Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in California
Fine artists create original artwork using various media including painting, sculpture, drawing, and illustration. They work in studios, galleries, educational institutions, and commercial settings, developing pieces for exhibition, sale, or client projects In California the median pay is $58,240 a year, 5% above the national median of $55,490.
$58,240median pay in California, per year
$37,560–$154,540middle half earn
2,560employed in California
$55,490U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Critical ThinkingActive LearningActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSocial Perceptiveness
Knowledge areas
DesignComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingFine ArtsEducation and Training
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators.
Licenses and training in California
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators pay in other states
Oregon · $98,540Nevada · $81,630New York · $78,870Washington · $72,430Connecticut · $71,210Maryland · $66,180Georgia · $65,010New Mexico · $63,090Minnesota · $61,730Utah · $57,270
Related occupations
Art DirectorsCraft ArtistsSpecial Effects Artists and AnimatorsArtists and Related Workers, All OtherCommercial and Industrial DesignersFashion DesignersFloral DesignersGraphic Designers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-1013.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.