Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Art Therapists
SOC: 29-1129 O*NET: 29-1129.01
Median Salary
$65,010
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11.5%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
What does a Art Therapists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,840
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,510
25th percentile
Median
$65,010
50th percentile
Experienced
$85,010
75th percentile
Top Earners
$120,050
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,840
25th
$49,510
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$65,010
Mean: $73,800
75th
$85,010
90th
$120,050
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $81,210 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,510 and $85,010
- •Salary spread is 54.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 19,320 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:56,100
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services48.4%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners32.9%
Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists21.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11.5%
Annual Openings:4,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)56,100
Current
2034 (Projected)62,500
+11.5%
+6,400
Employment Change
+11.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Art Therapists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
New Jersey
2,530 jobs$90,2804.75x
Georgia
1,580 jobs$63,5402.59x
Maryland
1,540 jobs$47,5204.48x
Texas
1,480 jobs$62,5600.85x
California
1,130 jobs$71,1900.50x
New York
990 jobs$67,8700.83x
Louisiana
900 jobs$61,4003.76x
Pennsylvania
630 jobs$59,5400.83x
Illinois
620 jobs$71,0400.81x
Wisconsin
570 jobs$57,5401.55x
Minnesota
540 jobs$73,3001.48x
Florida
540 jobs$57,7700.44x
North Carolina
440 jobs$65,3100.72x
Kentucky
400 jobs$99,0601.61x
Tennessee
400 jobs$45,8000.98x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Writing
Writing
What knowledge is required?
✓
Therapy and Counseling
✓
Psychology
✓
Fine Arts
✓
Sociology and Anthropology
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Education and Training
✓
English Language
✓
Philosophy and Theology
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Art Therapists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Art Therapists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Art Therapists professionals typically have a SAI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
AArtistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Art Therapists
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level5.00
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.94
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.81
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.78
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.75
Social Orientation
CriticalSocial Orientation
Importance Level4.69
Complete Work Styles Profile
Concern for Others
5.0
Integrity
4.9
Dependability
4.8
Self-Control
4.8
Stress Tolerance
4.8
Social Orientation
4.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.6
Cooperation
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Persistence
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Art Therapists.
Browse Training Programs →