>> Programmers are (or were?) expensive because, at least in recent times, talented ones are expensive because they are rare enough.

In all the years I worked in the industry, I never knew anyone trying to hire "talented" programmers. Only trying to hire people, usually inexperienced juniors, willing to work twice the time they're paid for if you tell them how smart they are.

> In all the years I worked in the industry, I never knew anyone trying to hire "talented" programmers

I think this says more about the places you worked.

Ya, there is that also. But sane orgs will want to hire programmers with some level of talent, at least. Not just some kid out of bootcamp, they will have to show that they can actually program something first.

A good artist is just as expensive as a good programmer. Commissioning art is expensive. Outsourcing to third world countries is cheaper (just like programming!).

> A good artist is just as expensive as a good programmer.

Let's look at industry, and just go look at what video game artists make compared to programmers with a similar amount of experience. Now, are you just claiming that they just aren't very good artists, so they aren't paid well? Because I've seen their work, and its not shabby at all.

Video game companies are a special case (even for programmers). They work people to the bone for lower pay because people are passionate about video games, but the common denominator there is gamers wanting to get into the industry—not being an artist or programmer.

But if you want a finished artwork, chances are it's going to take an amount of time worth $50-150.

If you want a finished (nontrivial) program, chances are it's going to take at least an order of magnitude more than that.