As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Artist I in the United States is $55,000. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $49,800 to $60,900, with most professionals earning between $45,066 and $66,272.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $60,900 | $5,075 | $1,171 | $29 |
| Average | $55,000 | $4,583 | $1,058 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,800 | $4,150 | $958 | $24 |
An entry-level Artist I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $54,612. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $55,176. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $56,497. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $56,761, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $56,937.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Artist I | $54,612 |
| Intermediate Level Artist I | $55,176 |
| Senior Level Artist I | $56,497 |
| Specialist Level Artist I | $56,761 |
| Expert Level Artist I | $56,937 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Artist I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $55,350 in 2023 to approximately $55,613 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Artist I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Artist I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Artist I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Artist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $55,000 | 68.1% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,208 | 5.2% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,310 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,100 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 10.3% | ||
| Pension | $2,970 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $6,769 | 8.4% | ||
| Total Compensation | $80,709 | 100% | ||
The salary data for artists indicates a range with a minimum of $51,100, a mid-point of $56,900, and a maximum of $68,200. While states like California offer an average annual salary of $58,654, the overall compensation for artists can vary significantly, with many earning within this range depending on their experience and location.
While it's common to think that being an artist doesn't guarantee financial stability, the salary data shows that artists can earn between $51,100 and $68,200 annually. While becoming a millionaire may be challenging, there are opportunities for financial success in the art world. With dedication and creativity, you can find your path to prosperity.
A Background Artist in the US typically earns between $51,100 and $68,200 annually, with a median salary of around $56,900. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $24.65 to $32.77, depending on experience and location.
The type of artist that typically earns the highest salary falls within a range of $51,100 to $68,200, with a median salary of $56,900. This suggests that specialized artists, such as those in high-demand fields like digital art, animation, or fine arts, tend to command higher compensation compared to their peers in other artistic disciplines.
To become a paid artist, focus on developing your skills and building a portfolio that showcases your work. Network with other artists and potential clients, and consider selling your art online or at local galleries. As you gain experience, you can expect to earn between $51,100 and $68,200 annually, with a median salary around $56,900.
Artist salaries typically range from $51,100 to $68,200 annually, with a mid-salary of $56,900. This reflects the diverse nature of the field, where compensation can vary based on experience, location, and specific artistic discipline.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
