22 well -paid professions and career paths for creative

to suffer in abject poverty for your creative passion Artistic work doesn't necessarily have to be a dead-end job. Quite the opposite: Our modern professional world offers some exciting, creative job and career opportunities for people with creative drive, all of which offer good salaries.

There are many high-paying job profiles that reward your creativity with more than €60,000 per year. Stellenonline.de, the job board with over 1 million listings, offers you a good initial overview of open positions and promising job profiles for creative people.

Based on the results of a CNBC Make It of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, I'd like to introduce you to 22 high-paying career opportunities that have significant growth potential for years to come.

The professions presented focus in particular on the creation, design or redesign of media content, products, technologies and information and go hand in hand with annual salaries of up to 130,000 euros per year .

Although the data was collected in the US market, the results can also be applied to this side of the Atlantic in a globalized world. We supplemented the data and facts from the CNBC analysis with statistics from the major job board Indeed for the German market and thus determined the average salary range for each market.

So, if you want to be decently compensated for your design and creative talents , consider one of the following 22 careers.

01. Make-up artist / Makeup artist

Average annual salary: 32,000 - 62,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 12 %

Applying make-up can be an art form for itself, so the job as a make-up artist be a great career option for a creative person.

Make-up artists transform faces so that people look optimal or fit into a certain role-including actors, politicians and personalities in public life. They use color to highlight and improve features, skin tones and appearance.

Make-up artists can apply makeup to clients for events such as weddings, proms, or other occasions, or transform the face and body of performers to resemble any character in any time, environment, or situation.

Those who specialize in making make-up for the stage or the theater achieve higher salaries.

Numerous talented make-up artists have found highly paid jobs by working with a celebrity like Kim Kardashian-West's personal makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, or by popularing their work on social media.

In order to become a make -up artist, only low formal training is required, although many complete a cosmetic program.

Every make -up artist who is also a beautician must be licensed. Theater courses, which usually contain courses on stage make-up, can also be another way to work.

02. Photographer

Average annual salary: 36,000 - 52,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 9 %

Creative with photographic skills can use your talents in a variety of industries. As one of the many creative jobs that do not require a conclusion, most autodidactic photographers take on professional work with a sophisticated portfolio and general photography experience.

Some examples of lucrative careers in photography are:

• Product photographer
• Wedding photographer
• Photographer for newborns
• Real estate photographer
• Photojournalist

The general annual salary for a photographer is an average of around EUR 43,000 per year, but can vary depending on the professional experience. Even those who are just starting with their photographer can find entry positions as a photo assistant.

These opportunities can help inexperienced photographers find a strong path for their career growth and may lead them to start their own photography business – or to become century artist like Emmanuel Radnitzky

By the way: Jobs with photography do not only take place behind the camera. Because if you have the skills to also edit photos ( Photo Editing ), it can be extremely worthwhile.

There is a lot of work in this area, be it through freelance orders (which can be completely done online thanks to digital photography) or with an advertising agency. While you may not take the photos yourself, you are also artistically and also technically busy.

03. Video filmmaker

Average annual salary: 56,000 - 88,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 16 %

Although a career in video may need a little more or more expensive equipment than photography, it is a great freelance or employment opportunity for creative people with a preference for visual art.

Videographic skills are in high demand in numerous industries, including for commercials, music video production and product marketing. As of 2023, the average content of video filmmakers is around EUR 69,000 per year.

04. Producer / director

Average annual salary: 60,000 - 125,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 12 %

A creative career in film production is the right way for people with a deep love for video and visual art as well as the desire to take a career with a focus on management.

These creative people are responsible for the administration of various phases of film production , from early development to post-production, from small indie films to blankbusters expected.

Filmmakers produce films, television shows and commercials as well as live theater and other productions of performing art. You choose scripts or topics for a show, cast actors and other crew members, monitor the design and finance of production and then ensure that the project remains on schedule and in the budget.

Most producers and directors have a bachelor's degree, usually in film or cinema, writing or acting, and several years of professional experience in a related profession such as actors, film and video editor or cameraman.

Jobs as a film producer often require a little more experience and knowledge to get a position. The long -term career path there is extremely worthwhile. The current average content of a film producer is EUR 70,000 per year. Depending on the skills and experience, some posts even offer more than EUR 135,000 per year.

05. Film and video editors

Average annual salary: 42,000 - 70,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 18 %

Video editors are responsible for the processing of the film material recorded, which is used in films, television shows, corporate commercials and online videos.

With the help of video editing software , editors of the film industry arrange video material to tell a story or convey information. You can work with camera venues, producers and directors to work the overall vision for production, the film and cutting techniques required to improve a scene or the suitable equipment, such as: B. to use the type of lens or the lighting.

Many film and video editors have a bachelor's degree in an area related to film or radio, but a clear understanding of digital cameras and video editing software is most important to get a job.

Numerous companies are looking for video editing services based on projects , which makes this a great freelance opportunity for those with strong video editing skills.

The average annual content for a video editor is around EUR 48,000 per year. However, a video editor usually calculates its professional services based on his experience and specific skills, which can significantly influence the final income levels.

06. Graphic design

Average annual salary: 45,000 - 80,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 12 %

Instead of capturing art with a camera, a creative career in graphic design allows an artistic individual to create visual art themselves. A career as a graphic designer offers great freelance and employment opportunities, from developing gaming graphics to creating custom company logos and entire corporate identity campaigns.

The current average salary for a graphic designer is around €50,000 per year. Since many graphic designers begin their careers with self-taught online courses, designers who further improve their skills have the opportunity to secure higher-paying positions and projects. However, those who want to work professionally must also regularly update their hardware to stay current.

Graphic designers who continuously expand their expertise through further training and ongoing experience over the years can take on advanced roles. For example, the average salary for lead designers is €82,000 per year, and senior product designers earn an average of over €100,000 per year.

07. Web and UX design / web developer

Average annual salary: 50,000 - 85,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 15 %

Like graphic design, a creative job in web design fantastic freelance and employment opportunities for those with an eye for design, composition and visual media.

This creative career combines personal website design tools , including WordPress and Adobe Dreamweaver, with technical language skills in web development , such as CSS, Java and Python, to create websites that are functionally and visually appealing.

For those with an established portfolio, web design offers excellent opportunities for self-employment due to the project-based nature of the profession. However, the average annual salary is also around €68,000, so it's crucial for web designers to stay up-to-date with current web design trends and skills. Many preferred web design tools and processes are regularly updated and modified.

Web developers design and create websites and ensure that a company or client gets the desired look, performance, and online visibility.

Your task can range from the support of a customer to determine the information that the website contains, to writing code or testing of applications.

Although a technical degree is not necessarily necessary for this job, many in this area have at least one bachelor's degree in web design. Those who complement their design skills with programming languages ​​also penetrate the industry slightly, since employers tend to prefer developers with these skills.

User experience (UX) designers combine the skills of a web designer with the ability to make cloud-based programs and websites user-friendly. UX designers refine their skills to create and modify the functionality and layout of a website or program to support customer satisfaction and accessibility.

UX design positions have an average annual salary of around EUR 98,000. In contrast to other creative jobs that do not require a degree, these jobs generally require university education.

People who are just starting with their UX design career, and those without university experience often begin to teach themselves UX design issues and skills. Accordingly, the earning options are significantly lower.

08. Multimedia and animation artist / motion designer

Average annual salary: 61,000 - 88,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 9 %

These digital artists create two- and three-dimensional models, moving pictures, computer-generated images and visual effects for television, film, video games and other entertainment media.

They typically work with clients such as directors, game designers, or other animation studios to help create the necessary graphics, meet development deadlines, and revise animations or effects based on client feedback.

Employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, fine arts, animation or a related field, as well as an impressive portfolio of work and strong technical skills.

As one of the top jobs for artists, motion designers their graphic design skills to create web, television and film content with animations and visual effects that bring their art to life.

Motion designers often work with various marketing and production companies to create animated commercials, trailers and components of mobile apps.

Many movement designers work freelance and offer their skills from project to project. Depending on the professional experience and portfolio presence, you can earn an average of EUR 61,000 per year.

09. Writer / author

Average annual salary: 40,000 - 72,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 8 %

Authors deserve their livelihood with telling readers stories or information and facts in the form of prose or writing eloquent verses. This can take place via a variety of media and channels-not only through books (which can also be sold as e-books via platforms for hobby authors ), but also, for example, via advertisements, guidelines, manuals, magazines, films, plays, television scripts and blogs.

While no dedicated conclusion is necessary to write a novel, a play or other material, many employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in German studies, English, journalism or communication in many areas.

Some find their way to the industry through internships or through self-publication (self-publishing, desktop publishing) of content via blogs or other forms of social media.

10. Editor

Average annual salary: 48,000 - 75,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: -2 %

Strong communication and writing skills are required for this profession, which includes planning, revising and producing content for publication in books, newspapers, magazines, magazines or websites. They typically check content for spelling, grammar, factual and structural problems and write content in order to make them more understandable.

Furthermore, editors check the authors' pitches, assign them to stories, departments and orders, and help authors to develop new ideas that meet the style and needs of the publishing medium.

A bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or English, combined with previous writing and correction reading experience, is a minimum requirement to become an editor.

Employers usually prefer candidates who have worked on various media such as television, websites or social media and have relevant experience or expertise in the area they have covered.

11. Lubter as a copywriter or ghostwriter

Average annual salary: 34,000 - 60,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 11 %

With regard to the career paths of creative writing, copywriting tends to take up a large room. Located from the potential for income among writers, authors or editors, the possible uses are extremely diverse.

From writing blog articles for large companies to the creation of website texts and product descriptions for small companies, copywriting skills are in demand almost anywhere where there is the written word.

Copywriting offers great, flexible opportunities for freelance work and side hustles. Many successful copywriters get their guidance almost exclusively from (online) creative writing courses and tutorials. No specific training is necessary.

In the age of AI, it's crucial for copywriters to demonstrate that their work was created independently – most clients typically require human-generated content. An AI detector is a useful tool for proving that the content wasn't machine-generated.

The current average content for a successful copywriter is around EUR 42,000 per year at full -time. This amount can increase with industry experience, customer caliber and skills.

Ghostwriters are the go-to solution for thought leaders and various industry professionals who want to write a book or start a blog but simply lack the writing skills. Although ghostwriters don't receive attribution for their work, they still get paid for each piece of text they produce.

Many successful ghostwriters have a background in copywriting and other areas of creative writing. Others improve their skills through independent further training.

Since Ghostwriters are often self -employed as a freelancer or secondary workers, the annual remuneration varies depending on the number of projects and their budgets. Alternatively, an activity via a ghostwriter agency possible.

12. Technical copywriter / editor

Average annual salary: 56,000 - 78,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 12 %

If you have experience in an area such as medicine, engineering or computer science as well as pronounced communication skills, the activity as a technical editor will bring you a nice salary increase compared to other writing professions.

These authors create (mostly technical) operating instructions, instructions and magazine articles in order to convey complex information to average reader.

To do this, they often study product patterns, speak to the designers and developers and listen to the feedback from the users.

Employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in journalism, English or communication. Many jobs for technical editors also require that employees have either a degree or relevant knowledge of the scientific field to which the content relates.

13. Industrial designer

Average annual salary: 52,000 - 76,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 4 %

These technically experienced designers combine art, economy and technology to produce products that people use every day. They develop the concepts and designs for all types of industrial products, from car to children's toys.

It is your responsibility, the functions, aesthetics, production costs and user -friendliness of each of the new products that you develop into account in the design process.

A bachelor's degree, typically in industrial design, architecture or engineering, is usually a basic requirement for entry-level jobs in the field of industrial design. In addition, it is important to have a meaningful portfolio with examples of your previous design projects.

14. Fashion designer

Average annual salary: 42,000 - 95,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 3 %

Fashion and fashion designers create original designs for new clothing, shoes or other accessories. You outline your ideas and designs, select the fabrics and patterns used in the manufacture of the article or product, as well as the production techniques to bring it to life.

Later they process the pieces into a collection that specifically appeals to consumers and retailers. In addition to the digital aspect of creative design, fashion design offers a robust creative potential for everyone who is interested in the design of clothing and accessories of all kinds.

This highly valued and competitive niche offers enormous employment opportunities for various fashion brands. You can also consider freelance design options to create your own clothing brand. Most fashion designers have a bachelor's degree in an area such as fashion design or fashion merchandising.

The development of a strong portfolio or a collection of design ideas that demonstrate your style and technical skills can help you get a job without this educational background.

15. Interior designer

Average annual salary: 47,000 - 65,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 5 %

Interior designers work on the plans of houses, shops and industrial areas. When working with computer programs or sketches, interior designers take into account the taste of the customer and the functionality of a room, the budget and aesthetics.

Interior designers can work closely with other construction specialists such as architects, builders and engineers. You can specialize in a certain area of ​​a building such as kitchens or bathrooms as well as project types such as commercial or sustainable interior designs .

The interior design is a sought -after profession for artists who offers excellent employment opportunities for design companies. Interior designers are responsible for creating visually appealing living and business premises with their sharp eye for aesthetics with a curated selection of wall colors, furniture and other design elements.

For interior designers, coordinating interior design is a critical and important part of interior design . A key skill is utilizing architectural structures and lighting design to create a personalized and comfortable space.

As times evolve, people's demands for home design are also constantly rising. As interior designers gain more clients and people want to choose them, they also need certain marketing methods to present themselves. For example, how to design your own studio, how to use custom neon signs and other lighting fixtures to decorate your studio, and how to promote your brand.

The average annual salary for interior designers is around EUR 52,000, with previous experiences and educational qualifications influence this amount.

Many design companies often demand pedagogical design experience. Emerging interior designers can get a foretaste of the expectations of the industry through online education.

16. Jewelry designer

Average annual salary: 34,000 - 65,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 11 %

Those who are looking for creative jobs that do not necessarily require a professional conclusion should consider jewelry design.

While large jewelry companies may offer positions for professional goldsmiths or entry-level design assistants, more and more people are choosing to jewelry through their own small businesses and think tanks and sell directly online through their own shop or social media.

jewelry design businesses to sell their work directly through online marketplaces like Etsy and others.

Jewelry designers have an average annual salary of EUR 42,000. However, those who explore the entrepreneurial space of jewelry design can see much higher earning potential.

17th tattoo artist / tattoo artist

Average annual salary: 30,000 - 65,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 10 %

The activity as a tattoo artist includes sketching and coloring permanently remaining images and motifs on human skin. In view of the fact that these works cannot be removed so easily and containing needles and blood, many countries have special license requirements for tattoo artists. However, there is no classic training path.

Many tattoo artists started small with self-experiments and online tutorials in their own four walls.

So, going to vocational school isn't a must. You don't need any special training to become a tattoo artist. Tattoo artists all come from such diverse backgrounds. However, they definitely need training in hygiene, sterilization, bloodborne Terms & Conditions , and avoiding skin damage during work.

There are also special, private tattoo schools that require tuition fees. However, these schools are not really well looked at in tattoo communities.

It's now common practice to start with other media before moving on to a human canvas. Many tattoo artists were once art students. You can also begin an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist in a studio. You'll be expected to purchase your own equipment and sterilization kit, and you won't be paid for the training.

As soon as enough professional experience has been gained, a license must be obtained from the municipal administration. Most experts in the industry state that a tattoo artist is only fully qualified after about 5 years of full-time professional experience.

Many tattoo artists are independent and the salaries vary greatly. A prospective tattoo artist begins at around EUR 18,000 per year. An experienced tattoo artist can earn between EUR 22,000 and EUR 35,000 per year. A tattoo artist who owns his own business and employs others can earn over 65,000 a year. Incidentally, independence is also possible despite prior private bankruptcy .

18. Illustrator

Average annual salary: 21,000 - 130,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 13 %

Another option for those of us with a passion for drawing is to become a professional illustrator. With both freelance and employed opportunities, illustrators play a major role in any field that requires skilled drawing.

An illustrator creates artistic work that visually accompany books, magazines and other publications. The core tasks include illustrating children's books, creating marketing materials or drawing for scientific or medical books and magazines.

Illustrator careers can range from magazines and children's books to fashion design and advertising. Depending on the level of qualification and the general level of experience, illustrators can earn an average annual salary between EUR 21,000 and EUR 130,000.

19. Landscape architects / landscape designers

Average annual salary: 58,000 - 75,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 7 %

Landscape architects and landscape designers design parks, gardens, playgrounds, green roofs and other outdoor areas for campus, leisure facilities, companies, governments, authorities and private houses.

To do this, they meet with customers, create location plans and cost estimates, select the materials for landscape design and analyze environmental reports on soil quality, for example in terms of drainage and energy consumption.

In order to become a landscape architect, you need at least one bachelor's degree in landscape architecture and a state license, which usually requires the completion of an internship.

20. University teacher for art, drama and music

Average annual salary: 60,000 - 80,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 12 %

These professors usually teach various courses in their specialty for students who are enrolled at universities and universities. You can also operate research, publish primary research, apply for grants to finance your research or look after graduated teaching assistants who teach classes.

Depending on the subject and the type of educational institution, the training of a professor can vary. Typically, a ph. in a subject that is related to the subject that you will teach.

A master's degree can be sufficient for some post-secondary teaching posts in public schools. However, some humanities faculties of a university may be more interested in professional experience and the contributions that an applicant has done in this area.

21. Art Director

Average annual salary: 75,000 - 120,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 5 %

Art directors are responsible for the overall visual style of a product. They determine how a message or concept can best be visually conveyed and, consequently, which photographs, art, or other design elements should be used in the production of items ranging from product packaging to media such as magazines, newspapers, film, and television productions.

Most art directors have at least a bachelor's degree in an art or design field and began years ago in another art-related profession before working their way up to the position of director.

Securing a role as an art director is intended for those who aspire to a more senior leadership position. Art director positions are considered high-level positions and offer an average annual salary of €100,000.

22. Architect

Average annual salary: 65,000 - 100,000 euros

Properted employment growth by 2030: 2 %

Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings and other buildings. You can work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces. As a rule, they meet with customers to understand the requirements for a structure and then create scaffolding of possible designs as well as the calculation of the expected costs and construction times.

If you receive the order, oversee the construction site to ensure that the construction progress corresponds to the architectural plans. Becoming an architect is a three -stage process. First you have to complete at least one bachelor's degree in architecture, gain relevant experience through a paid internship that usually lasts three years and then pass the architect registration exam.

Start your research for vacancies and earning opportunities now

There's a huge range of careers for creative minds. But no matter how diverse they may be, they all have one thing in common: Whether it's the intense competition or simply the artistic demands, you need to prove with a compelling, creative application that, in addition to your professional knowledge, you also bring that certain something. The visibility of this application should always be tailored to the respective industry.

Do you recognize yourself in the qualifications and skills profile of one of the career fields presented here? Then you can start researching job openings right away. At stellenonline.de, a variety of updated jobs and training opportunities from all industries—including numerous options in creative professions and at renowned companies and agencies.

Designer in particular of all stripes are required ...

And now I wish you a lot of success with your (further) professional career as a creative soul!