General
Visual And Performing Arts
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Visual And Performing Arts.
Entry Level Salary
$30,881
Median Salary
$60,000
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
31.8%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,400,000
Entry (Early)
$30,881
Median (Prime)
$60,000
High (Prime)
$61,763
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
-179k
+82k
+97k
$25k / yr
-269k
-8k
+7k
$50k / yr
-359k
-98k
-83k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
34
32
$25k / yr
Never
Never
59
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-248%
-8%
6%
$50k / yr
-165%
-45%
-38%
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).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate25.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Other teachers and instructors
7.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,000|$45,730
openings
168,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%
Elementary and middle school teachers
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$40,550
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,736|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Postsecondary teachers
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$18,947
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,733|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,161
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$34,757|$47,160
openings
68,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.3%
Secondary school teachers
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$42,307
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,851|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Management occupations
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$28,964
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Artists and related workers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,291
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$99,760
openings
20,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.2%
Education and childcare administrators
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,916
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$74,115|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%
Dancers and choreographers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,330
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,881|$52,830
openings
2,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.4%
Waiters and waitresses
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$29,149
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,881|$35,230
openings
423,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
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 | 20 | $57,561 - $57,561 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Associate's Degree | 90 | $27,011 - $49,551 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Bachelor's Degree | 171 | $23,558 - $79,510 |
| visual and performing arts, general. | Master's Degree | 29 | $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 | 6 | $23,624 - $39,124 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 31 | $37,825 - $64,822 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Master's Degree | 7 | $21,409 - $63,594 |
| visual and performing arts, other. | Doctoral Degree | 6 | Data N/A |