You don't have to choose between a creatively fulfilling job and paying the bills.
The term "starving artist" has stuck around for a reason – making a living doing creative work can be difficult. After all, the real money's in business, science or tech jobs, right?
Not necessarily. In a new study, CareerBuilder and Emsi compiled a list of the top 10 creative jobs – all of which pay an average of at least $45,000, and are in high demand based on current number of jobs and growth from 2018 to 2023.
1. Graphic designers combine art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. They may use a variety of design elements to achieve artistic or decorative effects.*
- Jobs in 2016: 287,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 21,000
- Average salary: $37K-$57K/year
2. Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They design media releases to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.
- Jobs in 2016: 237,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 21,000
- Average salary: $43K-$79K/year
3. Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials and other performing arts productions. Typically, producers make the business and financial decisions – raising money for the project and hiring the director and crew. Directors typically are responsible for the creative decisions of a production. They select cast members, conduct rehearsals and direct the work of the cast and crew.
- Jobs in 2016: 123,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 11,000
- Average salary: $49K-$103K/year
4. Interior designers make interior spaces functional, safe and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting and materials. They read blueprints and must be aware of building codes and inspection regulations, as well as universal accessibility standards.
- Jobs in 2016: 93,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 9,700
- Average salary: $38K-$56K/year
5. Interpreters and translatorsconvert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.
- Jobs in 2016: 78,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 13,000
- Average salary: $35K-$55K/year
6. Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts.
- Jobs in 2016: 57,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 5,000
- Average salary: $54K-$89K/year
7. Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
- Jobs in 2016: 55,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 6,500
- Average salary: $57K-$87K/year
8. Multimedia artists and Commercial and industrial designersdevelop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances and toys. They combine art, business and engineering to make products that people use every day.
- Jobs in 2016: 43,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 4,300
- Average salary: $51K-$75K/year
10. Film editors take footage shot by camera operators and organize it into a final product. They collaborate with producers and directors to create the final production.
- Jobs in 2016: 36,000
- Job growth (2011-2016): 4,800
- Average salary: $46K-92K/year
Looking for careers that fit you and your passions and strengths? Learn about the best jobs for your unique personality at Find Your Calling, a free national website that equips students with information to make smarter decisions about their education and careers.