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Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in New York

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 New York the median pay is $78,870 a year, 42% above the national median of $55,490.

$78,870median pay in New York, per year
$62,780–$119,990middle half earn
1,400employed in New York
$55,490U.S. median, for comparison
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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 New York

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators pay in other states

Related occupations

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.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 27-1013.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, New York, annual.