16 Careers That Involve Creativity Expected To Grow In The Future

Written by B. Carlisle on June 13, 2021 updated June 28, 2023

Do you pride yourself on your creativity? Do you thrive at making content for social media, whether it’s written, visual, or audio? Are you looking to explore careers that involve creativity, where you earn a living by putting your skills into practice?

Here’s a little secret:

There are all kinds of careers that involve creativity, in practically every industry.

Essentially, creativity is a soft skill that can be applied to almost every role. Some industries, like advertising, design, and media, rely on teams of creative individuals leveraging their skills into a meaningful product.

There are, however, industries where your creativity will make you stand out from the rest of the pack.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network (O*NET) keeps a list of occupations that are expected to grow in the future. It calls these jobs “Bright Outlook occupations” – fields that are “expected to grow rapidly in the next several years or will have large numbers of job openings.”

We live in a world where creating content has (A. never been easier thanks to the many digital tools and platforms at our disposal and (B. never been more important to many businesses.

I’ve compiled a list of creative jobs that are expected to boom in the future, according to the O*NET database.

Some of the usual suspects make this list. IE: Fields in film/TV, advertising and marketing, web design and development, and video games all have been distinguished to have a Bright Outlook by O*NET. Some are a little more out-of-the-norm, like agents, makeup artists, costume attendants, and art therapists.

—

Film and Video Editors

Stress tolerance rating: 99 / 100

Median annual salary: $32.33 hourly / $67,250 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.
Review footage sequence by sequence to become familiar with it before assembling it into a final product.
Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, video switching equipment, and digital video effects units to produce a final product.

Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

Stress tolerance rating: 67 / 100

Median annual salary: $36.26 hourly / $75,420 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
Collect fees, commissions, or other payments, according to contract terms.
Send samples of clients’ work and other promotional material to potential employers to obtain auditions, sponsorships, or endorsement deals.
Keep informed of industry trends and deals.
Conduct auditions or interviews to evaluate potential clients.
Negotiate with managers, promoters, union officials, and other persons regarding clients’ contractual rights and obligations

Sound Engineering Technicians

Stress tolerance rating: 90 / 100

Median annual salary: $25.73 hourly / $53,520 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.

Audio and Video Technicians

Stress tolerance rating: 79 / 100

Median annual salary: $23.04 hourly / $47,920 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
Compress, digitize, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programs, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Stress tolerance rating: 87 / 100

Median annual salary: $36.73 hourly / $76,400 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
Observe pictures through monitors and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.

Marketing Managers

Stress tolerance rating: 75 / 100

Median annual salary: $68.35 hourly / $142,170 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm’s profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm’s customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
Compile lists describing product or service offerings.

Producers and Directors

Stress tolerance rating: 91 / 100

Median annual salary: $36.73 hourly / $76,400 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.

Choreographers

Stress tolerance rating: 89 / 100

Median annual salary: $21.00 hourly / $43,680 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in how to use dance steps, and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.
Advise dancers on how to stand and move properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
Design dances for individual dancers, dance companies, musical theatre, opera, fashion shows, film, television productions, and special events, and for dancers ranging from beginners to professionals.

Costume Attendants

Stress tolerance rating: 78 / 100

Median annual salary: $20.63 hourly / $42,910 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.

Search Marketing Strategists (SEO Specialist)

Stress tolerance rating: 66 / 100

Median annual salary: $31.64 hourly / $65,810 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.
Collect and analyze Web metrics, such as visits, time on site, page views per visit, transaction volume and revenue, traffic mix, click-through rates, conversion rates, cost per acquisition, or cost per click.
Identify appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and report key metrics from digital campaigns.
Assist in setting up or optimizing analytics tools for tracking visitors’ behaviors.
Coordinate with developers to optimize Web site architecture, server configuration, or page construction for search engine consumption and optimal visibility.
Conduct online marketing initiatives, such as paid ad placement, affiliate programs, sponsorship programs, email promotions, or viral marketing campaigns on social media Web sites.

Web Developers

Stress tolerance rating: 74 / 100

Median annual salary: $37.12 hourly / $77,200 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.

Web and Digital Interface Designers (UX Designer)

Stress tolerance rating: N/A

Median annual salary: $37.12 hourly / $77,200 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Collaborate with management or users to develop e-commerce strategies and to integrate these strategies with Web sites.
Collaborate with web development professionals, such as front-end or back-end developers, to complete the full scope of web development projects.
Communicate with network personnel or Web site hosting agencies to address hardware or software issues affecting Web sites.
Conduct user research to determine design requirements and analyze user feedback to improve design quality.
Confer with management or development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions.

Video Game Designers

Stress tolerance rating: 79 / 100

Median annual salary: $37.12 hourly / $77,200 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product.
Provide feedback to designers and other colleagues regarding game design features.
Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise.
Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play.
Guide design discussions between development teams.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Stress tolerance rating: 93 / 100

Median annual salary: $51.40 hourly / $106,920 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.
Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.
Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters’ appearances on a daily basis.
Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.
Assess performers’ skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

Public Relations Specialists

Stress tolerance rating: 86 / 100

Median annual salary: $30.20 hourly / $62,810 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization’s accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.

Art Therapists

Stress tolerance rating: 94 / 100

Median annual salary: $27.55 hourly, $57,310 annual

Job description and tasks, according to O*Net:

Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients’ physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Talk with clients during art or other therapy sessions to build rapport, acknowledge their progress, or reflect upon their reactions to the artistic process.
Conduct art therapy sessions, providing guided self-expression experiences to help clients recover from, or cope with, cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments.
Design art therapy sessions or programs to meet client’s goals or objectives.
Write treatment plans, case summaries, or progress or other reports related to individual clients or client groups.
Observe and document client reactions, progress, or other outcomes related to art therapy.