High-Earning Creative Careers That Don't Require Self-Employment
In the ever-evolving world of work, creativity continues to be a valuable asset. Here's a rundown of 22 creative jobs that not only offer a dose of imagination but also promise competitive salaries in the United States.
Creative Writers
With an average salary of $62,000 per year, creative writers weave compelling narratives and captivating content across various mediums. A bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or a related field is often required.
Professional Food Stylists
Food stylists, earning anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 annually, transform culinary creations into visually stunning masterpieces for photography and film. A background in culinary arts, food science, or a related field, along with experience in the industry, is typically necessary.
Copywriters
Copywriters, who earn an average of $58,458 per year, craft persuasive marketing and promotional content. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, or a related field is usually required.
Graphic Designers
Graphic designers, with an average salary of $50,374 per year, bring ideas to life through visuals for digital and print media. A bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field is often sought after.
Digital Marketing Specialists
Digital marketing specialists, who earn an average of $108,000 to $139,000 per year, drive online marketing strategies, focusing on SEO, social media, and content creation. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field is typically required.
Photographers
Photographers, earning an average of $43,335 per year, capture moments and create images with a blend of art and technical skill. While no formal education is required, a portfolio showcasing one's work is crucial.
3D Animators
3D animators, who earn approximately $36,000 per year, bring digital characters and objects to life through animation. A bachelor’s degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or Computer Science is usually required.
Illustrators
Illustrators, with an average salary of $44,356 per year, create visual stories through drawing and digital tools. A bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or Illustration is often sought after.
Vloggers/Bloggers
Vloggers and bloggers, who earn an average of $48,953 per year, create and share content across various digital platforms. While no formal education is required, marketing skills can be beneficial.
Product Designers
Product designers, who earn an average of $90,000 or more (depending on the company and product), design user-focused products. A bachelor’s degree in Design, Engineering, or a related field is usually required.
User Experience (UX) Designers
UX designers, who earn an average of $80,000 to $120,000 per year, focus on creating intuitive and enjoyable digital experiences. A bachelor’s degree in Design, Psychology, or Computer Science is often required.
User Interface (UI) Designers
UI designers, who earn an average of $70,000 to $110,000 per year, focus on the visual design and layout of digital products. A bachelor’s degree in Design, Computer Science, or a related field is usually required.
Front-End Web Developers
Front-end web developers, who earn an average of $75,000 to $120,000 per year, code the visual elements of websites and web applications. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field is often required.
Game Designers
Game designers, who earn an average of $85,000 per year (with potential for higher salaries in big cities), create engaging and interactive gaming experiences. A bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field is usually required.
Motion Designers
Motion designers, who earn an average of $60,000 to $90,000 per year, create animated visuals for media. A bachelor’s degree in Animation, Motion Graphics, or a related field is often required.
Digital Designers
Digital designers, who earn an average of $65,000 to $100,000 per year, create digital ads, websites, and multimedia content. A bachelor’s degree in Graphic or Digital Design is usually required.
Personal Shoppers
Personal shoppers, who earn an average of $45,000 to $70,000 per year, assist clients with purchases, offering their expertise in fashion and style. No formal education is required, but retail experience can be beneficial.
Art Directors
Art directors, who earn an average of $90,000 to $130,000 per year, oversee creative projects and ensure the visual elements align with the project's goals. A bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Design, or Marketing is usually required.
Interior Designers
Interior designers, who earn an average of $57,000 per year, design indoor spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and tailored to the client's needs. A bachelor’s degree in Interior Design is usually required.
Animators
Animators, who earn an average of $75,000 per year, create animated films, commercials, and other visual content. A bachelor’s degree in Animation, Digital Arts, or a related field is usually required.
Music Producers
Music producers, who earn an average of $50,000 to $120,000 per year, create and produce music tracks, collaborating with artists to bring their vision to life. No formal education is required, but a strong understanding of music and audio production is essential.
Content Strategists
Content strategists, who earn an average of $70,000 to $110,000 per year, plan and manage content campaigns to engage audiences and drive results. A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field is usually required.
This guide offers a snapshot of the creative jobs landscape, highlighting various roles, their average salaries, education requirements, key skills, daily tasks, work environments, and potential career growth opportunities. Salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, industry, and company size. Many creative fields benefit from strong digital skills and portfolios that showcase one's work. Education requirements can range from bachelor's degrees to less formal education, with experience and specialized skills often being crucial. Daily tasks often blend creativity with collaboration, technical tool use, and sometimes client management or marketing. Work environments include offices, studios, client sites, and increasingly remote setups due to digital tech. Career growth often moves from individual contributor roles to leadership or strategic positions such as lead designer, creative director, or content director.
- In the realm of content creation, creative writers garner an average salary of $62,000 yearly, crafting engaging narratives and content across various mediums.
- A niche in the food industry called professional food stylists, earning anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 annually, transform culinary creations into visually stunning masterpieces for photography and film.
- Copywriters, who earn an average of $58,458 per year, specialize in crafting persuasive marketing and promotional content.
- Graphic designers, with an average salary of $50,374 per year, bring ideas to life through visuals for digital and print media.
- Digital marketing specialists, who earn an average of $108,000 to $139,000 per year, drive online marketing strategies, focusing on SEO, social media, and content creation.
- Interior designers, who earn an average of $57,000 per year, blend creativity with functional design to create stylish and practical indoor spaces that cater to clients' needs.
- In the finance sector, content strategists plan and manage content campaigns to educate audiences on personal-finance and education-and-self-development, earning an average of $70,000 to $110,000 per year.
