How Much Does an Artist make?

Artist made a median salary around $56,435 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $67,613 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $50,461. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Artist jobs in Maine

Sandwich Artist

Subway - Bangor, ME

Sandwich Artist

Subway - Turner, ME

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Best-Paying Cities for Artist

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Artist profession are Eliot , Kittery , Kittery Point , York , York Beach .
Eliot, ME $60,321
Kittery, ME $60,321
Kittery Point, ME $60,321
York, ME $60,321
York Beach, ME $60,321

Best-Paying States for Artist

The states and districts that pay Artist the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $64,555) , California (around $63,975) , New Jersey (around $63,569) , Alaska (around $63,163) , and Massachusetts (around $63,105) .
District of Columbia $64,555
California $63,975
New Jersey $63,569
Alaska $63,163
Massachusetts $63,105

What is the Career Path of Artist?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Artist, the first career path typically starts with an Art Designer II position , and then progresses to Art Director.

The second career path typically progresses to Videographer.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with a Photographer II position , and then progresses to Photography Studio Manager.

Besides, Artist can also turn to other related jobs, including ARTIST, FINE ARTIST , Artist/Artist Assistant , Artist I and Artist II .

Frequently Asked Questions for Artist

Q: What is the salary range of Artist in Maine?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Artist in Maine earned an average annual salary of $50,461 , while the highest-paid made $67,613.
Q: What is the salary for an Artist in California?
A: Artist employed in California earned an average salary of $63,975 in 2025.

Average Artist Pay vs. Other Jobs

Artist earned an average salary of $56,435 in 2025. Other jobs related to Artist earned the following average salary in March, 2025. ARTIST, FINE ARTIST made $75,256 , Artist/Artist Assistant made $53,491 , Artist I and Artist II made $55,700 and $72,980 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Artist

ARTIST, FINE ARTIST - Average Salary $75,256
There is currently no job description for ARTIST, FINE ARTIST, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for ARTIST, FINE ARTIST.
Artist/Artist Assistant - Average Salary $53,491
There is currently no job description for Artist/Artist Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Artist/Artist Assistant.
Artist I - Average Salary $55,700
The Artist I collaborates with creative teams to understand the intended audience, branding requirements, and positioning of concepts. Develops and creates sketches and other visualizations and produces finished art work for creative projects. Being an Artist I applies the concepts of perspective, color theory, anatomy, and composition and utilizes art assets and software tools to produce art work. Translates requirements into required media and formats. In addition, Artist I may work on a variety of projects in marketing, advertising, game design, and cinematics. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in art, graphic design or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being an Artist I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Working as an Artist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Artist II - Average Salary $72,980
The Artist II collaborates with creative teams to understand the intended audience, branding requirements, and positioning of concepts. Develops and creates sketches and other visualizations and produces finished art work for creative projects. Being an Artist II applies the concepts of perspective, color theory, anatomy, and composition and utilizes art assets and software tools to produce art work. Translates requirements into required media and formats. In addition, Artist II may work on a variety of projects in marketing, advertising, game design, and cinematics. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in art, graphic design or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being an Artist II occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Working as an Artist II typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Makeup Artist - Average Salary $54,269
A make-up artist or makeup artist is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics on others for theatre, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry. Awards given for this profession in the entertainment industry include the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and even several entertainment industry awards such as the Emmy Awards and the Golden Globes. In the United States as well as the other parts of the globe, professional licenses are required by agencies in order for them to hire the MUA. Bigger production companies have in-house makeup artists on their payroll although most MUA's generally are freelance and their times remain flexible depending on the projects. The use of digital cameras may have made the use of bridal make up more popular