Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary by State
Also called: Fine Artists
The national median pay for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators is $55,490 a year. By state, it ranges from $25,830 in Kansas to $98,540 in Oregon.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $31,630
- 25th percentile
- $37,560
- Median
- $55,490
- 75th percentile
- $83,200
- Top 10%
- $144,210
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 11,220 jobs.
Median pay in 30 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | $98,540 | +78% | $55,140 | $151,020 | Not published |
| 2 | Nevada | $81,630 | +47% | $39,070 | $94,860 | 160 |
| 3 | New York | $78,870 | +42% | $50,010 | $154,630 | 1,400 |
| 4 | Washington | $72,430 | +31% | $38,730 | $120,160 | 350 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $71,210 | +28% | $39,380 | $101,110 | 100 |
| 6 | Maryland | $66,180 | +19% | $43,830 | $78,250 | 80 |
| 7 | Georgia | $65,010 | +17% | $40,530 | $94,130 | 350 |
| 8 | New Mexico | $63,090 | +14% | $41,520 | $79,610 | 70 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $61,730 | +11% | $42,680 | $104,000 | Not published |
| 10 | California | $58,240 | +5% | $36,300 | $207,320 | 2,560 |
| 11 | Utah | $57,270 | +3% | $34,290 | $96,100 | 80 |
| 12 | Arizona | $56,160 | +1% | $34,310 | $97,240 | 110 |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | $54,270 | −2% | $22,360 | $102,920 | Not published |
| 14 | Illinois | $53,850 | −3% | $32,720 | $99,630 | Not published |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $53,350 | −4% | $21,590 | $81,410 | 100 |
| 16 | Colorado | $51,910 | −6% | $43,040 | $102,120 | 250 |
| 17 | Florida | $50,360 | −9% | $31,160 | $134,150 | 1,010 |
| 18 | Missouri | $49,820 | −10% | $31,770 | $71,080 | 110 |
| 19 | Texas | $49,650 | −11% | $17,880 | $77,380 | 700 |
| 20 | Kentucky | $48,050 | −13% | $22,750 | $65,360 | 60 |
| 21 | Virginia | $47,930 | −14% | $29,640 | $87,400 | 230 |
| 22 | Oklahoma | $47,830 | −14% | $45,060 | $89,480 | 60 |
| 23 | Maine | $46,170 | −17% | $38,100 | $73,330 | Not published |
| 24 | Louisiana | $40,700 | −27% | $32,320 | $74,550 | Not published |
| 25 | Nebraska | $39,800 | −28% | $31,200 | $66,900 | 40 |
| 26 | Michigan | $38,650 | −30% | $25,960 | $124,480 | 220 |
| 27 | Arkansas | $32,340 | −42% | $27,370 | $60,790 | 40 |
| 28 | Ohio | $31,780 | −43% | $22,860 | $63,750 | 510 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $30,720 | −45% | $27,670 | $58,770 | 100 |
| 30 | Kansas | $25,830 | −53% | $15,080 | $54,720 | 40 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary questions
Which state pays fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators the most?
Oregon, with a median of $98,540 a year (+78% vs. the national median of $55,490). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators the least?
Kansas, with a median of $25,830 a year (−53% vs. national).
Where do most fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators work?
California has the most jobs, about 2,560, with a median of $58,240.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.