As was reported in yesterday’s NY Times, there are "[m]ore Americans [who] identify their primary
occupation as artist than as lawyer, doctor, police officer or farm worker."
Based on the 2005 census, here are some stats:
- Nearly 2 million Americans hold primary jobs that fit the census’ definition of artist
- Combined income was $70 billion, with a median income of $34,800
- Percentage of black, Hispanic and Asian artists is bigger among younger ones
- For those under 35, 80% of the writers are white
- Women outnumber men only among dancers, designers and writers
- 60% of professional photographers are men, BUT 60% under 35 are women
- Number of artists has grown fastest in the West and South, mirroring the population in general
- States with the most artists per capita: NY, CA, MA, VT, CO
- Most actors per capita: CA
- Proportion of black artists remained unchanged at %5, same as in 1990
- Metro area with highest proportion of artists in the workforce: SF
- More than 1 in 4 artists live in CA and NY
- Median incomes in 2005: $42,000 for men and $27,300 for women
- However artists make more than the national median income of $30,100
Read the full article here.
