Craft artists
SOC Code: 27-1012
Craft artists carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,480 and +2.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 11,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Craft artists (SOC 27-1012) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 11,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $38,480, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Craft artists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Select materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics.
- 2. Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials.
- 3. Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects.
- 4. Apply finishes to objects being crafted.
- 5. Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery.
- 6. Set specifications for materials, dimensions, and finishes.
- 7. Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures.
- 8. Sketch or draw objects to be crafted.
- 9. Pack products for shipping.
- 10. Fabricate patterns or templates to guide craft production.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Design
- Fine Arts
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- Communications and Media
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Craft artists?
Craft artists has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Craft artists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Craft artists is projected to grow by 2.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 11,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Craft artists?
Key skills for Craft artists include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Craft artists earn?
The median annual wage for Craft artists is $38,480, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Craft artists?
The typical entry-level education for Craft artists is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Craft artists?
Craft artists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).