Also called: Studio Sculptor
Shapes three-dimensional art from clay, stone, metal, wood, resin, or found objects.
A sculptor might spend the morning welding a steel armature and the afternoon carving foam or building up clay over it. They work with power tools, kilns, or bronze casting at a foundry. Finished pieces get sold through galleries or commissioned by collectors and businesses.
BLS wage data covers only salaried artists; over half of fine artists are self-employed and income swings wildly. Many working artists combine art sales with teaching or commissions, and a small number of famous artists earn millions.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. BFA or MFA in sculpture is common; welding and mold-making skills are often learned in shops.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Self-taught, Trade school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Sculpture, Fine Arts, Studio Art, Metalworking.
Growing slowly (about 0% over 10 years). Little or no change projected for craft and fine artists.
Low risk for 10 years. Digital sculpting and 3D printing become standard tools; carving, welding and casting physical works stays hands-on.
Classes: AP Studio Art 3-D Design, Ceramics, Welding or woodshop CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1013.
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.