Occupations in creative and performing art

How to become an artisans and craftspersons

Official title: Artisans and craftspersons

Also called: Artisan, Craftsperson, Batik artisan, Fabric artisan, Tie-dye artisan, Poker-work artisan, Drum maker - artisan, Hand jewellery artisan, Screen printing artisan, Copperplate engraver - artisan, Musical instrument maker - artisan, Carver

Artisans and craftspersons use manual and artistic skills to design and make ornamental objects, pottery, stained glass, jewellery, rugs, blankets, other handicrafts and artistic floral arrangements. Makers of musical instruments are also included in this unit group. Most craftspersons are self-employed. Artistic floral arrangers are usually employed in florist shops and floral departments of retail establishments, or may be self-employed. Craft instructors are also included in this unit group and are employed by artisan guilds, colleges, private studios and recreational organizations.

Main tasks

Carvers
Use hand tools and woodworking machines to produce carvings from wood, stone and other materials and to carve ornamental designs into wooden furniture and other objects
Glass blowers
Design and create glass objects using blowpipes and artisan's hand tools and equipment
Metal arts workers
Design metal jewellery, utensils, implements, wall hangings and other objects and create them from gold, silver, copper, pewter and other metals
Potters
Design ornamental and ceramic functional earthenware pieces and create them using clay, moulds, potter's wheels and other equipment, glazing materials and kilns

How to become one

Skills are often learned through apprenticeship with a master craftsperson. Training programs are offered by artisan guilds, colleges and private studios. Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of safe handling of material, tools and equipment are required. A college diploma in fine craft techniques may be required.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship. Skills are often learned through apprenticeship with a master craftsperson. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $39,000 a year The middle half earn $33,150 to $46,781.
About 8,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,300 are projected by 2033. (+15.7%)
Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Questions people ask

How do I become an artisans and craftspersons?

How much does an artisans and craftspersons earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $39,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $33,150 to $46,781.

Is an artisans and craftspersons a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2033, from about 8,900 to about 10,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become an artisans and craftspersons?

Not always. 26% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Apprenticeship.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03