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Artist Salary in California

How much does an Artist make in California?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artist in California is $63,596 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, an Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,242
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,224 to $71,785
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,245
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Artist Salaries

An Artist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Artist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $63,838.
  • California: $63,596.
  • Massachusetts: $62,748.

Top Paying Cities for Artists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $63,705
  • West Hollywood: $63,659
  • Dodgertown: $63,705

Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Artist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$79,494$38.025%
Financial Services$76,315$37.020%
Internet$73,135$35.015%
Biotechnology$69,955$34.010%
Healthcare$69,955$34.010%

Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Artist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$59,224
Average $63,596/year
$71,785
$4,935
Average $5,300/month
$5,982
$1,139
Average $1,223/week
$1,380
$28
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,785 $5,982 $1,380 $35
Average $63,596 $5,300 $1,223 $31
25th Percentile $59,224 $4,935 $1,139 $28

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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