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Craft and Fine Artists

SOC: 27-1012 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Craft and Fine Artists typically perform the following tasks: • Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics. • Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials. • Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects. • Apply finishes to objects being crafted. • Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery. • Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes. • Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures. • Sketch or draw objects to be crafted. • Pack products for shipping. • Fabricate patterns or templates to guide craft production. • Create prototypes or models of objects to be crafted. • Develop product packaging, display, and pricing strategies. • Confer with customers to assess customer needs or obtain feedback. • Plan and attend craft shows to market products. • Develop designs using specialized computer software. • Research craft trends, venues, and customer buying patterns to inspire designs and marketing strategies.

Career Video

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Key facts

Median: $56,260
Employment: 52,000
Growth (2024–2034): +0.0%

Career Intelligence Metrics

Automation Risk Assessment

Low Risk
15.0% probability of being automated in the next 10-20 years. This job is relatively safe from automation due to its creative, social, or complex problem-solving requirements.

Work-Life Balance Score

8.2/10
Excellent work-life balance based on typical work schedules, stress levels, and time demands.

Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)

5.0
Realistic
5.6
Investigative
9.6
Artistic
7.4
Social
6.2
Enterprising
4.4
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling

Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.

O*NET Official Logo Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor

Top Skills

Artistic ability Business skills Creativity Customer-service skills Dexterity Interpersonal skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

Median Salary Comparison

Employment projection (2024–2034)

Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis

BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05
View Interactive BLS Maps

States with Highest Employment

  • Michigan 540
  • Texas 340
  • California 290
  • Colorado 200
  • Connecticut 200
  • Missouri 160
  • Ohio 160
  • Maine 140
  • New York 130
  • Oregon 120
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

  • Michigan -53%
    $26,640
  • Texas -8%
    $52,000
  • California +7%
    $59,980
  • Colorado -29%
    $40,190
  • Connecticut -42%
    $32,640
  • Missouri 4%
    $58,750
  • Ohio -35%
    $36,430
  • Maine -33%
    $37,920
  • New York -14%
    $48,580
  • Oregon -31%
    $38,590
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Motion picture and sound recording industries
85%
Federal government, excluding postal service
70%
Independent artists, writers, and performers
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South