Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay: $78,620/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +1.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 9,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
What's the median pay for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary?
The median pay for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary is $78,620 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary?
Employment for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to change +1.7% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary?
Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary?
About 9,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.