Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)

✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02

BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 27-1013
$55,490
US median (annual)
$73,150
US mean (annual)
$31,630
10th percentile
$144,210
90th percentile

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US Salary Overview

The national median wage for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in the United States is $55,490 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 11,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.

US Salary Percentiles

PercentileAnnual (gross)Notes
10th$31,630Entry level / lowest decile
25th$37,560Early career
50th (median)$55,490Typical pay
75th$83,200Experienced
90th$144,210Senior / highest decile

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Median Salary by State

StateMedian salaryMean salaryEmployment
Oregon $98,540 $95,050
Nevada $81,630 $68,580 160
New York $78,870 $90,650 1,000
Washington $72,430 $76,000 350
Connecticut $71,210 $73,830 100
Maryland $66,180 $67,970 80
Georgia $65,010 $68,230 350
New Mexico $63,090 $63,020 70
Minnesota $61,730 $68,540
California $58,240 $104,570 3,000
Utah $57,270 $63,820 80
Arizona $56,160 $65,590 110
Pennsylvania $54,270 $57,030
Illinois $53,850 $60,710
Wisconsin $53,350 $58,240 100
Colorado $51,910 $62,950 250
Florida $50,360 $63,690 1,000
Missouri $49,820 $51,890 110
Texas $49,650 $53,410 700
Kentucky $48,050 $45,520 60
Virginia $47,930 $53,700 230
Oklahoma $47,830 $61,700 60
Maine $46,170 $52,400
Louisiana $40,700 $50,180
Nebraska $39,800 $44,090 40
Michigan $38,650 $55,220 220
Arkansas $32,340 $41,090 40
Ohio $31,780 $37,820 510
Tennessee $30,720 $39,200 100
Kansas $25,830 $35,120 40
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Salary data is sourced from BLS OES May 2025. Figures represent gross pay before tax. This page is for reference only.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in the US?

The US national median wage for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators is $55,490 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).

What is the pay range for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in the US?

Pay ranges from $31,630 at the 10th percentile to $144,210 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.

Which US states pay fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators the most?

The highest-paying states for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators include Oregon ($98,540), Nevada ($81,630), New York ($78,870). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.

How much does fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators salary vary by state?

The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Oregon ($98,540) pays roughly 281% more than Kansas ($25,830). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.

Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02