Animator
Bring characters, worlds and effects to life for film, games and media.
- $102,030/yr median
- -0.3% growth
- 4 years plus reel
Career field
Arts, Media & Design Careers
Create, record, edit and communicate: design, photography, video, sound, writing and language.
Arts, media and design careers turn creativity into a paycheck. Designers, editors, writers, photographers and production technicians work for agencies, studios, broadcasters, manufacturers, publishers and live-event companies, and many freelance.
Portfolios matter more than credentials in most of these jobs. A bachelor’s degree is common for designers and writers, while many audio, video and lighting technicians learn through certificates, apprenticeships and work on real productions.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
42 arts, media and design careers
Apparel Patternmaker
Turn fashion designs into patterns that factories use to cut clothing.
- $62,750/yr median
- -15.0% growth
- Months to years of training
Art Director
Lead the visual style of ads, publications, products and productions.
- $114,850/yr median
- +4.2% growth
- 4 years plus 5+ years of experience
Audio and Video Technician
Set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions.
- $58,100/yr median
- +3.9% growth
- 3–12 months
Broadcast Announcer
Host radio shows, call games and present news and music on air.
- $47,340/yr median
- -7.6% growth
- Degree plus station experience
Broadcast Technician
Keep TV and radio signals on the air.
- $59,570/yr median
- -3.1% growth
- 2-year degree
Camera Operator
Shoot video for film, TV, news, sports and online content.
- $74,990/yr median
- +1.3% growth
- 4 years or on-set experience
Choreographer
Create dances and teach performers how to move.
- $55,310/yr median
- +3.1% growth
- Years of dance training
Costume Attendant
Care for costumes and help performers change during shows and shoots.
- $50,400/yr median
- +5.9% growth
- A few weeks on the job
Court Reporter
Create word-for-word records of court proceedings and live captions.
- $72,420/yr median
- -0.1% growth
- 2–4 years
Craft Artist
Make handmade pottery, glass, wood, textiles and other crafts to sell.
- $46,080/yr median
- +2.0% growth
- Years of practice
Curator
Build museum collections and plan exhibitions that tell stories.
- $63,420/yr median
- +4.9% growth
- 2 years after a bachelor’s plus experience
Desktop Publisher
Lay out text and images for brochures, books, reports and newsletters.
- $55,290/yr median
- -14.5% growth
- 2-year degree
Editor
Plan, review and improve writing for publications, websites and books.
- $77,920/yr median
- -1.1% growth
- Writing experience plus on-the-job learning
Engraver
Engrave designs and lettering on metal, glass, wood and awards.
- $43,310/yr median
- -0.7% growth
- A few months on the job
Fashion Designer
Design clothing, shoes and accessories from sketch to store.
- $80,960/yr median
- +0.1% growth
- 4 years
Fine Artist
Create original paintings, sculptures and illustrations.
- $55,490/yr median
- -2.9% growth
- Years of practice
Florist
Design flower arrangements for weddings, events and everyday moments.
- $37,360/yr median
- -5.6% growth
- 1–6 months
Graphic Designer
Create logos, layouts and visuals that communicate ideas and build brands.
- $62,960/yr median
- -1.7% growth
- 4 years or portfolio-based training
Industrial Designer
Design the products people use, from phones and chairs to cars and tools.
- $83,910/yr median
- +2.4% growth
- 4 years
Interior Designer
Design interior spaces that are functional, safe and beautiful.
- $67,190/yr median
- +2.7% growth
- 4 years
Interpreter
Help people communicate across languages in health, courts and business.
- $60,170/yr median
- +2.0% growth
- Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training
Jeweler
Make, repair and set stones in jewelry.
- $52,540/yr median
- -3.2% growth
- 1–3 years of training
Journalist
Find, report and tell the stories that keep the public informed.
- $62,200/yr median
- -5.9% growth
- 4 years
Lighting Technician
Set up, program and run lighting for stages, film sets and events.
- $68,060/yr median
- -4.8% growth
- 6 months–2 years
Model
Pose for photos, runway shows and artists to show clothing and products.
- $48,470/yr median
- -2.1% growth
- On-the-job learning
Movie Projectionist
Run and maintain digital projectors and sound systems in movie theaters.
- $38,270/yr median
- -6.2% growth
- A few weeks on the job
Museum Technician
Handle, install and care for museum objects and exhibits.
- $51,440/yr median
- +3.6% growth
- Bachelor’s plus internships
Music Director
Lead orchestras, bands and choirs, or compose original music.
- $73,710/yr median
- +1.2% growth
- Years of music training
Musical Instrument Repairer
Repair, tune and build musical instruments.
- $46,420/yr median
- +1.9% growth
- 1–3 years of training
Photo Lab Technician
Process film, print photos and restore images.
- $40,610/yr median
- -5.6% growth
- A few weeks on the job
Photographer
Capture images for clients, events, products and stories.
- $44,660/yr median
- -0.7% growth
- 6 months–2 years
Producer and Director
Bring films, shows, plays and videos to life from idea to final cut.
- $90,360/yr median
- +4.0% growth
- Years of production experience
Proofreader
Catch errors in text before it’s printed or published.
- $51,120/yr median
- -0.9% growth
- Short on-the-job training
Public Relations Manager
Shape how the public sees an organization and lead its communications team.
- $146,910/yr median
- +5.7% growth
- 5+ years of experience
Public Relations Specialist
Shape and protect the public image of organizations and people.
- $74,750/yr median
- +1.8% growth
- 4 years
Set Designer
Design sets for theater, film, TV and events.
- $75,240/yr median
- +1.4% growth
- Degree plus assisting experience
Sound Engineer
Record, mix and master sound for music, film, broadcast and live events.
- $73,130/yr median
- -3.1% growth
- 6 months–2 years
Talent Agent
Represent artists, performers and athletes and negotiate their deals.
- $82,890/yr median
- +9.7% growth
- Years as an assistant
Technical Writer
Explain complex products and processes in clear, usable documentation.
- $90,390/yr median
- +0.8% growth
- 4 years or technical background plus writing training
Video Editor
Cut raw footage into compelling films, shows, ads and online videos.
- $75,420/yr median
- +3.7% growth
- 4 years or portfolio-based training
Writer
Write books, scripts, ads and articles for readers and audiences.
- $76,910/yr median
- -0.3% growth
- Years of practice
Compare arts, media and design careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Relations Manager | $146,910 | +5.7% | 5+ years of experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 2 | Art Director | $114,850 | +4.2% | 4 years plus 5+ years of experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Animator | $102,030 | -0.3% | 4 years plus reel | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Technical Writer | $90,390 | +0.8% | 4 years or technical background plus writing training | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Producer and Director | $90,360 | +4.0% | Years of production experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Industrial Designer | $83,910 | +2.4% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 7 | Talent Agent | $82,890 | +9.7% | Years as an assistant | Bachelor's degree |
| 8 | Fashion Designer | $80,960 | +0.1% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 9 | Editor | $77,920 | -1.1% | Writing experience plus on-the-job learning | Bachelor's degree |
| 10 | Writer | $76,910 | -0.3% | Years of practice | Bachelor's degree |
| 11 | Video Editor | $75,420 | +3.7% | 4 years or portfolio-based training | Bachelor's degree |
| 12 | Set Designer | $75,240 | +1.4% | Degree plus assisting experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Camera Operator | $74,990 | +1.3% | 4 years or on-set experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 14 | Public Relations Specialist | $74,750 | +1.8% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 15 | Music Director | $73,710 | +1.2% | Years of music training | Bachelor's degree |
| 16 | Sound Engineer | $73,130 | -3.1% | 6 months–2 years | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 17 | Court Reporter | $72,420 | -0.1% | 2–4 years | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 18 | Lighting Technician | $68,060 | -4.8% | 6 months–2 years | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 19 | Interior Designer | $67,190 | +2.7% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Curator | $63,420 | +4.9% | 2 years after a bachelor’s plus experience | Master's degree |
| 21 | Graphic Designer | $62,960 | -1.7% | 4 years or portfolio-based training | Bachelor's degree |
| 22 | Apparel Patternmaker | $62,750 | -15.0% | Months to years of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 23 | Journalist | $62,200 | -5.9% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 24 | Interpreter | $60,170 | +2.0% | Fluency plus 6 months–4 years of training | Bachelor's degree |
| 25 | Broadcast Technician | $59,570 | -3.1% | 2-year degree | Associate's degree |
| 26 | Audio and Video Technician | $58,100 | +3.9% | 3–12 months | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 27 | Fine Artist | $55,490 | -2.9% | Years of practice | Bachelor's degree |
| 28 | Choreographer | $55,310 | +3.1% | Years of dance training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 29 | Desktop Publisher | $55,290 | -14.5% | 2-year degree | Associate's degree |
| 30 | Jeweler | $52,540 | -3.2% | 1–3 years of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 31 | Museum Technician | $51,440 | +3.6% | Bachelor’s plus internships | Bachelor's degree |
| 32 | Proofreader | $51,120 | -0.9% | Short on-the-job training | Bachelor's degree |
| 33 | Costume Attendant | $50,400 | +5.9% | A few weeks on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 34 | Model | $48,470 | -2.1% | On-the-job learning | No formal educational credential |
| 35 | Broadcast Announcer | $47,340 | -7.6% | Degree plus station experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 36 | Musical Instrument Repairer | $46,420 | +1.9% | 1–3 years of training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 37 | Craft Artist | $46,080 | +2.0% | Years of practice | No formal educational credential |
| 38 | Photographer | $44,660 | -0.7% | 6 months–2 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 39 | Engraver | $43,310 | -0.7% | A few months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 40 | Photo Lab Technician | $40,610 | -5.6% | A few weeks on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 41 | Movie Projectionist | $38,270 | -6.2% | A few weeks on the job | No formal educational credential |
| 42 | Florist | $37,360 | -5.6% | 1–6 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
Getting hired in arts, media and design
Build a focused portfolio of 8 to 12 of your best pieces, aimed at the job you want. Quality beats quantity, and explaining your process helps in interviews.
What affects pay in this field
- Portfolio strength and client list
- Industry (advertising, film, tech and corporate roles often pay more)
- Freelance rates versus salaried positions
- Software skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve or Pro Tools
Find your fit
Take the Arts, Media & Design career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Arts, Media & Design careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying arts, media and design career on this list?
Public Relations Manager has the highest median pay among our arts, media and design profiles at $146,910 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which arts, media and design career is fastest to start?
Costume Attendant typically takes about A few weeks on the job of training.
Which arts, media and design career is growing fastest?
Talent Agent, with projected growth of +9.7% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right arts, media and design career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Arts, Media & Design career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.