Future in the Arts

Most artists dream of a career in art but most multi creatives land up in a 9 to 5 job feeling that they sold their soul to the devil. School levers that are interested in arts and culture always wonder if it would even be possible to work in a field that they actually got passion for and wonder what they can earn per month if they do?

A Bachelor of Arts / BA in South Africa – the average monthly salary in South Africa:

Animator = R17300pm

Graphic Designer – Junior = R13000pm to R22700pm

Motion Graphic designer =R15500pm

High school Art teacher = R21000pm

Interior designer = R15000pm – R27000pm

Copy Writer = R16000pm – R29000pm

Writer = R15100pm

Digital designer = R15000pm

Digital marketing manager R25900pm

UX Designer = R22600pm

Design manager =R28750pm

Journalists = R15000pm

Editor = R22500pm

Editor (Magazine) = R27400pm

Film and video editor = R15700pm

Film and video production (management) = R31250pm

Video producer = R19800pm

Brand Manager = R31750pm

Brand strategist = R29000pm

Multi Media Designer = R16750pm

Art Director = R16000pm

Instructional designer = R18500pm

Creative director = R42750pm

Buyer = R19000pm

Industrial Designers = R18300

Talent acquisition specialist = R15000pm

Product owner = R40250pm

Software developer = R23000pm

Fashion merchandiser = R10200pm

Fashion Designer = R12000 to R17500pm

News Anchor = R12700pm

3D Artist = R11250pm

Software Engineer, Developer/ Programmer = R63700pm

Photographer = R13700pm

Layout Artist = R14400pm

Interior Architect =R15500pm

Jewellery designer= R10250pm

Instructional designer (training and development) =R20216pm

Librarian = R25900pm

Art Therapist = R15000 to R19000pm (depending on experience)

Performing Arts Teacher = R22600pm

Events/ Hotel management = R13000 to R21250 (depending on experience)

Architect (you will need a Bachelor Architecture) = R95000pm

Based on formal training experience

Dance Instructor = R150 (3-4 years’ practical experience) to R350per hour for experienced teachers.

Choreographer = R170 to R300per hour.

Music teacher = R18000 to R28000pm

What if you are extremely creative but do not have the funds or grades for university?

Except for the Architecture and School teacher degrees, you can enter almost any of the above positions as an intern and work yourself up provided you are willing to work for a much lower rate. There are various short courses and higher certificate courses at South African learning institutions that will give you the opportunity to up your earning potential. Hard work and passion can make all the difference. Many successful entrepreneurs do not have any degree or certificate they worked their way up the ranks. 

It is rather obvious that most of the jobs above might not pay you an astronomical salary but creative satisfaction is guaranteed. Is it worth it to compromise income for passion?

You decide…….

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