How Studying Art Can Lead to a Six-Figure Salary

Think art students can’t earn six figures? Think again.
In today’s digital world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has transformed how we study and practice art. The future of creativity lies where technology and design intersect, opening up exciting, high-paying careers across industries.

STEM-based art and design majors combine creativity with technical expertise, training students to solve real-world problems through innovation and design thinking. If you’re passionate about both art and technology, here are the top creative majors to explore:

Interaction Design (UX/UI Design)

What it is: Interaction Design focuses on how humans interact with digital systems, apps, and products. It blends user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and human-computer interaction to create seamless, intuitive designs.

What you’ll learn: user research, information architecture, wireframing, usability testing, and design software like Figma and Adobe XD.

Top universities:

  • Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

  • Stanford University

Career paths: UX/UI Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Researcher
💡 Average salary: USD 80,000–120,000 annually

Game Design & Animation

What it is: Game Design merges storytelling, technology, and visual art to create interactive entertainment experiences.

What you’ll learn: 3D animation, coding fundamentals, narrative design, and game development pipelines.

Top universities:

  • California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

  • University of Southern California (USC)

Career paths: Game Designer, 3D Animator, Technical Artist
💡 Average salary: USD 70,000–110,000 annually

Product Design (Industrial Design)

What it is: Product Design combines creativity, technology, and business strategy. Designers learn to create physical and digital products that are both beautiful and functional.

What you’ll learn: design theory, materials science, prototyping, CAD software, and sustainable design practices.

Top universities:

  • Parsons School of Design

  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Career paths: Industrial Designer, Design Consultant, Innovation Strategist
💡 Average salary: USD 75,000–120,000 annually

Why STEM + Art is the Future of Design

Creative industries are evolving faster than ever — and employers are seeking designers who can bridge art and technology. Whether it’s designing AI-powered interfaces, immersive game worlds, or innovative products, STEM + Art education gives students a competitive edge.

If you dream of studying art abroad and building a future-proof creative career, consider one of these multidisciplinary programs. At Albus Arts and Design Singapore, we guide students in developing strong portfolios for top design universities worldwide.

Start your creative journey today — your six-figure creative career might be closer than you think.

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