Artist Occupations
Actors, SOC 27-11. Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction.
Illustrative examples: Actor, actress, voice-over artist, dramatic reader
Announcers, SOC 27-3010. Speak or read from scripted materials on radio and television or make announcements over public-address systems and sporting or public events.
Illustrative examples: Radio disk jockey, talk show host, game show host, ringmaster, emcee
Architects, SOC 17-1010. Plan and design structures, including private residencies and office buildings, or plan and design land areas for projects such as parks, airports, and land subdivisions.
Illustrative examples: Structural architect, building architect, landscape designer, golf course designer
Fine artists, art directors, and animators, SOC 27-1010. Includes art directors; craft artists; fine artists such as painters and sculptors; multimedia artists and animators; and related artists such as calligraphers and tattoo artists.
Dancers and choreographers, SOC 27-2030. Perform dance on stage, for on-air broadcasting, or for video recording; Create new dance routines, rehearse dance performances, and direct and stage presentations.
Illustrative examples: Tap dancer, ballerina, dance artist, dance director, dance master
Designers, SOC 27-1020. Includes commercial and industrial designers; fashion designers; floral designers; graphic designers; interior designers; merchandise displayers; set and exhibit designers; and other designers such as jewelry designers and memorial marker designers.
Other entertainers, SOC-2099. All entertainers, performers, and related workers not listed separately.
Illustrative examples: Clown, magician, comedian
Musicians, SOC 27-2040. Play one or more musical instruments or sing. Perform on stage, for on-air broadcasting, or for sound or video recording. Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups.
Illustrative examples: Rapper, oboist, instrumentalist, songwriter, orchestra conductor
Photographers, SOC 27-4021. Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects using digital and film cameras and equipment. May develop film negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints.
Illustrative examples: Wedding photographer, medical photographer, marine photographer
Producers and directors, SOC 27-2012. Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction.
Illustrative examples: Casting director, stage manager, independent film maker
Writers and authors, SOC-27-3043. Originate and prepare written material, including scripts, stories, and advertising.
Illustrative examples: Playwright, advertising copy writer, television writer
For more on occupation descriptions, please see the Standard Occupational Classification System, available from the BLS.