Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in the United States was $55,490 ($26.68 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $31,630 | $15.21 |
| 25th | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| Median | $55,490 | $26.68 |
| 75th | $83,200 | $40.00 |
| 90th | $144,210 | $69.33 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 27-1013
- Total U.S. employment: 11,220
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
The mean wage of $73,150 sits 31.8% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $56,160 | $27.00 | +1.2% | 110 |
| Arkansas | $32,340 | $15.55 | -41.7% | 40 |
| California | $58,240 | $28.00 | +5.0% | 2,560 |
| Colorado | $51,910 | $24.96 | -6.5% | 250 |
| Connecticut | $71,210 | $34.24 | +28.3% | 100 |
| Florida | $50,360 | $24.21 | -9.2% | 1,010 |
| Georgia | $65,010 | $31.25 | +17.2% | 350 |
| Illinois | $53,850 | $25.89 | -3.0% | 0 |
| Indiana | — | — | — | 210 |
| Kansas | $25,830 | $12.42 | -53.5% | 40 |
| Kentucky | $48,050 | $23.10 | -13.4% | 60 |
| Louisiana | $40,700 | $19.57 | -26.7% | 0 |
| Maine | $46,170 | $22.20 | -16.8% | 0 |
| Maryland | $66,180 | $31.82 | +19.3% | 80 |
| Massachusetts | — | — | — | 140 |
| Michigan | $38,650 | $18.58 | -30.3% | 220 |
| Minnesota | $61,730 | $29.68 | +11.2% | 0 |
| Missouri | $49,820 | $23.95 | -10.2% | 110 |
| Montana | — | — | — | 50 |
| Nebraska | $39,800 | $19.14 | -28.3% | 40 |
| Nevada | $81,630 | $39.25 | +47.1% | 160 |
| New Jersey | — | — | — | 310 |
| New Mexico | $63,090 | $30.33 | +13.7% | 70 |
| New York | $78,870 | $37.92 | +42.1% | 1,400 |
| North Carolina | — | — | — | 390 |
| Ohio | $31,780 | $15.28 | -42.7% | 510 |
| Oklahoma | $47,830 | $23.00 | -13.8% | 60 |
| Oregon | $98,540 | $47.38 | +77.6% | 0 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,270 | $26.09 | -2.2% | 0 |
| South Carolina | — | — | — | 160 |
| Tennessee | $30,720 | $14.77 | -44.6% | 100 |
| Texas | $49,650 | $23.87 | -10.5% | 700 |
| Utah | $57,270 | $27.54 | +3.2% | 80 |
| Virginia | $47,930 | $23.04 | -13.6% | 230 |
| Washington | $72,430 | $34.82 | +30.5% | 350 |
| Wisconsin | $53,350 | $25.65 | -3.9% | 100 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers — $74,450/yr
- Computer and Information Systems Managers — $175,140/yr
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers — $76,210/yr
- Carpenters — $60,580/yr
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — $64,400/yr
- Cooks, Fast Food — $30,890/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators?
The median annual wage for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators is $55,490 ($26.68 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 11,220 fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $26.68. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.