20 High Paying Careers for Creative Personalities in 2022

High paying careers for creative personalities have a terrible reputation for being unfulfilling. However, creative individuals with a wide range of abilities, as well as the necessary skills and experience in their chosen industry, can earn competitive incomes ranging from $57,000 to $126,000. With the correct experience, art directors can earn over $89,000 per year, while multimedia artists, industrial designers, and animators can earn up to $60,000.

Video editors, fashion designers, and writers can earn over $60,000 per year, with the chance to earn much more money in different states. A frequent myth is that those who want to pursue creative endeavors will struggle to make ends meet for the rest of their life. And some creative types are indeed paid less than those in more technical or scientific industries.

The typical annual income for art and design occupations, for example, is $44,410, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This compensation is greater than the $37,040 median annual wage for all jobs, according to the BLS. While this may appear to be good news for creatives at first when you consider that “all occupations” include those that don’t require a college diploma. 

And some that don’t even require a high school diploma – the creative fields appear to be less lucrative. But don’t despair if you’re a creative person seeking a job that allows you to use your skills and hobbies while also allowing you to make a decent life. There are numerous creative occupations that pay well and allow you to utilize your unique skills and abilities.

There are various positions and chances for creative work and career paths for persons with a varied range of talents, qualities, and abilities, from graphic designers to authors to web designers. 

What Are Some High-Paying Creative Jobs?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an agency of the United States Department of Labor that collects data on employment and the average salary of different positions and roles within a wide range of fields and industries, there are a plethora of art and design jobs to choose from. This includes data on median and means salary, necessary education, and job growth or decline projections for certain occupations and lines of work. 

Creatives who are interested in the visual arts can find plenty of well-paying jobs. We’ve highlighted some of these well-paying creative career choices — as well as their average salaries and expected growth — below, based on statistics from the BLS:

1. Art Directors

These creatives are in charge of a product’s visual style. They decide how to best visually represent a message or concept and then choose which photographs, art, or other design elements to use when creating items ranging from product packaging to media such as magazines, newspapers, movies,s and television productions. Most art directors have a bachelor’s degree in art or design and began their careers in another art-related field before moving up to a director-level position. This is one of the high paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $92,780.

Job growth is expected to be 5% through 2026.

2. Makeup artists

These creatives can apply makeup to clients for events such as birthdays, weddings, proms, and other functions. They also can transform performers’ faces to resemble any character from any time, setting, or situation. Those who specialize in stage or theater makeup earn more, but many talented makeup artists have found high-paying jobs by working with celebrities – such as Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic – or by promoting their work on social media.

To become a makeup artist, little formal education is required, though many do complete a cosmetology program. Any makeup artist who also works as a cosmetologist must be licensed. Theater degree programs, which typically include courses in stage makeup, can also be a viable entry point into the field. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $59,300.

Job growth is expected to be 12% through 2026.

3. College Art, Drama, And Music Teachers

These professors typically teach a variety of courses within their field of specialization to college and university students. They may also conduct research, publish original research, apply for research grants, or supervise graduate teaching assistants who teach classes. The type of educational background required by a professor may differ depending on the subject taught and the type of educational institution.

A Ph.D. in a subject related to the one they will be teaching is typically required, but a master’s degree may suffice for some post-secondary teaching positions at community colleges. Some university humanities departments, on the other hand, might be more interested in a candidate’s work experience and contributions to the field. This is one of the high paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $69,960.

Job growth is expected to be 12% through 2026.

4. Web Developers

These IT professionals design and build websites, ensuring that a company or client gets the look they want as well as the performance and traffic capacity required. Their responsibilities can range from assisting a client in determining what information should be included on the site to writing code or testing applications. While no technical degree is required for this position, the majority of creatives in this field have at least an associate’s degree in web design.

According to the BLS, employers prefer developers who supplement their design skills with programming languages as those with those skill sets have an easier time breaking into the industry. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $69,430.

Job growth is expected to be 15% through 2026.

5. Editors

This occupation requires strong communication and writing skills because it involves planning, revising, and producing content for publication in books, newspapers, magazines, or websites. They typically review content for spelling, grammar, factual, and structural errors, rewrite content to make it more understandable, review pitches from writers and assign stories, and assist writers in developing new ideas that are consistent with the publication’s style and needs. 

According to the BLS, being an editor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English, as well as prior writing and proofreading experience. Employers also prefer candidates with expertise or experience in the field they are covering, as well as experience working across multiple forms of media, such as social media, television, or websites. This is one of the high paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $59,480.

Job growth is expected to be -1 percent through 2026.

6. Authors and Writers

As the title implies, these creatives earn a living by effectively conveying stories or information and facts to readers in a variety of places such as advertisements, blogs, books, manuals, guides, magazines, plays, movies, television scripts, and novels. While no degree is required to write a book, play, or other material, many salaried positions in the field prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or journalism. 

Some creatives break into the industry by self-publishing content on website blogs or social media platforms or through internships. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $62,170.

Job growth is expected to be 8% through 2026.

7. Film and Video Editors

These film industry creatives use video editing software to arrange video footage to tell a story or convey information. They may work with producers, camera operators, and directors to develop the overall vision for the filming, production, and editing techniques required to improve a scene, or what type of lens or lighting, should be used. 

Many film and video editors have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to film or broadcasting, but a strong understanding of digital cameras and video-editing software is essential for employment. This is one of the high-paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $62,650.

Job growth is expected to be 17% through 2026.

8. Industrial designers

These workers, according to the BLS, combine art, engineering, and business, to create products that people use daily. They create concepts and designs for a wide range of manufactured products, from automobiles to children’s toys. It is their responsibility to think about the functions, aesthetics, production costs, and usability of each new product they develop. 

For entry-level industrial design jobs, a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, or engineering is usually required, but the BLS also notes that having an electronic portfolio with examples of your design projects is important. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $66,590.

Job growth is expected to be 4% through 2026.

9. Landscape Architects

Parks, gardens, playgrounds, green roofs, and other outdoor spaces are designed by these architects for campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, governments, and private homes. They do this by meeting with clients, preparing site plans and cost estimates, selecting landscaping materials, and analyzing environmental reports on land conditions such as drainage and energy usage. 

To work as a landscape architect, you must have a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a state-issued license, which usually includes an internship. This is one of the high paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $68,230.

Job growth is expected to be 6% through 2026.

10. Producers and directors

These individuals produce films, television shows, and commercials, as well as live theater and other performing arts productions. They choose show scripts or topics, cast actors and other crew members, oversee production design and finances, and ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget. 

The majority of producers and directors usually have a bachelor’s degree in film or cinema, acting or writing, and several years of work experience as an actor, cinematographer, or film and video editor. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $71,680.

Job growth is expected to be 12% through 2026.

11. Technical Writers

If you have experience in a field such as engineering, medicine, or computer science, along with strong communication skills, then becoming a technical writer will pay you more than any other writing career. These writers create instruction manuals, how-to guides, and journal articles to help the average reader understand complex information. They will frequently study product samples, speak with designers and developers, and listen to user feedback to accomplish this. 

Employers prefer interesting creatives who have a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications and along with knowledge on the scientific field to which the content they’ll be producing pertains. This is one of the high-paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $71,850.

Job growth is expected to be 11% through 2026.

12. Multimedia Artists and Animators

These artists design two- and three-dimensional models, moving images, computer-generated images, and visual effects for television, film, video games, and other forms of entertainment. They typically collaborate with game designers, film directors, or other animators to help set development deadlines, create the ideal graphics, edit animations and effects based on the client’s feedback. 

According to the BLS, employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, computer graphics, animation, or a related field, as well as an impressive portfolio of work experience and strong technical skills. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $72,520.

Job growth is expected to be 8% through 2026.

13. Fashion Designers

Original designs for new clothing, footwear, or other accessories are created by these workers. They sketch out their ideas and designs, choose the fabrics and patterns that will be used to make the item, and incorporate the techniques that will be used to bring it to life. They also transform the pieces into an appealing collection for consumers and retailers. The majority of fashion designers must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as fashion design or fashion merchandising. 

Creating a strong design portfolio, or a collection of fashion ideas that demonstrate your styles and technical abilities can also help you land a job without an educational background. Most employers rely on this when making hiring decisions. This is one of the creative careers for introverts and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $72,720.

Job growth is expected to be 3% through 2026.

14. Architects

These creative plans and design buildings such as houses, factories, and office buildings. They can design for both indoor and outdoor spaces and work on public or private projects. They typically meet with clients to understand the structure’s requirements, and then prepare scaled drawings of possible designs, as well as the estimated costs and construction time.

If they are awarded the commission, they will supervise the construction site to ensure that the architectural plans are followed. It takes three steps to become an architect. To begin, you must have a bachelor’s degree in architecture, relevant experience through a paid internship (typically three years), and pass the Architect Registration Examination. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

The average annual salary is $79,380.

Job growth is expected to be 4% through 2026.

15. College English language and literature teachers

College art or music professors typically teach multiple courses within their field of specialization to university students. They may also apply for research grants, conduct and publish original research, or supervise graduate teaching assistants who teach college classes. A Ph.D. in a subject related to the one they will be teaching is typically required to become a professor, but some post-secondary teaching positions at community colleges only require a master’s degree. This is one of the high-paying careers for creative personalities and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

The average annual salary is $66,590.

Job growth is expected to be 10% through 2026.

16. User Experience (UX) Director

UX directors manage an organization’s user experience by designing and evaluating user experience studies to improve applications or software products. By creating a positive user experience, UX directors can maintain customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. A user experience director’s midpoint salary (or median national salary) is $135,250. Also, creating design specifications and collaborating with internal teams or customers to develop cohesive concepts are part of the job. 

It is also necessary to supervise and train a team of designers and user experts, as well as track metrics to improve user experience. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

17. Creative Director

Creative directors manage the creative process from start to finish, ensuring the quality of all creative department projects. They direct the creative team in the creation of all advertising and marketing collateral, as well as ensuring that visual communication standards are met across all media platforms. These creative professionals must have at least five to eight years of experience as well as the ability to create clear marketing goals.

It is preferable to have a strong background in design or copywriting. As a starting point, creative directors with this level of experience can expect a salary of $120,250. They must also collaborate effectively with various project teams, particularly IT, as well as meet with clients and upper management to explain strategies and solutions. This is one of the creative careers for introverts and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree. 

18. Marketing director

Marketing directors are in high demand, whether they are targeting specific customers or running marketing campaigns, and can expect a midpoint salary of $112,250. They direct market messaging activities and manage a marketing team that is in charge of developing promotional communications strategies and materials for a company or product. Marketing directors develop long- and short-term marketing strategies, budgets, and pricing policies. 

Great communication skills are required, as well as a deep knowledge of the creative side of marketing and design. Some companies also require an MBA. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

19. Public Relations Director

Public relations and corporate communications activities are developed and managed by these professionals. PR directors collaborate with company executives to develop an overall public relations strategy, oversee the public relations budget, and oversee the public relations team to ensure initiative implementation.

They must have excellent writing and verbal communication skills because establishing and maintaining relationships with media professionals and influencers is an important part of the job. They set up interviews for internal or external publications to promote the company’s products or brands. Managing any difficult or sensitive company problems that may have an impact on the company’s reputation is also an important part of the job.

Public relations directors usually have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications and at least seven years of PR experience. A PR director’s median salary is $100,750. This is one of the creative careers for introverts and among the creative jobs that pay well without a degree.

20. Product/Brand Manager

These creative professionals are in charge of a product’s or business’s brand strategies and marketing programs. Brand managers set branding strategies, create and implement brand marketing campaigns, and ensure brand consistency across channels. They also conduct market research to anticipate competitive and industry trends, as well as translate consumer attitudes into new branding directions.

To achieve strategic goals, brand managers coordinate sales, pricing, product supply, and product development. The job requires strong writing skills, relationship management, and storytelling abilities. Many brand managers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, marketing, or business. A brand manager’s median salary is $93,750. This is one of the fun creative careers that pay well and among the art jobs that pay over 100k. 

Conclusion

This article discusses some of the high-paying careers for creative personalities. It’s a good idea to go through them all and find the one that best fits your career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best Art Jobs?

What are some examples of well-paying art jobs? You’ve come to the right place if this is what you’re looking for. A degree in the arts and humanities allows you to work in art/design, media, entertainment, and education. For the highest-paying social science jobs, look into marketing and advertising, and for the highest-paying arts jobs, look into art direction.

Critical and analytical thinking skills, creativity, and communication are emphasized in the arts and humanities, skills that professionals can apply in almost any industry. This article looks at the most in-demand jobs in the humanities and the most in-demand art jobs in today’s market.

What Do Art Majors Study?

A fine arts or media major studies an official course program to earn a diploma in the fine arts or media. While fine art encompasses disciplines such as film, painting, and sculpture, multimedia art is a subset of fine art. Graphic design, animation, and other related fields are examples. History, painting, design, and photography are some of the subjects available to art students. Art can be studied at a variety of institutions, including four-year universities and online. 

Furthermore, you can obtain anything from an art certificate to a doctorate in the arts. The art studio field has many openings because it covers a wide range of subjects. With an arts degree, you could work as a graphic designer, animator, art critic, or textile designer, for example. 

What Are The Most In-Demand Art Careers And Jobs?

Students who major in the arts understand how to follow their muse, but what jobs can they get with their diploma after college? This list of the best highest-paying arts jobs demonstrates how a bachelor’s degree in arts can lead to a lucrative professional career. You can earn a penny if you can use your art degree to get a seat at the executive table. A bachelor’s degree in media studies is required for approximately 25% of creative services vice presidents, and the average salary for this position is in the six digits.

Fashion designers, product managers, and advertising managers are also popular and well-paying artist jobs.

How Can I Get a Job in the Arts?

Graduates who complete studies in the arts receive a versatile degree that provides a solid educational foundation, which means they gain valuable skills and experiences. Individuals with an arts degree have the opportunity to establish long-term, secure careers in high-tech industries. Working in the arts is one of the most valuable careers because most employers seek creatives with strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Because there are so many disciplines available to students who want to pursue a career in the arts, these top 20 high-paying careers for creative personalities will assist students in determining the best educational path to maximize earning potential. When applying as a user experience designer for a tech job, you can earn a six-figure salary by combining artistic talent and STEM skills. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design is held by approximately 10% of UX directors. Learning a little computer programming while studying art can certainly be beneficial.