Design
4AnimatorYou make drawings and models move, frame by frame, for films, series and games.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandFashion DesignerYou design clothing and accessories, then work with pattern makers and factories to get them made.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandGraphic DesignerLogos, websites, packaging, apps. A portfolio matters more than a diploma.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandIllustratorYou draw for a living: books, games, magazines, packaging. The portfolio decides everything.$65kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
Art and craft
2Ceramic ArtistYou throw, hand-build, glaze and fire clay, and sell the results at markets, shops and galleries.$42kTypical payup to 3 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandVisual ArtistYou make paintings, sculpture, photographs or installations and sell them through galleries, commissions and grants.$62kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
Writing and media
7AuthorYou write books and long pieces for a living, usually alongside other writing work that pays the bills.$77kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandBroadcasterHost, announce and present on radio, television and podcasts. Small pay at the start, big pay if you get known.$58kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandCopywriterWrite the words that sell things: ads, websites, emails, packaging, scripts.$77kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyGoodDemandEditorYou take someone else's writing and make it clear, correct and fit for its reader.$72kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandJournalistYou find out what happened, check it, and tell people clearly and fast.$77kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandTechnical WriterYou explain complicated products clearly: help pages, manuals, procedures and developer guides.$75kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandTranslator and InterpreterMove meaning between languages, in writing or out loud, without adding or losing anything.$71kTypical pay4 to 6 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
Film, TV and music
9Broadcast TechnicianKeep TV (television), radio and live streams on the air. Cameras, audio, transmitters and the gear nobody sees.$77kTypical pay2 to 3 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandCamera OperatorRun the camera on film, television, live sport and news. Heavy gear, long days, union rates.$76kTypical pay2 to 6 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandComposerWrite music for film, TV (television), games, ads and the concert stage. No licence, no gatekeeper, and very little money at the start.$36kTypical pay4 to 8 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandFilm DirectorDecide what every shot, performance and cut is trying to say, then get a hundred people to deliver it.$85kTypical pay4 to 10 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandFilm ProducerFind the story, find the money, hire the people, and carry the risk from first meeting to final delivery.$85kTypical pay3 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandMusicianPlay or sing for money. Almost everyone does it by stacking gigs, teaching and session work together.$33kTypical pay2 to 10 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandPhotographerWeddings, portraits, products, news, sport. Most photographers run a small business, not a job.$50kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandSound EngineerRecord, mix and repair sound for music, film, games and live shows. One year of training, then years of ears.$68kTypical pay1 to 3 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandVideo EditorCut raw footage into something that holds attention. The last person who gets to decide what the story is.$72kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
Performing
3ActorFilm, TV (television), theatre, voice and commercials. Good money per day of work, and most people do not get many days.$50kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemandChoreographerMake the movement other people perform. Almost everyone in this job danced first.$85kTypical pay4 to 10 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemandDancerBallet, contemporary, musicals, commercial work. The training starts as a child and the career ends early.$69kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand