Teaching Artist

Also called: Community Art Instructor, Art Class Instructor

A working artist who teaches classes in schools, community centers, and studios.

A day in the life

They might teach a printmaking workshop at a library on Tuesday, a mural residency at a middle school on Thursday, and adult pottery on Saturday. Many combine teaching with their own art practice.

Pay over a career

Starting
$25k
Typical
$40k
High
$70k

Based on BLS self-enrichment teachers, May 2024 estimates; often part-time or per-class pay.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. BFA common; no teaching license needed outside public schools.

Ways in: 4-year college, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.

Majors to look at: Studio Art, Fine Arts, Art Education.

Outlook

Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Faster-than-average growth for self-enrichment teachers.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI tutorials exist online, but in-person classes in schools and community centers stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: AP Studio Art, Drama or music, Psychology.

Official data: O*NET occupation 25-3021.

More Art Education, Therapy & Arts Leadership careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.