Art Supply Store Specialist

Also called: Art Materials Associate

Helps artists choose paints, brushes, papers, and tools at art supply stores.

A day in the life

They answer questions about which watercolor paper works best, demo new products, and restock shelves. Many are art students or working artists. Some run in-store workshops.

Pay over a career

Starting
$26k
Typical
$33k
High
$45k

Based on BLS retail salespersons, May 2024 estimates.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma; art knowledge.

Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Studio Art.

Outlook

Shrinking (about -1% over 10 years). Retail jobs are flat.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. Online shopping and AI product advice reduce store jobs; in-store expertise for artists keeps some roles.

Could start right away

Age 16+. One way to start: Apply to Michaels, Blick or a local art store; knowing art supplies helps

Start now, in high school

Classes: Art, Business or DECA, Marketing.

Official data: O*NET occupation 41-2031.

More Art Education, Therapy & Arts Leadership careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.