Art Degree - Art Guide

About This Degree

Earnings Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of salaried fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, were $38,060 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $25,990 and $51,730. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,860. Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely. Some charge only a nominal fee while they gain experience and build a reputation for their work.

Art Facts at a glance

About 63 percent of artists and related workers are self-employed.

Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work; the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.

Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor's degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.

Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art.

Summary of what this degree entails

Individuals may have to take classes in art which includes Art History, Illustration, Graphic Design, Art Administration, and many others.

Degrees that lead to this career

Some of the degrees individuals may attain include:

A.A. in Art

A.A. in Art History

B.A. in Art

B.A. in Art History

M.S. in Art Education

Specific Career openings in this field

Some of the careers individuals with an art degree may get into include:

Painter

Illustrator

Cartoonist

Sculptor

Sketch Artist

Art Directors

Reference

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Artists and Related Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm (visited November 10, 2006).