Craft Artists
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Also called: Art Objects Repairer, Artisan, Artist, Calligrapher, Candle Maker, Ceramic Artist
Median pay
$46,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$25,960 – $71,990
People employed
4,580
Holland code
ARE
Artistic · Realistic · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
Craft Artists pay by state
Annual median pay by state (23 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What craft artists do
- 01Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
- 02Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
- 03Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
- 04Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
- 05Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
- 06Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from craft artists
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers79% · +14%
- Potters, Manufacturing72% · group pay
- Photographers70% · −3%
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers70% · +36%
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers66% · −10%
Change into craft artists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers78% · $52,540
- Photographers77% · $44,660
- Potters, Manufacturing75% · $46,170
- Gem and Diamond Workers64% · $52,540
- Models61% · $48,470
Majors that lead here
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Art/Art Studies, General
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Ceramic Arts and Ceramics
- Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts
- Jewelry Arts
- Metal Arts
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.