Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 9,600 people employed as craft artists in the United States. The median annual salary is $35,200. Entry level employees earn approximately $21,630 per year and senior employees earn approximately $59,620 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
• Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
• Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
• Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
• Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
• Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
• Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
• Plan and attend craft shows to market products.
• Create prototypes or models of objects to be crafted.
• Confer with customers to assess customer needs or obtain feedback.
• Develop product packaging, display, and pricing strategies.
• Research craft trends, venues, and customer buying patterns to inspire designs and marketing strategies.
• Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.
• Develop designs using specialized computer software.
• Fabricate patterns or templates to guide craft production.

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