Artists

The amount of money earned by visual artists varies greatly. Most work as freelancers, so they can set their own prices.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, In May 2023, the median annual earnings of salaried craft artists was $36,600; fine artists (including painters, sculptors, and illustrators) earned about $59,300 per year. Salaries ranged from less than $21,010 for craft artists, to more than $135,420 for fine artists. Multimedia artists earned salaries that ranged from less than $57,090 to $169,580 or more. Graphic designers had median earnings that ranged from $36,420 or less to $100,450 or more.

Artists often work long hours and earn little, especially when they are first starting out. The price they charge is up to them, but much depends on the value the public places on their work. A particular item may sell for a few dollars or tens of thousands of dollars, or at any price in between. Often the value of a piece may increase considerably after it has been sold. Artwork that may have earned an artist only a few hundred dollars when it was first completed may earn many thousands of dollars the next time it is sold if the artist's work becomes well known and in demand.

Some artists obtain grants that allow them to pursue their art; others win prizes and awards in competitions. Most artists, however, have to work on their projects part time while holding a regular, full-time job. Many artists teach in art schools, high schools, or out of their studios. Artists who sell their products must pay social security and other taxes on any money they receive and provide their own benefits.