Six Careers That Let You Be Creative At Work
Last updated February 11, 2025
If you're looking for a job that you can channel your creativity into, consider a career in the creative economy! This area of the workforce includes many diverse industries that prioritize creative skills and thinking. We share six careers that let you be creative at work!
Note: Some of these jobs will have different education and degree requirements. While many may require an associate or bachelor’s degree, others may only require technical certifications or training. Be sure to learn more about the education requirements of careers you’re interested in to understand what will be expected of you to land a job.
Software Developer
Software developers design and build technology we use every day, like websites, mobile apps, computer games, and operating systems. They understand user needs, plan how software will work, and make sure all parts of a program or system fit together. Software developers usually need a bachelor’s degree. The average salary for software developers in 2023 was $130,160 per year, or $62.58 per hour.
Photographer
Photographers can work in many different industries, including journalism, event photography, fine arts, advertising, real estate, sports, science, and many more. They typically only need a high school diploma or equivalent to break into the industry, but additional classes and training may help them sharpen their skills. The average salary for photographers in 2023 was $40,760 per year, or $19.60 per hour.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual content to tell stories and present ideas. They design layouts and production elements for things like advertisements, product packaging, magazines, and book covers. They usually use digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to create designs that will effectively communicate messages to audiences. Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree. The average salary for graphic designers in 2023 was $58,910 per year, or $28.32 per hour.
Writer/Author
Writers and authors create content for a variety of media, including books, television, advertisements, blogs, and magazines. They explore topics that capture readers' interest, conduct research, interview sources, and create drafts of their work. They typically work closely with editors and clients to revise their work before publishing. Writers may need a bachelor's degree depending on their industry, and employers may prefer people with degrees in English, journalism, or communications. The average salary for writers in 2023 was $73,690 per year, or $35.43 per hour.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers develop programs to create interest in products or services. Advertising managers collaborate with sales staff to generate ideas for an advertising campaign, oversee the development of advertising, and work with the finance department to prepare a budget and cost estimates. Promotions managers oversee programs and campaigns like special events, in-store displays, coupons, and sweepstakes that combine advertising with purchasing incentives. Marketing managers predict demand for products and services, identify markets, and develop pricing strategies. A bachelor’s degree is required for most positions, and additional certifications may be preferred. The average salary for advertising, promotions, or marketing managers in 2023 was $156,580 per year, or $75.28 per hour.
Film and Video Editors
Film and video editors cut, arrange, and refine video footage to create a polished final product. They use editing software to enhance visuals, add effects, and sync audio, making sure the video flows smoothly and tells a clear story. Film and video editors can work in a variety of industries, including film, TV, social media, and marketing. Some specialize in areas like special effects, color correction, or sound editing, while others focus on storytelling and pacing to keep audiences engaged. The average salary for film and video editors in 2023 was $65,070 per year, or $31.28 per hour.
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