Published on October 25, 2025
9 mins

Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in the Arts Stream in India

Explore the highest-paying jobs in the Arts stream in India in 2025. Discover lucrative career options, skills, and top fields for graduates.

Written by: Krishnanjali KU

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Selecting a career after you have studied Arts in your graduation can be just as exciting as it is challenging. This is because these programs offer you a diverse array of professional and creative opportunities. You may wonder, though, looking at the jobs list in arts subjects, that you would not earn the same money as your peers who studied Science or Commerce. However, the job market now proves something else. 

Thanks to the growth of roles in fields such as digital media, psychology, design, public policy, law, and management, arts students can now access some of the most highly paid professions in the country. For example, as a management consultant, you can earn INR 20.5 lakhs a year on average. All you have to do is match your skills and passions with the right industry, and you will have a lot of high-paying career options in the arts to choose from. 

10 Best Arts Stream Jobs List with Salary 

The arts stream offers you plenty of creative freedom and opens doors to well-paying, prestigious careers across industries such as law, retail management, media, public administration, and design. 

1. Management Consultant

Job Description

Management consultants analyze organizational structures, financial performance, and operations to help organizations become more profitable and efficient. They collaborate with senior executives to devise transformation and growth strategies.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Problem Analysis and IdentificationProblem-Solving
Strategy and Solution DevelopmentData Interpretation
Project Implementation and ManagementBusiness Analytics
Collaboration and CommunicationPresentation Skills, Project Management, Interpersonal Abilities

Annual Average Salary: INR 20.5 lakh 

2. Digital Marketing Manager 

Job Description

Digital marketing managers plan and execute online marketing strategies across platforms such as Google, YouTube, and Instagram. They handle tasks such as SEO, content marketing, and PPC advertising to improve brand sales and visibility.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Planning and Strategy SEO and SEM Knowledge
Campaign Management and ExecutionSocial Media Analytics
Performance Optimization and Analysis Leadership
Project and Team ManagementGoogle Analytics, SEMrush, HubSpot

Annual Average Salary: INR 13.5 lakh 

3. Economist

Job Description

As an economist, you will study economic data, policies, and trends, and help governments, corporations, and financial institutions to make informed decisions.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Analysis and ResearchQuantitative Analysis
Forecasting Statistics
AdvisingData Modeling
Problem-Solving, Communication & Policy DevelopmentUnderstanding of Public Policy and Market Trends

Annual Average Salary: INR 12 lakh

4. Corporate Lawyer

Job Description

Corporate lawyers advise companies regarding their legal rights, business transactions, and obligations. They take care of disputes arising in the following areas as well:

  • Contracts 
  • Mergers 
  • Acquisitions
  • Compliance Issues
  • Intellectual Property  
Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Transaction and Contract ManagementNegotiation and Analytical Skills
Corporate GovernanceProficiency in Legal Research
Regulatory ComplianceAttention to Detail
Intellectual Property, Dispute Litigation and Resolution, Legal Risk ManagementCommunication

Annual Average Salary: INR 8 lakh

This is also a good option when you look at the arts stream jobs list with salary. 

5. Art Director

Job Description

Art directors monitor the visual aspects of magazines, film productions, newspapers, and ad campaigns. They also coordinate with designers, copywriters, and photographers to create a visual style that appeals.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Directing and Conceptualizing Visual Layouts for Media ProjectsCreativity
Overseeing Creative Teams and Approving Design ElementsLeadership, Communication
Ensuring Consistent Branding across Visual MaterialsAdobe Creative Suite Proficiency

Annual Average Salary: INR 8 lakh 

6. Media Strategist or Journalist

Job Description

Media strategists plan how content can reach audiences effectively. On the other hand, journalists gather, report, and analyze news for TV, digital, and print media.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Strategy and Planning, Audience Analysis, Negotiation and BudgetingWriting
Campaign ExecutionCommunication
Performance AnalysisResearch
Vendor and Client ManagementDigital Storytelling

Annual Average Salary: INR 6.8 lakh for media strategists and INR 4.6 lakh for journalists

7. UX/UI Designer

Job Description

UX/UI designers work on websites, digital platforms, and apps to make them look more visually appealing, be user-friendly, and intuitive.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
User ResearchProficiency in Design Software like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD
Information ArchitectureUnderstanding of User Behavior
Prototyping and Wireframing Collaboration
UI Design, Collaboration, Iteration and Testing & DocumentationCreativity

Annual Average Salary: INR 6 lakh

8. Film Director

Job Description

Filmmakers manage and direct every aspect of a film production. This includes areas such as script development and post-production. They shape the performances and visual storytelling that define the movies as we know them. 

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Developing Visual Storytelling and Interpreting ScriptsLeadership
Directing Technical Teams and ActorsStorytelling
Overseeing Editing, Sound Design, and CinematographyVisual Composition
Managing Production Budgets and SchedulesTechnical Knowledge of Editing and Cameras

Annual Average Salary: INR 5.6 lakh

9. Fashion Designer

Job Description

Fashion designers create original clothing, footwear, and accessories. They also research trends, work with materials, and sketch designs to bring concepts to life. 

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Developing Collections Based on Seasonal TrendsVisualization and Drawing
Choosing Fabrics, Textures, and ColorsFashion Illustration
Collaborating with Brands and Production TeamsTrend Analysis
Presenting Designs for Clients and at ShowsFabric Knowledge, Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Annual Average Salary: INR 4.6 lakh

10. Interior Designer 

Job Description

Interior designers plan indoor spaces and enhance them by combining functionality and aesthetics. They work with clients to design spaces that reflect their personalities and needs.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesSkills
Creating 3D Visualizations and Design LayoutsCreativity
Choosing Furnishings, Materials, and Lighting Spatial Awareness
Working with Contractors and Architects on ImplementationAutoCAD Proficiency
Managing Project Timelines and BudgetsColor Theory, Project Management

Annual Average Salary: INR 4.3 lakh

You must keep these courses in mind after 12th arts, as they offer high salaries, so you can make the right choice when the time comes.  

Also Read: Key concepts covered in a Master of Arts in Sociology

Why Choose Arts?  

Choose the arts stream if you want to develop skills such as creativity, communication, and critical thinking. If you look at the arts subject jobs list, you will get a better understanding of this as well.

  • In terms of skill development, the Arts stream helps you develop analytical thinking and creativity.
  • When it comes to career opportunities, you can choose various career paths along with the conventional creative domains after graduation. 
  • These programs also allow you the leeway to explore your interest in subjects like literature, psychology, history, and sociology. 
  • The stream also offers a significant variety, with programs ranging from diplomas to degrees.

Read More: Master of Arts in English course guide

Factors That Influence Salary in Arts Careers 

There are plenty of career options in the arts with varying salaries, influenced by factors such as experience, education, skills, and the specific field you’re working in. 

  • In most of these careers, your salary increases even as you get more experienced on the job. 
  • If you are an expert in an in-demand area like UX design or 3D modeling, you can earn higher salaries. 
  • Salaries can also vary significantly depending on the industry you work in. For example, art directors in films and high-tech firms earn more than those in conventional print media.

An Interesting Read: Popular Master of Arts Courses

Skills Required to Excel in High-Paying Arts Jobs 

If you want to know which stream is best after 10th, arts or humanities is a good option with various rewarding careers. However, to succeed in them, you need strong technical and creative skills along with critical soft skills such as critical thinking and communication. 

  • You must have a strong aesthetic sense and understanding of layout and color theory. 
  • Depending on your role, you must be proficient in software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Figma. 
  • Creativity is necessary for generating unique solutions and ideas.
  • You also need a strong portfolio to showcase your best work in the best way. 

Check This Out: Key concepts to learn in the Master of Arts in English

Future Scope of Arts Careers in India 

Arts careers in India have an extensive scope, as evident from the arts stream jobs list and the salaries listed above. After all, you have opportunities across diverse sectors, including media and communication, law, design, tourism and hospitality, and government and civil services. 

For instance, in journalism and mass communication, you can get roles in reporting, public relations, editing, and digital content creation – all in high demand.

Having a BA-LLB degree provides you with options to become a legal advisor or a lawyer.

You Might Also Like: Can globally recognized Arts degrees also be affordable?

Why Consider Online Programs to Boost Arts Careers? 

Online courses after 12th arts with high salaries can improve your career by providing flexible scheduling, expanded networking opportunities, access to specialized and top-tier education, and help you master the digital tools that are now so important to professional success.

These programs let you study anywhere and at any time that suits you best, so you can manage your education around important life commitments like family and work. 

They offer you industry-relevant skills as they are designed based on inputs from industry experts to ensure that the syllabus satisfies market requirements.

Conclusion 

In the dynamic job market, there are innumerable opportunities for Arts graduates to enjoy impactful careers with high pay. However, for that, you need the right combination of creativity, specialized education, and analytical thinking. That way, you will be able to excel in a variety of fields.

The online Master of Arts programs of Sikkim Manipal University offer you in-demand specializations in English, political science, and sociology. Available on the Online Manipal platform, these programs also offer benefits such as flexible online learning and high-quality education, with NAAC A+ accreditation and UGC recognition. 

FAQs 

1. Which are the highest-paying jobs after the Arts stream in India?

The highest-paying jobs in India after the Arts stream include corporate law, digital marketing, civil services, and UX/UI design. 

2. Can Arts students get government jobs with high salaries?

Yes, Arts students can get government jobs with high salaries, but they need to clear competitive exams such as the UPSC, banking exams, and SSC exams.

3. What are the best degrees to pursue after Arts for a high-paying career?

The following are the courses that you can pursue after Arts to land a high-paying job:

  • LLB
  • BBA 
  • MBA 
  • Digital Marketing 
  • Journalism and Mass Communication

4. Is an MBA a good option for Arts students?

Yes, an MBA is a great option for Arts students, as it equips them with management and business skills that complement their communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

5. Do Arts students earn less than science or commerce graduates?

Arts students can earn as much, or more, than commerce and science graduates if they pursue further education and/or specialize in high-paying professions such as law, journalism, and design.

6. What skills should Arts students develop to get high-paying jobs?

Arts students need to develop strong skills in the following areas to secure high-paying jobs:

  • Communication 
  • Critical Thinking 
  • Creativity 
  • Digital Literacy 
  • Empathy

Resources:

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/digital-marketing-manager-salary/bengaluru-location
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/economist-salary-SRCH_KO0,9.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/corporate-lawyer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/media-strategist-salary and https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ui-ux-designer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm

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Every great piece of content starts with a story, and Krishnanjali knows how to tell it right. With over four years of experience, she has been transforming ideas into compelling narratives that captivate audiences and drive business growth. Over the span of her experience, she has shown her expertise in writing through blogs, PRs, datasheets, white papers, social media marketing, case studies, technical articles, and so on.

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