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Craft Artists

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $46,080/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$25,960$71,990

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2.1% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 1,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Critical ThinkingMonitoringSpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingPersuasionActive LearningWriting
Top knowledge areas
DesignFine ArtsSales and MarketingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingCommunications and MediaMechanical
Core tasks

Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.

Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.

Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.

Apply finishes to objects being crafted.

Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.

Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.

Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.

Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Craft Artists?

The median pay for Craft Artists is $46,080 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Craft Artists?

Employment for Craft Artists is projected to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Craft Artists?

Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.

How many job openings are there each year for Craft Artists?

About 1,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.