 5 years
$63,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$71,900est.
$61,800–$83,500
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
51%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.9%
2,200 openings / yr

How to become Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Key skills

Active Learning
3.4
Active Listening
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.2
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0
Speaking
2.9
Complex Problem Solving
2.9
Monitoring
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design
5.2
Computers and Electronics
5.1
Fine Arts
4.3
Production and Processing
4.2
English Language
4.2
Communications and Media
3.8
Education and Training
3.5
Customer and Personal Service
3.5

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Visual Color DiscriminationOriginalityVisualizationFluency of IdeasNear VisionArm-Hand Steadiness

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
35%

Training before entry

1–3 months
26%
6–12 months
9%
None / short demo
8%
3–6 months
8%
1–2 years
8%

Related work experience

4–6 years
27%
6–12 months
19%
2–4 years
12%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.