10 High-Paying Creative Jobs & How to Get Them

You might immediately picture artists, actors, or writers when you think of creative jobs. You may also imagine inventors or engineers developing groundbreaking technologies. In reality, creativity plays a crucial role in all kinds of innovations, allowing people to explore unique approaches to problems and challenges.

Creative jobs can provide the perfect outlet if you're looking for a career that lets you express yourself and explore your imagination. These roles allow you to apply your creativity in ways that drive innovation, inspire new ideas, and even shape how we live our everyday lives.

What is a creative job?

Creative careers can come in various forms, but they are typically ones in which you create something new or develop innovative ways of thinking. Creative jobs involve making mistakes, trying new things, and advocating for yourself and your ideas. Each individual’s creative process (and even their definition of creativity) is different. However, creativity allows you to accomplish new, innovative ideas that challenge existing ones.

Benefits of working in a creative job

One of the primary benefits of working in a creative job is personal perseverance and the ability to express yourself daily. Jobs for creative people make room for freedom, flexibility, and the ability to create something new.

When employers allow their employees to use their creativity, they become motivated in the workplace, and increased collaboration is present.

Where can creative people work?

Creative people can work in nearly every industry, not just arts and entertainment, which are synonymous with creativity. You may also work as a small business owner, translator, or teacher. For example, as an entrepreneur, you may have to use your creativity to uniquely pitch a product to a customer to secure a sale. However, as a creative individual, you can also seek job opportunities that test your imagination, allowing you to explore new ideas and challenge yourself daily.

Specific creative fields for people looking for creative jobs include the film and television industry, music, writing and publishing, and advertising or marketing. However, every occupation can become infused with creativity when a visionary is engaged, as imaginative individuals consistently strive for self-improvement, refine their ideas, and achieve new objectives. You can find web and technology development jobs, writing and artistry, and marketing that highlight creative skills.

Creative jobs often involve an increased collaborative work environment and the ability to choose when, where, and how you want to work. Creativity strikes unexpectedly, and in a creative profession, you can express yourself whenever you find it fitting. Every job has different rules and expectations, but creative jobs generally allow you to be unique in your everyday approach to the job.

Examples of 10 creative jobs

1. Web developer

Average annual salary: ₹4,38,000 [1]

Requirements: Professional certificate or bachelor’s degree in computer science; coding

As a web developer, you create websites for individuals, companies, and institutions. You can either work for specific companies or as a freelancer. Types of web developers include:

• Front-end developers: Focus on graphics, content, and coding for the website

• Back-end developers: Construct the website and ensure all components work

• Web and digital interface designers: Integrate a user interface design and work to make the website represent the company’s look and messaging

• Webmasters: Fix errors, listen to feedback from users, and make updates

To become a web developer, it’s important to have proper knowledge of coding languages such as Python or C++. A degree in web design, graphic arts, or digital design can help boost your resume and prove your experience in the field and understanding of how web development works.

2. UX designer

Average annual salary: ₹9,54,000 [2]

Requirements: Communication skills; problem-solving skills; high school diploma or bachelor’s degree; experience in the field

User experience (UX) designers are responsible for making digital interfaces accessible to users. As a UX designer, you make a mobile app, website, or video game easier for the user to navigate and learn how each interface aspect works. As a UX designer, you are also involved in the initial process of developing a website or app and making it as easy to use as possible so that it reaches more people. You work to fix problems within mobile apps and websites, conduct user testing, and answer questions users ask about the product.

A degree isn’t necessarily required to become a UX designer; however, knowledge of tools, interfaces, and coding is helpful. To break into the field, prioritise improving your skills on the job, and try new approaches to improve digital products. As a prospective UX designer, you can learn skills through related jobs like programming, visual design, and research positions.

3. Architect

Average annual salary: ₹6,15,168 [3]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in architecture (BArch); internship or apprenticeship; Council of Architecture registration; passing score on COA architecture examination

Architects develop unique and creative designs, blueprints, and foundational plans for new buildings. As an architect, you’ll be responsible for making sure the buildings you design meet local building regulations and may help oversee construction projects.

Architects require formal training after completing a bachelor's degree, usually in the form of an internship or apprenticeship. You’ll need to complete an internship at an architectural firm to practice skills learned in college and build experience. After completing the hands-on training, you can join the Council of Architecture and pass the architecture examination to qualify for professional licensure.

4. Digital marketer

Average annual salary: ₹3,29,616 [4]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing; professional certificate

Digital marketers participate in the process of creating content and advertisements for companies. As a digital marketer, you are an advertiser and content creator in the digital world, using online platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and social media to gain customers and promote products.

Digital marketing requires creating innovative content unique to the brand or company you are working for. The idea is to impact your audience and entice them to buy whatever product the business is selling. Although you may not need a degree to work in the field, some employers want you to have a bachelor's degree.

5. Copywriter

Average annual salary: ₹5,50,000 [5]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in English or communications; portfolio

Copywriters use their creativity to develop written language for marketing campaigns and advertising agencies. As a copywriter, you may have the option to freelance or work directly for an advertising company. Your responsibilities typically involve researching a product or brand, brainstorming ideas, and presenting these ideas to an account manager or client.

A degree is not always necessary to begin working as a copywriter, but the field tends to be competitive. For this reason, having a degree in journalism, communications, or English may improve your job prospects. When interviewing for a job, be prepared to present a portfolio of samples of your work so a potential employer can understand your creativity and writing style.

6. Software engineer

Average annual salary: ₹9,00,000 [6]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field; internship; knowledge of programming languages

Like web developers and UX designers, software engineers play a vital role in developing online programming and software. In this role, you are more engineering-focused, using specific IT knowledge to run a program and develop software for a company.

As a software engineer, you’ll be required to have the necessary training and practice working on programming and coding projects. You need a degree in your field and strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.

7. Graphic designer

Average annual salary: ₹3,24,996 [7]

Requirements: Diploma or bachelor’s degree in graphic design; portfolio

Graphic designers use their artistic talent to create visual designs for products and businesses. Graphic design includes graphics on a mobile app, video game, or editing photos and videos. You put your creativity to use by coming up with logos and images for brands to use to promote their company.

As a graphic designer, you require technical skills such as how to edit and transform digital media pieces, artistic talent, and general creativity. A portfolio of past work, either performed for a job or examples created in school, should accompany your resume and cover letter when applying for a graphic design position.

8. Animator

Average annual salary: ₹6,89,820 [8]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in animation, visual arts, or visual effects; portfolio

Animators create designs and graphics for videos and other moving images. You may work with movies, video games, commercials, and other digital imagery. As an animator, you tell a story with moving pictures, using your artistry and ideas from clients or collaborators.

Like other creative jobs, an employer might ask for a portfolio of your work and your resume. This proves that you have experience with animation, and a good portfolio will show a wide range of projects you completed or worked on. 

9. Technical writer

Average annual salary: ₹8,90,000 [9]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or similar field; portfolio

Technical writers focus on the refined copy of a business, whereas copywriters use their imaginations more. This involves writing language for a business manual, guide, or even instructions on installing or assembling something. As a technical writer, you use specific, formal language to explain a process while adhering to client requests and brand guidelines.

Technical writing usually requires a bachelor’s degree, such as journalism or in your chosen niche—perhaps technology or business. For more specific technical writing roles, you may also need experience in coding or programming. A potential employer may also ask for examples of your writing to determine if you are a good fit for the role.

10. Social media marketer

Average annual salary: ₹3,34,392 [10]

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing or business administration; portfolio; internships

Social media marketers are responsible for creating content, developing a brand, and posting images and videos for a company or person on social media. You study a brand’s message and aesthetic to promote their product through recent trends and interactive media.

To become a social media marketer, you need examples of your work, even for your brand, in a virtual portfolio. You may also need a background in marketing and advertising, preferably with a degree and internships in the field. Experience proves to employers that you have knowledge of the industry and are eager to continue learning about social media practices.

Prepare for a creative job with Coursera

Creative jobs are great ways to put your imagination to use and explore your passions. If you’re starting in a creative field, consider building your skills and earning a degree within your prospective industry. If you already have experience, showcase it in your resume and cover letter. Explore Be Your Best Creative Self by the University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera for more information about creative jobs and developing skills.