20+ Highest Paying Jobs in Arts Stream in India
By upGrad
Updated on Sep 18, 2026 | 12 min read | 923.39K+ views
Share:
All courses
Certifications
More
By upGrad
Updated on Sep 18, 2026 | 12 min read | 923.39K+ views
Share:
Table of Contents
Quick Overview:
Explore the best management courses from upGrad to build skills in business, leadership, marketing, strategy, and communication for career opportunities across creative, media, marketing, and corporate sectors.
Popular upGrad Programs
The arts field in India offers many high-paying career options for creative and analytical minds. From advertising and digital design to media and fashion, today’s jobs in art field go far beyond traditional roles. With the rise of branding, UX design, animation, and content-driven industries, several positions now offer impressive salaries.
Below is a curated arts jobs list and salary in India to help students and graduates explore the highest paying jobs in arts stream and plan their careers confidently:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Creative Director | INR 20.7L |
| Brand Manager | INR 19.2L |
| Digital Marketing Manager | INR 11.6L |
| Art Director | INR 11L |
| Advertising Manager | INR 10.1L |
| Content Strategist | INR 8.1L |
| UX/UI Designer | INR 8L |
| Illustrator | INR 7.8L |
| Visual Designer | INR 7.7L |
| Copywriter | INR 6.7L |
| Media Planner | INR 6.4L |
| Film Director | INR 5.1L |
| Animator | INR 4.9L |
| Fashion Designer | INR 4.7L |
| Journalist | INR 4.6L |
| Interior Designer | INR 4.4L |
| Commercial Photographer | INR 4.2L |
| Video Editor | INR 4.1L |
| Curator | INR 4L |
| Fine Arts Artist | INR 3.5L |
Sourced By: AmbitionBox
These roles highlight the growing scope of jobs after graduation in arts, especially for those who combine creativity with digital, marketing, or technical skills.
Explore the MBA from LJMU with IIM Udaipur Certification to develop skills in management, leadership, strategy, and business for careers across marketing, media, creative industries, and corporate roles.
The arts stream also opens doors to several respected government careers. These roles offer job security, structured career growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities to contribute to public administration, education, culture, and governance.
| Government Role | Recruitment Exam |
|---|---|
| IAS Officer | UPSC Civil Services Examination |
| IPS Officer | UPSC Civil Services Examination |
| IFS Officer | UPSC Civil Services Examination |
| SSC CGL Officer | SSC CGL |
| Public Relations Officer (PRO) | State PSC / Department Recruitment |
| Assistant Section Officer | SSC CGL |
| Lecturer / Professor | UGC NET |
| School Teacher | CTET / State TET |
| Cultural Officer | State PSC |
| Museum Curator | Government Museum Recruitment |
| Archivist | National Archives / State Archives Recruitment |
| Information Officer | UPSC / State PSC |
| Railway Officer | RRB Exams |
| Administrative Officer | UPSC, SSC, State PSC |
| Defence Services Officer | CDS Examination |
For arts students interested in administration, education, public policy, media, or cultural management, government careers can offer both professional growth and long-term stability.
The highest paying jobs in India after 12th arts can be achieved by choosing the right degree, specialized skills, and professional qualification. The roles covered till now are much focused on marketing, design and content.
Now you will explore some highest paying jobs in arts stream in India focused on law, administration, economics, human resources, etc. along with the courses needed after 12th as these courses also required a degree.
| Career Option | Courses Needed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Economist | BA Economics / MA Economics | ₹18 LPA |
| HR Manager | BBA/BA + MBA in HR | ₹11.3 LPA |
| Corporate Lawyer | BA LLB / BBA LLB / LLB | ₹10.1 LPA |
| Civil Services Officer | BA / Any Bachelor’s Degree + UPSC/State PSC preparation | ₹10 LPA |
| Public Relations Manager | BA Journalism & Mass Communication / PR / MBA | ₹7.7 LPA |
| Event Manager | BA/BBA in Event Management / Event Management Certification | ₹6.2 LPA |
| Hotel Management Professional | BHM / Bachelor’s in Hotel Management | ₹5.5 LPA |
| Psychologist | BA/BSc Psychology + MA/MSc Psychology | ₹5 LPA |
Source: Ambitionbox
Recommended Courses to upskill
Explore Our Popular Courses for Career Progression
Getting into the highest paying jobs in arts stream is not just about a degree but about building strong creative, professional, and technical skills. Employers in advertising, media, and digital industries value arts graduates who can think creatively, adapt fast, and use modern tools.
Whether you are exploring jobs after graduationin arts or growing in the jobs in art field, the right skills can greatly increase your earning potential.
Key Skills Needed for High-Paying Arts Careers:
Mastering these skills can help you stand out in the competitive arts jobs list and salary in India and unlock better roles, higher pay, and long-term career growth.
Must Read: Must-Have Job Skills You Need to Land Your First Job
Arts graduates are in demand across industries such as advertising, media, design, digital marketing, fashion, publishing, and technology. Companies value creative thinking, communication skills, content expertise, and design capabilities, creating diverse career opportunities for arts professionals.
| Industry | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|
| Advertising & Branding | Ogilvy, Dentsu, Leo Burnett, McCann, TBWA |
| Digital Marketing | GroupM, Webchutney, Schbang, WATConsult, iProspect |
| Media & Journalism | Times Group, Network18, NDTV, India Today Group, Hindustan Times |
| Design & UX/UI | Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, Paytm, CRED |
| Fashion & Lifestyle | Aditya Birla Fashion, Reliance Retail, H&M, Zara, Myntra |
| Content & Publishing | Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Pratilipi, Pocket FM |
| Animation & Entertainment | Disney Star, Prime Focus, Red Chillies Entertainment, Toonz Media |
| Technology & Creative Services | Accenture, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant |
| Public Relations | Edelman, Adfactors PR, Genesis BCW, Weber Shandwick |
| E-commerce & Consumer Brands | Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Nykaa, Reliance Digital |
These organizations recruit for roles such as Creative Director, Art Director, UX/UI Designer, Brand Manager, Content Strategist, Journalist, Digital Marketing Manager, Animator, and Visual Designer.
As the arts is also a competitive field nowadays, your degree is not just enough for securing a job; it also requires strategy. Below are some tips which you can follow to secure highest paying jobs in arts stream in India:

Conclusion
Till now you have a clear picture of how to secure highest paying jobs in arts stream in India. You have a clear idea of jobs you can explore, which role aligns with your interest and what key skills are required.
Whether you aspire to become a Creative Director, UX/UI Designer, Brand Manager, Journalist, or civil servant, success depends on building relevant skills, gaining practical experience, and staying current with industry trends. With the right approach, an arts background can lead to a rewarding and high-paying career.
Ready to choose the right career path? Schedule a free counseling session with upGrad experts today and get personalized guidance to build a successful career in the arts field.
The jobs in art field include Creative Director, Art Director, UX/UI Designer, Brand Manager, Animator, and Fashion Designer. These roles are popular in advertising, media, and digital industries. Many of them offer strong salary growth with experience and skills.
The arts jobs list and salary in India includes high-paying roles like Creative Director (up to INR 20 LPA), Brand Manager (around INR 19 LPA), and Digital Marketing Manager (around INR 12 LPA). Salaries depend on skills, location, and industry.
Some of the highest paying jobs in arts stream are Creative Director, Art Director, Brand Manager, and UX/UI Designer. These roles are common in advertising, branding, and digital platforms. Senior professionals and freelancers often earn more money.
Creative Director and Brand Manager are among the roles with the highest paid job in arts stream in India. With experience, these professionals can earn over INR 15–20 LPA, especially in top companies or agencies.
Advertising, branding, and digital design are the art fields with the highest salaries. Careers like Creative Director, UX/UI Designer, and Digital Marketing Manager offer strong income potential in today’s digital economy.
The best jobs for arts students in India include UX/UI Designer, Content Strategist, Digital Marketer, Animator, and Visual Designer. These roles combine creativity with technology and offer good career growth.
There are many jobs after graduation in arts, such as Copywriter, Media Planner, Illustrator, Journalist, and Video Editor. With added skills and certifications, graduates can move into higher-paying roles.
Job opportunities in arts are growing in digital marketing, content creation, animation, UI/UX, fashion, and media. Freelancing and remote work have also increased income options for arts graduates.
Jobs like UX/UI Designer, Digital Marketing Manager, and Content Strategist can pay 1 lakh per month with experience. Salaries increase faster for professionals with strong portfolios and digital skills.
Senior roles such as Creative Director, Brand Manager, and Art Director can pay 2 lakhs per month or more. These roles usually require experience, leadership skills, and industry exposure.
The list of jobs in arts stream includes Creative Director, Art Director, Fashion Designer, Animator, Journalist, Illustrator, Photographer, and Curator. New digital roles have expanded career choices for arts students.
Yes, there are government jobs in arts stream such as civil services, public relations officer, archivist, museum curator, and content roles in government departments.
Government jobs after graduation in arts include UPSC, SSC, teaching roles, cultural department jobs, and media-related positions. These jobs offer stability along with steady income.
Yes, government jobs in fine arts include museum curator, art teacher, art restorer, and cultural officer roles. These jobs are available through government institutions and academies.
To get high-paying arts jobs, you need creative thinking, communication skills, digital design knowledge, marketing basics, and technical tool proficiency. These skills help you grow faster in the arts field.
Yes, freelancing is a strong option in the jobs in art field. Graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, and marketers can earn high incomes by working with multiple clients globally.
Yes, digital marketing is one of the best career paths for arts students. It combines creativity with strategy and offers some of the highest paying jobs for arts students in India.
The best job after graduation in arts depends on your skills, but popular options include UX/UI Designer, Content Strategist, Digital Marketer, and Visual Designer due to high demand and salary growth.
Yes, arts careers offer strong growth when combined with modern skills. Professionals who keep learning can move into leadership roles and access the highest paid jobs in arts stream.
To prepare for high-paying arts jobs, focus on skill development, build a strong portfolio, gain certifications, and stay updated with industry trends. Career guidance and counseling can also help you choose the right path.
References:
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/creative-director-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/art-director-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/brand-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/advertising-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fashion-designer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/film-director-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/animator-salary/media-production-entertainment-department
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/visual-designer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/digital-marketing-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/content-strategist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/media-planner-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/commercial-photographer-salary?page=2
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/illustrator-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/copywriter-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/video-editor-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fine-arts-artist-salary
992 articles published
We are an online education platform providing industry-relevant programs for professionals, designed and delivered in collaboration with world-class faculty and businesses. Merging the latest technolo...
Get Free Consultation
By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy
Are you being paid well enough?
Top Resources