Where do right-brained workers thrive?
Whether they’re performing in plays or mixing music tracks, creative types help us interpret our world. This list features the top jobs for those who have a flair for dance or who are adept with a pen or a camera. Art directors, for instance, make a median annual salary of nearly $90,000, and the number of technical writing jobs is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. When it comes to the Best Creative and Media Jobs, U.S. News says these top the charts.
7. Actor
Median Salary: $39,236
Unemployment Rate: 26.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 6,600
Some people are made for the spotlight. Actors embody the characters written in scripts while performing in production studios, theaters, theme parks or other venues. But aspiring thespians take note: These artists spend a lot of time auditioning for gigs and often face long stints of unemployment. Some actors might opt to study drama in college or train in a theater company’s acting conservatory, but others break in without formal training. Indeed, rom-com star Meg Ryan was studying journalism at New York University when she began acting.
Learn more about actors.
6. Choreographer
Median Salary: $45,940
Unemployment Rate: 10.3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 400
Behind every ballet, Broadway musical and tap number is probably a choreographer. Choreographers work with performers to express stories and emotions through movement — weaving together sequences to create dances. They also might help with the administrative work needed to run a dance company. Often, choreographers begin as dancers themselves and can choose to apprentice for a choreographer to learn the business.
Learn more about choreographers.
5. Sound Engineering Technician
Median Salary: $53,330
Unemployment Rate: 4.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,200
What good is a concert if you can’t hear the music? That’s where sound engineering technicians come in. These professionals set up and test audio equipment, and operate it during a performance or event. You’ll find them at sporting events, live theater performances, movie sets — or even spinning records at your cousin’s wedding. Typically, sound engineering technicians must earn a postsecondary certificate in the field.
Learn more about sound engineering technicians.
4. Art Director
Median Salary: $89,760
Unemployment Rate: 3.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 1,800
The best ads stick with you long after you put down your magazine — and art directors help make that happen. Art directors conceptualize, create and oversee the art used in ad campaigns, magazines and newspapers, TV shows and product packages. These managers may also be charged with managing budgets and ensuring a project comes in on schedule. Typically, art directors have at least a bachelor’s in art or design as well as experience working in graphic design, photography or a similar field for a number of years.
Learn more about art directors.
3. Technical Writer
Median Salary: $70,240
Unemployment Rate: 8.7 percent
Expected Job Openings: 5,300
Technical writers are kind of like translators. They wade through the jargon of a given industry, like health care or technology, and find ways to communicate complex topics to a variety of audiences. These writers might pen how-to guides, journal articles or FAQ pages, and find other ways to best reach users. Many technical writers have journalism or English degrees, and employers like to bring on writers who have expertise in their technical area.
Learn more about technical writers.
2. Public Relations Specialist
Median Salary: $56,770
Unemployment Rate: 1.1 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,900
Public relations specialists are storytellers who work on behalf of their clients. By pitching article ideas to publications, writing press releases and speeches, building strategic communications campaigns, and creating presentations, these professionals seek to shape public opinion surrounding the people and organizations they work for. They also might develop relationships with and field inquiries from journalists. Many public relations specialists have bachelor’s degrees in public relations, journalism, communications and even business.
Learn more about public relations specialists.
1. Interpreter and Translator
Median Salary: $44,190
Unemployment Rate: 4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 17,500
Interpreters and translators can serve as a bridge between two cultures. These professionals must speak fluently in at least two languages. Expert translators transform written works into another language — not only converting the words themselves but also ensuring that style, structure and cultural references carry over. Meanwhile, interpreters relay information to nonnative speakers or hearing-impaired people by speaking or signing. You might find interpreters translating technical subjects in a courtroom or a hospital.
Learn more about interpreters and translators.
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7 Terrific Creative and Media Jobs for 2017 originally appeared on usnews.com
