Craft Artists
Machines can already do 25% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 61%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Craft Artists in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 25% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 5% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 61% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 4,580 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $46,080 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 43% for contact with people.
- Also called: Artist, Ceramic Artist, Decorative Arts Production Artist, Fiber Artist.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Create functional or decorative objects by hand, using a variety of methods and materials | 25% | 20% to 60% | |
| Cut, shape, fit, join, mold, or otherwise process materials, using hand tools, power tools, or machinery | 18% | 20% to 60% | |
| Apply finishes to objects being crafted | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Plan and attend craft shows to market products | 8% | 3% to 30% | |
| Advertise products and work, using media such as internet advertising and brochures | 6% | 25% to 55% | |
| Pack products for shipping | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Develop concepts or creative ideas for craft objects | 5% | 80% to 97% | |
| Confer with customers to assess customer needs or obtain feedback | 5% | 30% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills craft artists use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $39,390
- Floral Designers53% of tasks by 2035 · US median $37,360
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance43% of tasks by 2035 · US median $97,150
- Magicians and Illusionists54% of tasks by 2035
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Craft Artists?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of craft artists?
Machines can do 25% of the tasks of craft artists today and 61% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 27-1012.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Craft Artists: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/craft-artists/