6 High-Paying Careers for Creative People

Creativity is an invaluable asset. Regardless of what industry you are considering, a creative mind will set you apart from your competition as you brainstorm ideas and solve everyday challenges with an approach that is uniquely your own. 

Advantages of Pursuing a Career in a Creative Field 

A career in a creative field can pave the way for a fulfilling future. Compared to career paths in other industries, creative careers allow you to enjoy an array of benefits, such as:

• Collaboration: Gain insight and consider multiple perspectives while working alongside other like-minded creatives. 

• Doing what you love: You have unique interests and passions for a reason. Being able to express yourself and actualize your vision will empower your work, giving you greater satisfaction in your career.

• Job security: Because creativity is an asset that's valued and always in high demand, you can experience a level of job security.

• Variety: No matter what type of creative career you pursue, you can expect daily tasks and duties to vary significantly from one day to the next, resulting in many outlets for creative expression. 

• Flexibility: By fitting work into your life—rather than the other way around—you can find it easier to focus on the things that matter most to you. Embrace the potential for flexible hours and schedules.

• Healthy mind: A creative outlet can reduce stress, supporting your overall health and well-being, especially during difficult situations in life.

Top In-Demand Careers for Those With a Creative Mind

Being creative may inform future job opportunities —from designing websites to creating products people use daily. Discover a few careers you might consider if you are looking for jobs that require creativity and organization.

1. Industrial Design

The median pay for a career in industrial design is $77,030 annually.

Industrial design involves creating products, devices, objects, and services for users. A career in this field may be in various industries, such as automotive, home appliance, and entertainment. With a unique blend of art, business, and engineering skills, jobs in industrial designers are responsible for brainstorming products—while considering key functions, aesthetics, production costs, and usability.

Often, you will work in an office, sketching ideas and creating computer models using computer-aided design (CAD) software. You may also travel to visit production facilities, talk to consumers about the products, and more.

2. UI/UX Design (Interaction Design)

The median wage for digital designers is $116,857 per year.

User interface (UI) designers focus on the visual design of websites, including color, typography, and web page layout. The end goal in UI design is a visually appealing site that delights users due to its visual appeal. In contrast, user experience (UX) design focuses on researching how users might interact with a platform while creating a product that is easy to use.

In both cases, digital designers in either field often meet with users to gather design feedback and conduct research to find the best end product and collaborate to brainstorm ideas.

3. Fashion Design

The median yearly wage for fashion design is $77,450 each year.

As a fashion designer, you often start by making sketches of clothing items on paper or using a computer. After, you construct samples of garments or accessories using fabric and other materials. Throughout the process, fashion designers often consult with a team to create seasonal lineups. 

Some fashion designers work for large-label brands, while others are self-employed. Most of the clothing design and construction occurs in one studio, however, this job may involve travel to trade shows and manufacturers to find product samples. Fashion designers also attend fashion shows to stay updated on current trends. 

4. Media and Communications

In the media and communications sectors, you can expect a median wage of $62,340.

This industry offers high-paying jobs for creative people ranging from editors to writers and even film and video editors and photographers. In general, those in media and communications possess both visual art and writing skills. 

Many jobs in this field may involve individual work in an office or require collaboration with others. For example, as a film or video editor, you might collaborate with a director and other editing team members.

5. Design Manager

Design managers can expect a median salary of $119,519 each year. 

People in this role manage design or graphics teams, applying artistic knowledge to collaborate with other groups like marketing and development. They often check designs for consistency and accurate messaging for customers. To manage other designers and collaborate with corporate teams, design managers must possess teamwork and leadership skills. 

6. Social Innovation Designers

Social innovation designers make an average of $101,805 each year. 

This job role involves using design to solve complex human problems—working to achieve a greater level of social justice, equity, and access. This career involves skills such as a passion for change and the ability to perform research to enhance the design process.

Consider a High-Paying Creative Job

Whether you crave creativity or want a profession that offers flexibility and job security, a creative career path can allow you to pursue your passions and utilize your talents. With career options ranging from industrial design to media and communications, there are countless careers in which you can embrace specific interests and areas of focus. Whether you possess some design knowledge or see yourself in a designer role in the future—creative careers are in demand and attract individuals from all backgrounds and skill sets.

Product Design at SVA offers opportunities and real-world experience for those interested in pursuing a creative job in design in the future. Contact us to learn more.