Fine Artist
Create original paintings, sculptures and illustrations.
- $55,490
- Years of practice
Arts, Media & Design career
Craft Artist
Also called: Potter · Glassblower · Woodworker Artist · Textile Artist
What craft artists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a craft artist do?
Craft artists create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques and materials. The median pay is $46,080 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Years of practice, and employment is projected to grow +2.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$46,080$22.15/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.0%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to trainYears of practiceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs11,500Employment, 2025
What craft artists do
Craft artists make handmade goods. They design and create pottery, glass, jewelry, woodwork, textiles and more, sell at fairs, galleries and online, teach workshops and run small businesses.
No formal education is required, but long training builds skill. Most are self-employed. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Design pieces
- Make crafts
- Photograph work
- Sell at fairs and online
- Teach workshops
- Manage a studio
- Market work
Work environment and schedule
Craft artists work in studios and at markets and fairs.
Schedule: Self-directed, often long hours before shows.
A day in the life
- Throw pots on the wheel.
- Trim yesterday’s pots.
- Photograph new work.
- Ship online orders.
See a full day in the life of a craft artist →
Craft Artist salary
Half of craft artists earned more than $46,080 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $25,960 for the lowest 10% to $71,990 for the top 10%.
Full craft artist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a craft artist
- Take classes
- Practice
- Build a portfolio
- Sell locally and online
- Grow
No formal educational credential is required; long practice builds skill.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a craft artist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Craft techniques
- Design
- Photography
- Pricing
- Online selling
People skills
- Creativity
- Patience
- Self-discipline
- Customer service
All craft artist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative freedom
- Be your own boss
- Handmade satisfaction
- Teach and share
Cons
- Uncertain income
- Business tasks
- Physical work
- Marketing yourself
Certifications and licenses
- Craft school courses: Penland or Haystack.
- BFA: Optional.
- Business license: Required to sell.
- Sales tax permit: Required in many states.
Career path
- Hobbyist: Learn.
- Emerging Artist: Sell.
- Established Artist: Galleries.
- Studio Owner and Teacher: Grow.
Learn the job before day one
Our Craft Artist training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as price handmade work so you profit and prepare for a juried craft fair, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Jeweler
Make, repair and set stones in jewelry.
- $52,540
- 1–3 years of training
Art, Drama and Music Professor
Teach studio art, music or theater at the college level.
- $78,620
- 6–9 years after high school
Self-Enrichment Teacher
Teach people a skill they want to learn for fun or personal growth.
- $46,800
- Years building skill in your subject
Compare: Craft Artist vs. Fine Artist · Craft Artist vs. Jeweler · Craft Artist vs. Art Professor · Craft Artist vs. Self-Enrichment Teacher
Craft Artist FAQ
Can you make a living from crafts?
Some do, often combining sales, teaching and wholesale.
Do craft artists need a degree?
No.
Are most self-employed?
Yes.
How much does a craft artist make?
The median annual wage for craft artists was $46,080 ($22.15 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $25,960 and the highest 10% earned more than $71,990.
How long does it take to become a craft artist?
Most people need about Years of practice of training. No formal educational credential is required; long practice builds skill.
Do you need a degree to be a craft artist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-1012 (Craft artists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Craft artists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.