Occupational Outlook Handbook > Arts and Design >

Arts and Design Occupations

Employment of arts and design occupations is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations, adding about 96,800 new jobs. More workers will be needed to meet the growing demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, television, and on smartphones, as well as to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and other media platforms. Other arts and design workers are employed in industries that are projected to decline, however, including publishing, manufacturing, and floral shops.

The median annual wage for arts and design occupations was $46,660 in May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2018 MEDIAN PAY
Art Directors	Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.	Bachelor's degree	$92,780
Craft and Fine Artists	Craft and fine artists use a variety of materials and techniques to create art for sale and exhibition.	See How to Become One	$48,960
Fashion Designers	Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and footwear.	Bachelor's degree	$72,720
Floral Designers	Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays.	High school diploma or equivalent	$27,200
Graphic Designers	Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.	Bachelor's degree	$50,370
Industrial Designers	Industrial designers combine art, business, and engineering to develop the concepts for manufactured products.	Bachelor's degree	$66,590
Interior Designers	Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items.	Bachelor's degree	$53,370
Multimedia Artists and Animators	Multimedia artists and animators create images that appear to move and visual effects for various forms of media and entertainment.	Bachelor's degree	$72,520