Craft Artists

SOC code 27-1012 · O*NET-SOC 27-1012.00 · Medium preparation needed

Craft Artists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$46,080

a year

Hourly

$22.15

per hour

10th$25,960Median$46,08090th$71,990

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$49,740

$23.91 per hour

Middle 50%

$35,020 – $58,240

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$25,960 – $71,990

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

4,580

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $25,960; $12.48/hr
25th percentile: $35,020; $16.84/hr
Median percentile: $46,080; $22.15/hr
75th percentile: $58,240; $28.00/hr
90th percentile: $71,990; $34.61/hr

What does a craft artist do?

Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.

How to become a craft artist

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 26% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)26%
Post-Secondary Certificate26%
Less than a High School Diploma17%
Some College Courses17%

Common questions

How much does a craft artist earn?

The national median is $46,080 a year. The full range runs from $25,960 at the 10th percentile to $71,990 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a craft artist without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.1/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Speaking3.0/5
Monitoring3.0/5
Writing2.8/5
Active Learning2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Design3.9/5
Fine Arts3.7/5
Sales and Marketing3.6/5
English Language3.3/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
Production and Processing3.2/5
Communications and Media2.8/5
Mechanical2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Persuasion.