How much does a craft artist make?

The median pay is $22.15 per hour — roughly $46,000 a year, with the real range running from about $12.48/hr (10th percentile) to $34.61/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a craft artist?

The typical entry-level education is: Less than high school. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a craft artist actually do all day?

Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials. Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery. Apply finishes to objects being crafted.

Arts & Media

Craft Artists

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

What it pays
Craft Artists earn a median of $22.15/hr — about $46,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $12.48/hr; the top 10% earn $34.61/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Less than high school. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 62.6% of craft artists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are creative and hands-on.

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Quick questions

How much does a craft artist make?: The median pay is $22.15 per hour — roughly $46,000 a year, with the real range running from about $12.48/hr (10th percentile) to $34.61/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a craft artist?: The typical entry-level education is: Less than high school. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
What does a craft artist actually do all day?: Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials. Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery. Apply finishes to objects being crafted.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.