Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Craft Artists
SOC: 27-1012 O*NET: 27-1012.00
Median Salary
$38,480
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
What does a Craft Artists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$22,620
10th percentile
Early Career
$31,350
25th percentile
Median
$38,480
50th percentile
Experienced
$52,070
75th percentile
Top Earners
$65,850
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$22,620
25th
$31,350
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$38,480
Mean: $45,340
75th
$52,070
90th
$65,850
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $43,230 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $31,350 and $52,070
- •Salary spread is 53.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 4,370 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:11,600
Top Industries
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries32.5%
Retail Trade27.7%
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers26.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.1%
Annual Openings:1,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)11,600
Current
2034 (Projected)11,900
+2.1%
+200
Employment Change
+2.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Craft Artists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 33 locations
Michigan
540 jobs$26,6404.36x
Texas
340 jobs$52,0000.88x
California
290 jobs$59,9800.58x
Colorado
200 jobs$40,1902.42x
Connecticut
200 jobs$32,6404.14x
Missouri
160 jobs$58,7501.97x
Ohio
160 jobs$36,4301.02x
Maine
140 jobs$37,9207.93x
New York
130 jobs$48,5800.46x
Oregon
120 jobs$38,5902.24x
Alabama
100 jobs$35,0901.70x
Pennsylvania
90 jobs$52,0000.55x
Iowa
90 jobs$32,6002.04x
South Carolina
90 jobs$31,5101.37x
Washington
70 jobs$43,3800.66x
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
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Design
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Originality
100%
#4
Arm-Hand Steadiness
92%
#5
Fine Arts
88%
#6
Monitoring
86%
#7
Finger Dexterity
82%
#8
Sales and Marketing
76%
#9
Manual Dexterity
74%
#10
Speaking
70%
Skills Overview
Design
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Originality
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced4.6
92%
Fine Arts
intermediate4.4
88%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Finger Dexterity
intermediate4.1
82%
Sales and Marketing
intermediate3.8
76%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Design
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Originality
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Fine Arts
intermediateImportance88%
knowledge
4.4/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Finger Dexterity
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Sales and Marketing
intermediateImportance76%
knowledge
3.8/5.0
Manual Dexterity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance64%
knowledge
3.2/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks83%
5 shared skills
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers80%
4 shared skills
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters80%
4 shared skills
Actors71%
5 shared skills
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers71%
5 shared skills
Light Truck Drivers71%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Design
- ✓Fine Arts
Learn on the Job:
- →English Language
- →Customer and Personal Service
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Design
- ✓Fine Arts
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Originality
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Design
- ★Fine Arts
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Originality
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Craft Artists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Technology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Facebook
📚 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
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡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 mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (10)Planning & Development (5)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Confer with customers to assess customer needs or obtain feedback.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Fabricate patterns or templates to guide craft production.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Create prototypes or models of objects to be crafted.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
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 Craft Artists
💡 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?
Craft Artists professionals typically have a ARE Holland code and highly value achievement
AArtistic
RRealistic
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Craft Artists
Initiative
CriticalInitiative
Importance Level4.52
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.48
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.39
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.39
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.35
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.17
Complete Work Styles Profile
Initiative
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.5
Achievement/Effort
4.4
Innovation
4.4
Independence
4.3
Persistence
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.7
Dependability
3.6
Integrity
3.6
💡 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
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Craft Artists.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Craft Artists
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
1.1k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.1k program completions/year
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
733 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
626 program completions/year
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ
561 program completions/year
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
493 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
481 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
465 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
457 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
453 program completions/year
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
441 program completions/year
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH
409 program completions/year