Arts, Design, Media & Sports
Craft Artists
Also called: Artist, Ceramic Artist, Decorative Arts Production Artist, Fiber Artist
US median pay
$46,080
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
1,000
11,500 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Service Orientation2.8/5
- Persuasion2.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.8/5
- Operations Analysis2.6/5
- Time Management2.5/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.5/5
Knowledge
- Design3.9/5
- Fine Arts3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.6/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
- Production and Processing3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Post-secondary certificate26%
- High school diploma26%
- Some college17%
Who this job suits
Mostly Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.