Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $66,720 +10.2% vs national
Median hourly $32.08
10th percentile $49,200
90th percentile $103,100
Employed locally 50
National median $60,560

Compare Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary & buying power

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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,200
    25th
    $53,440
    50th (median)
    $66,720
    75th
    $80,470
    90th
    $103,100

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary vs area income 54% Median Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary is 46% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $140,660
    California $140,080
    Central East New York nonmetropolitan area $96,400
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $84,950
    Naples-Marco Island, FL $83,670
    Massachusetts $83,530

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Public Relations Specialists $95,370
    Editors $80,990
    Graphic Designers $82,360
    Producers and Directors $96,530
    Coaches and Scouts $54,070
    News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $99,730

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $32.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $43.74 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salaries?

    The median Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 10.2% above the national median of $60,560. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in Washington?

    Entry-level Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (10th percentile) earn around $49,200 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $53,440.