Creative Careers & Salary Outlook

Career Pathways for Art & Media Graduates

  • Potential careers include:

    • Graphic Designer
    • Brand Designer
    • Art Director
    • UX/UI Designer
    • Motion Graphics Designer
    • Creative Director

    Illinois Salary Snapshot

    Graphic Designers in Illinois earn approximately:

    • Entry-Level: $36,060
    • Median: $62,560

    Experienced: $98,750+ 

  • Potential careers include:

    • Film Editor
    • Producer
    • Director
    • Videographer
    • Cinematographer
    • Content Creator
    • Multimedia Producer

    Illinois Salary Snapshot

    Film and Video Editors in Illinois earn approximately:

    • Entry-Level: $60,682
    • Median: $74,488
    • Experienced: $93,897+ 

  • Potential careers include:

    • Social Media Manager
    • Public Relations Specialist
    • Communications Coordinator
    • Content Strategist
    • Digital Marketing Specialist
    • Marketing Manager

    Illinois Salary Snapshot

    Communication and marketing careers commonly range from approximately $50,000 to $149,000+, depending on role and experience. Marketing Managers earn median salaries exceeding $149,000 annually. 

  • Potential careers include:

    • Arts Administrator
    • Event Manager
    • Development Officer
    • Venue Manager
    • Gallery Director
    • Executive Director

    Illinois Salary Snapshot

    Leadership positions within arts and nonprofit organizations frequently range from approximately $55,000 to $150,000+, depending on responsibility and organization size. 

  • Potential careers include:

    • Audio Engineer
    • Recording Engineer
    • Technical Director
    • Production Manager
    • Live Event Producer
    • Creative Technologist

    Illinois Salary Snapshot

    Audio, technical production, and creative technology careers frequently range from approximately $45,000 to $120,000+.

  • Potential careers include:

    • Art Educator
    • Museum Educator
    • Community Arts Educator
    • Art Therapist*
    • Behavioral Health Professional
    • Program Coordinator

    Illinois Salary Snapshot

    Related therapy and counseling professions in Illinois frequently earn salaries ranging from approximately $67,000 to more than $119,000 annually. Graduate education and licensure may be required for some careers.  

    *Professional Art Therapists typically complete graduate education following their undergraduate degree.

  • What Employers Want

    No matter which School of Art and Creative Media major students choose, employers consistently seek:

    • Communication
    • Creativity / Artistic skills
    • Collaboration
    • Problem Solving
    • Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Technical Fluency
    • Adaptability

    These transferable skills help graduates pursue careers across creative industries, entertainment, education, healthcare, nonprofits, technology, business, and entrepreneurship. 

    Explore Art and Media Programs

    Whether your goal is to design brands, produce films, manage arts organizations, develop interactive experiences, teach art, engineer audio, or create art works that informs and inspires, the School of Art and Creative Media offers pathways to help you build the future you imagine.