Art Therapists
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Median pay: $77,930/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
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: +11.5% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.
About 4,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.
• Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client's goals or objectives.
• Conduct art therapy sessions, providing guided self-expression experiences to help clients recover from, or cope with, cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
• Confer with other professionals on client's treatment team to develop, coordinate, or integrate treatment plans.
• Assess client needs or disorders, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic processes.
• Talk with clients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
• Develop individualized treatment plans that incorporate studio art therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy techniques.
• Write treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
What's the median pay for Art Therapists?
The median pay for Art Therapists is $77,930 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Art Therapists?
Employment for Art Therapists is projected to change +11.5% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.
What education is typically required for Art Therapists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Art Therapists?
About 4,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.