Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design has good news for students.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career in art and design is worth pursuing.
In 2023, the average median wage for art and design careers was $51,660, which was 7.49% higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($48,060).
Regarding salaries, Missouri holds its own in art and design-related occupations compared to national averages (see table).
| Missouri | National | |
| Art Director | $95.320 | $106,500 |
| Special Effects Artists or Animators | $79,740 | $99,060 |
| Graphic Designers | $52,130 | $58,910 |
| Craft and Fine Artists | $53,000 | $52,910 |
| Museum Curators | $62,600 | $57,120 |
| Photographers | $46, 750 | $40,760 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $55,530 | $63,670 |
| Middle School Teachers | $60,510 | $64,290 |
| High School Teachers | $63,500 | $65,220 |
The median annual salary for craft and fine artists in Missouri increased from $43,000 in 2018 to $53,000 in 2023. This trend reflects an increase of approximately 24% in five years. Other professions have boasted similar numbers.
Demand for art and design professions is expected to grow through 2033, despite currently experiencing a slight decrease. The BLS projects an average of nearly 88,000 openings each year.
The growth potential for professions in museum studies like curators, conservators and other museum workers is 11%. Additionally, the mean wage for curators, craft and fine artists and art professors in Missouri is higher than the national average.
Explore career opportunities in art and design
News edited by the Reynolds College Communications Team.
Sam Barnette is a writer for the Department of Art and Design. She holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Missouri State’s Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film and is working toward an MS in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling at Truman State University.
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