Analysis
NAICS 611610 is the 2022 national industry for fine arts schools, part of 61161 (Fine Arts Schools). Census lists 22 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 16,284 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 127,068 people at an average annual payroll of $19,796 per employee (1st percentile of national industries). 50% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include art (except commercial or graphic) instruction, art schools (except academic), fine, ballet schools (except academic) and ceramics instruction, among 22 in all.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 8% and employment rose 17%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
For example, offering courses in commercial and graphic arts and commercial photography are classified in 611519 (Other Technical and Trade Schools) instead.
Census lists 1 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 611519. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in offering instruction in the arts, including dance, art, drama, and music.
Illustrative Examples:
Art (except commercial and graphic) instruction Music instruction (e.g., piano, guitar) Dance instruction Music schools (except academic) Dance studios Performing arts schools (except academic) Drama schools (except academic) Photography schools (except commercial photography) Fine arts schools (except academic)
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Offering courses in commercial and graphic arts and commercial photography | 611519 Other Technical and Trade Schools |
Index entries (22)
- Art (except commercial or graphic) instruction
- Art schools (except academic), fine
- Ballet schools (except academic)
- Ceramics instruction
- Conservatory of music (except academic)
- Dance instruction
- Dance schools
- Dance studios
- Drama schools (except academic)
- Fine arts schools (except academic)
- Handicrafts instruction
- Music instruction (e.g., guitar, piano)
- Music schools (except academic)
- Painting instruction
- Performing arts schools (except academic)
- Photography schools, art
- Schools, drama (except academic)
- Schools, music (except academic)
- Sculpture instruction
- Singing instruction
- Theater schools
- Voice instruction