General
Visual And Performing Arts
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Visual And Performing Arts.
Entry Level Salary
$29,969
Median Salary
$57,269
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
33.1%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,290,760
Entry (Early)
$29,969
Median (Prime)
$57,269
High (Prime)
$59,351
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-187k
+58k
+75k
$25k / yr
-277k
-32k
-15k
$50k / yr
-367k
-122k
-105k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
37
34
$25k / yr
Never
Never
Never
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-255%
-30%
-14%
$50k / yr
-169%
-56%
-48%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate25.5%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Other teachers and instructors
7.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$28,694|$44,220
openings
171,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%
Elementary and middle school teachers
4.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$39,393
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,865|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Secondary school teachers
3.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,100
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,000|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
3.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,400
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$33,765|$46,180
openings
74,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +11.9%
Postsecondary teachers
3.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$18,406
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,777|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management occupations
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,805|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Education and childcare administrators
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$45,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,000|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Artists and related workers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,598
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$49,555|$99,060
openings
21,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.7%
Dancers and choreographers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,151
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$28,317|$51,020
openings
2,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$54,145
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,779|$47,320
openings
125,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| visual and performing arts, general. | Undergrad Certificate | 28 | $57,561 - $57,561 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Associate's Degree | 98 | $27,011 - $49,551 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Bachelor's Degree | 188 | $23,558 - $65,848 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Post-bacc Certificate | 1 | $70,439 - $70,439 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Master's Degree | 31 | $35,887 - $113,887 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Doctoral Degree | 5 | Data N/A |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Undergrad Certificate | 4 | $27,491 - $27,491 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Associate's Degree | 9 | $32,090 - $39,124 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 36 | $37,117 - $64,822 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Master's Degree | 9 | $21,409 - $63,594 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Doctoral Degree | 6 | Data N/A |