How much does an artist make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $4,514 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $3,804
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 1.0 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 144 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $100,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Switzerland estimate | $98,760 |
| 2. Luxembourg estimate | $81,070 |
| 3. Germany | $79,330 |
| 13. Australia | $55,360 |
| 14. United States | $54,170 |
| 15. Finland estimate | $51,250 |
| 144. Nigeria estimate | $354 |
Similar jobs
Professionals
- Musician$92,810
- Ballet dancer$52,550
- Art director$94,500
- Actor$60,420
- Announcer$58,180
- Performer$41,020
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| Nevada | $81,630 |
| New York | $77,840 |
| Washington | $67,160 |
| Maryland | $66,180 |
| Georgia | $63,740 |
| New Mexico | $63,090 |
| California | $60,870 |
| Oregon | $58,180 |
| Utah | $57,270 |
| Wisconsin | $56,820 |
See all 34 states
| Missouri | $56,520 |
| Connecticut | $55,890 |
| Arizona | $54,050 |
| Texas | $52,440 |
| Colorado | $51,020 |
| Maine | $50,680 |
| Florida | $50,010 |
| Illinois | $48,450 |
| Kentucky | $48,050 |
| Virginia | $47,930 |
| Oklahoma | $47,830 |
| Massachusetts | $47,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,060 |
| Alaska | $41,600 |
| Alabama | $40,800 |
| Louisiana | $40,700 |
| Nebraska | $39,800 |
| South Carolina | $35,050 |
| Minnesota | $33,590 |
| Ohio | $33,420 |
| Arkansas | $32,340 |
| Michigan | $31,430 |
| Tennessee | $31,210 |
| Kansas | $25,830 |
Jobs in this group in the United States
Official name of each one and its median salary a year.
| Fine Artist | $55,490 |
| Craft Artist | $46,080 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does an artist make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $4,514 a month, $54,170 a year.
How much does an artist make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $30,830 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $134,100.
Which country pays an artist the most?
Germany, with a median of $79,330 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays an artist the most?
Nevada, with a median of $81,630 a year.
Does an artist make more in the United States or in Germany?
In Germany: $79,330 a year against $54,170 in the United States, 1.5 times more.
Who makes more, an artist or a musician?
A musician: $92,810 a year against $54,170 for an artist, 1.7 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate