Arts vs. Technology and Communications: What’s the Average Salary—and Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real: choosing a career path isn’t just about passion. Sure, loving what you do is important, but let’s not pretend money doesn’t matter. You’ve got bills to pay, maybe student loans, and hey, it’d be nice to go on vacation once in a while without stressing about your bank account. So if you’re trying to decide between the arts, technology, or communications, you might be wondering—who makes more money?
Well, grab a coffee (or whatever your brain fuel is), and let’s talk about average salaries and what you can expect in these fields. Spoiler alert: it’s not always as black and white as you might think.
The Arts: Fueled by Passion, but What About Pay?
So, you’re a creative soul. Maybe you dream of painting in a sunlit studio, acting on stage, or designing album covers for indie bands. That’s amazing—seriously. The world needs art. But here’s the thing: careers in the arts can be a bit of a financial rollercoaster.
According to recent data, the average salary for someone working in the arts (like fine arts, performing arts, or graphic design) tends to hover around $50,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Entry-level jobs? Expect closer to $35,000–$40,000. Some creatives crush it and earn six figures—especially if they freelance successfully or land jobs in entertainment or advertising—but it’s not the norm.
And let’s be honest, sometimes you might need to juggle a day job while building your portfolio. It’s a grind, but for those who stick with it, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
Technology: The Land of High Demand and Higher Paychecks
Alright, now let’s flip to the tech side. This world includes everything from software developers to IT specialists and UX designers. One thing’s for sure—tech jobs are in high demand, and companies are willing to pay for the talent.
The average salary in tech? You’re looking at somewhere between $75,000 and $120,000, depending on your specialty. A software engineer might start around $80,000, but with a few years of experience, that can easily rise to six figures. And don’t even get me started on tech managers and data scientists—some of them are pulling in $150K or more.
Yes, the work can be intense. Long hours, lots of screen time, and a need to keep up with ever-changing tools and trends. But if you’re into problem-solving and don’t mind learning new things constantly, tech can be a goldmine—literally and figuratively.
Communications: The Middle Ground with Variety
Now, communications is an interesting one. It sits somewhere between the arts and tech. This field includes everything from PR and journalism to marketing and content strategy. It’s a mix of creativity and analytics, which makes it a solid option for those who like a bit of both.
So what’s the average salary? People in communications typically earn around $60,000 to $80,000. Entry-level roles might start around $45,000, especially in journalism or nonprofit work, but marketing professionals or corporate comms folks can see salaries rise pretty quickly, especially if they’re good at using data and social media tools to their advantage.
What’s great about this field is the flexibility. You could be writing copy one day, managing a campaign the next, or even pivoting into digital marketing or UX writing if you’re into that sort of thing.
Which One’s “Better”?
Honestly, it depends on what you want. If money is your main goal, tech is the clear winner in terms of average salary. But if you’re driven by creativity and purpose, the arts or communications might give you the satisfaction that a bigger paycheck just can’t.
Here’s the good news: these fields are overlapping more than ever. Tech needs designers and storytellers. Artists are using digital tools to sell their work and build audiences online. Communicators are thriving on social platforms, mixing creativity with tech-driven strategies.
And remember, your career isn’t set in stone. You can start in one field and shift later. Tons of people do.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between arts, technology, and communications isn’t easy. Each path has its perks and challenges. If you’re all about financial stability, tech has the edge. If you value flexibility and creativity, communications is a solid middle ground. And if your heart belongs to the arts, go for it—but be ready to hustle.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about your paycheck. It’s about waking up most mornings excited (or at least not dreading) what you do. And with a little planning—and maybe a side hustle—you really can have both passion and a paycheck.
