How to become a painter, sculptor or other visual artist
Official title: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
Also called: Artist, Sculptor, Oil painter, Ice sculptor, Video artist, Mural painter, Wood sculptor, Metal sculptor, Charcoal artist, Scenery painter, Artistic painter, Portrait painter
Painters, sculptors and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This unit group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools.
Main tasks
- Painters
- Create drawings, paintings and other artwork using oils, pastels, watercolours, charcoal, ink and other media
- Sculptors
- Create sculptures, statues and other three-dimensional artwork by shaping, carving and working with materials such as clay, ice, paper, stone, wood or metal
- Art instructors and teachers
- Teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression
How to become one
Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools and equipment are required. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools. A college diploma in fine arts techniques may be required. Art instructors and teachers may be required to have a university degree or college diploma in a field related to art.
Ways in
- University: Arts & Humanities degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $57,662 a year The middle half earn $42,900 to $78,117.
- About 17,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 18,500 are projected by 2033. (+8.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Dancers
- Actors, comedians and circus performers
- Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
- Artisans and craftspersons
- Patternmakers - textile, leather and fur products
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Questions people ask
How do I become a painter, sculptor or other visual artist?
Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools and equipment are required. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools. A college diploma in fine arts techniques may be required. Art instructors and teachers may be required to have a university degree or college diploma in a field related to art.
How much does a painter, sculptor or other visual artist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $57,662 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,900 to $78,117.
Is a painter, sculptor or other visual artist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 17,100 to about 18,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a painter, sculptor or other visual artist?
Not always. 51% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Arts & Humanities degrees.
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