53122 – Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
TEER 3Occupations usually requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Lead statement
Painters create original paintings, drawings, and other artistic works.
Main duties
- Create drawings, paintings and other artwork using oils, pastels, watercolours, charcoal, ink and other media.
- Create sculptures, statues and other three-dimensional artwork by shaping, carving and working with materials such as clay, ice, paper, stone, wood or metal.
- Teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression.
Employment requirements
- Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools and equipment are required. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools.
- A college diploma in fine arts techniques may be required.
- Art instructors and teachers may be required to have a university degree or college diploma in a field related to art.
Example job titles
visual arts artist · oil painter · wood block artist · silkscreen artist · video artist · Inuit art sculptor · metal sculptor · sculptor · wood sculptor · clay modeller · plastic arts artist · art teacher (except primary, secondary and post-secondary education) · art instructor (except primary, secondary, post-secondary education) · painting teacher · visual arts teacher (except primary, secondary, post-secondary education)
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $18.75 | $29.57 | $45.09 |
| Quebec | $19.40 | $26.00 | $43.00 |
| Ontario | $18.24 | $25.71 | $43.15 |
| Alberta | $18.00 | $29.00 | $50.00 |
| British Columbia | $24.50 | $41.26 | $47.34 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.