Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators Salary in California

In California we have BLS pay data for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators in San Francisco only, where the average is $115,040 a year. Statewide, BLS puts the fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators average at $104,570 and the median at $58,240 for 2,560 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $73,150.

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators average salary by city in California

San Francisco$115,040

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
San Francisco	$115,040	$126,470	$42,710	$83,154	116

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; California State Disability Insurance (1.3% of wages, paid by employees) is not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary in other states

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators salary by city and state

More about pay in California

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 27-1013.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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