Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary in Washington
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators in Washington earn a median of $72,430 a year ($34.82 an hour), based on BLS data for 350 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,160 for the top 10%. That is 31% higher than the national median of $55,490. Washington ranks 4th of 30 states for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.10 fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $76,000, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Washington
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| 25th percentile | $41,320 | $19.87 |
| Median | $72,430 | $34.82 |
| 75th percentile | $101,530 | $48.81 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $120,160 | $57.77 |
| Average (mean) | $76,000 | $36.54 |
Half of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,035.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,017.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,785.77 |
| Weekly | $1,392.88 |
| Hourly | $34.82 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $72,430 salary, see how much house you can afford in Washington at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary in cities in Washington
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $98,540 | n/a |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,580 | 250 |
Highest-paying states for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $98,540 |
| Nevada | $81,630 |
| New York | $78,870 |
| Washington | $72,430 |
| Connecticut | $71,210 |
| Maryland | $66,180 |
| Georgia | $65,010 |
| New Mexico | $63,090 |
| Minnesota | $61,730 |
| California | $58,240 |
See Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators pay in every state.
Related jobs in Washington
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $72,710 | $34.96 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $48,780 | $23.45 |
| Interior Designer | $76,570 | $36.81 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $133,480 | $64.17 |
| Floral Designer | $44,460 | $21.38 |
| Art Director | $121,170 | $58.25 |
| Designers, All Other | $57,510 | $27.65 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $94,280 | $45.33 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $77,230 | $37.13 |
| Craft Artist | $44,120 | $21.21 |
| Fashion Designer | $82,030 | $39.44 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $48,030 | — |
| Public Relations Specialist | $87,470 | $42.05 |
| Producers and Directors | $81,550 | $39.21 |
More: Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations · all salaries in Washington
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 27-1013. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make in Washington?
The median salary for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Washington is $72,430 a year, or $34.82 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $120,160 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators make in Washington?
The top 10% of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Washington earn at least $120,160 a year. The top 25% earn $101,530 or more.
What is the starting pay for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in Washington?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,730 a year, and a quarter of fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn $41,320 or less.
How many fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators work in Washington?
About 350 fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators are employed in Washington, not counting the self-employed.