Your degree doesn’t dictate your future salary, but it is a strong indicator.
After graduation, fine arts graduates typically earn high salaries compared to the national average. Top earners make $67,242, while the bottom 20% make closer to $22,937. The median grad salary is $39,272.
Fine Arts graduate salaries over time
The typical early career salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts is $25,096, and within five years of graduation, this average salary goes up to $36,768.
This chart maps the average workforce wage by years of experience:
Wage ($USD)
Wage Range Median Wage
Years of work experience
Highest paying jobs for fine arts graduates
The highest paying careers for fine arts graduates are art director, games artist, multimedia animator and calligrapher, with top salaries averaging around $89,151.
Highest Paying Careers
Avg Pay (USD)
As per most recent US census
Pro tip
Still unsure if a degree in fine arts is your calling? Read our comprehensive guide on choosing a career