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Job outlook for art professors in the United States
Are art professor jobs in demand?
Art professor job and salary trends over time
Art professor jobs over time
Art professor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 374 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 360 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 372 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 373 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 376 | 0.00% |
Average art professor salary over time
Art professor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $61,948 | $29.78 | +0.2% |
| 2024 | $61,806 | $29.71 | --0.6% |
| 2023 | $62,188 | $29.90 | +4.5% |
| 2022 | $59,495 | $28.60 | --2.5% |
| 2021 | $61,024 | $29.34 | +5.1% |
Art professor jobs by state
Most common states for art professors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 91 | 13% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 70 | 11% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 314 | 6% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 245 | 6% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 102 | 6% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 48 | 6% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 974 | 5% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 421 | 5% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 157 | 5% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 96 | 5% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 470 | 4% |
| 12 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 163 | 4% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 123 | 4% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 43 | 4% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 33 | 4% |
| 16 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 886 | 3% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 310 | 3% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 193 | 3% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 157 | 3% |
| 20 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 152 | 3% |
Most common cities for art professors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cambridge | 3 | 3% | $89,521 |
| 2 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $64,178 |
Art Professor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of art professor experts
North Carolina State University
Skidmore College
School of the Art Institute of Chicag
Eastern Illinois University
Meredith College
Meredith College
Aquinas College
University of Maine
Sul Ross State University
Rutgers University, Camden Campus
Southern Oregon University
University of Northern Colorado
Columbus State University
University of Pittsburgh
Eastern Illinois University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Edgewood College
What general advice would you give to an Art Professor?
Alex Holte PhD: My advice for someone new to the field of academia is to learn time management skills early and learn what type of service work you find interesting and would like to contribute to. From there, learn how to say “no” to opportunities that may not align with your goals as well. I feel a lot of new professors tend to find the need to be involved in everything, which can result in burning out later in their career.
What Art Professor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alex Holte PhD: I would say being able to work with AI may be something that is more important in the next 3-5 years. Right now it’s a new technology and people are just now learning how to integrate it in the workplace, but I feel it is possible the future workforce of tomorrow will necessitate some form of being able to use AI technology.
What will help Art Professors increase their earning potential?
Alex Holte PhD: When you are starting out at any career, it is important to negotiate your salary. Many candidates feel that they have to accept their first offer, but in reality, at many jobs, there is some room for negotiation. Be mindful however, to not request a salary that is much higher than what is being offered as they may feel like a compromise would not be possible and move on to the next candidate.
What general advice would you give to an Art Professor?
Justin Whitehill Ph.D.: Perseverance pays off. Its worth it to pursue the career you want and not settle and be unhappy.
What will help Art Professors increase their earning potential?
Justin Whitehill Ph.D.: I wouldn’t know, I’m a professor.
Jane Kuandre
Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to an Art Professor?
Jane Kuandre: My advice for someone looking to pursue a career in academia would be to focus on building a strong publication record, developing a network of collaborators, and continuously seeking opportunities for professional development.
What will help Art Professors increase their earning potential?
Jane Kuandre: Networking is crucial for career advancement in academia as it allows individuals to establish collaborations, gain access to resources, and stay updated on the latest research trends.
Aurelie Matheron
Assistant Professor of FrenchSkidmore College
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What will help Art Professors increase their earning potential?
Aurelie Matheron: Do some research online about how much someone earns at your stage of the career. If there is a significant gap, point out (diplomatically) that, because of your extensive experience in XYZ, you would like to get a X% increase in your salary. Be reasonable: if you want a 3% increase, ask for 5% (not 10% or more). Justify your negotiation: why should they pay me more? What experience can I show them to justify my request? If you have a higher offer from another place, you can say that “I have received another generous offer and would like to know about the possibility for matching that offer.” Salary is not the only thing you can negotiate: office space, computer/laptop, sabbaticals, course release, etc. Again, be reasonable: if you think you are entitled to XYZ requests, you also have to show why.
Andrew Falkowski
Graduate Coordinator and Associate ChaiSchool of the Art Institute of Chicag
Department of Painting and Drawing
What skills stand out on Art Professor resumes?
Andrew Falkowski: Skill is a nebulous term, but examples of previous experience organizing a curriculum as an educator give an art department a sense of how someone would approach their class. Also, foregrounding the type of work one does in their career, as it relates to what someone teaches, is also really helpful. If someone is new to teaching, having a solid ability to use foundational skills is really helpful because introductory courses are usually the first type of classes offered.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Art Professors?
Andrew Falkowski: Again, skill is a nebulous term, and there isn't one set of skills that apply to all courses, with perhaps the exceptions of being well organized and being a clear and consistent communicator.
What skills will help Art Professors earn the most?
Andrew Falkowski: Making artwork, writing, administrating, curating, public speaking, and obviously teaching are all skills that help one 'earn' more opportunities for higher-paying jobs. I have noticed at the college level that having a consistent national exhibition record seems to make a difference between those who are considered for full-time contracts and those who remain adjunct/part-time instructors. Also, being willing and able to relocate from one program to another helps. All that being said, I taught as an adjunct while showing nationally for 11 years before I was hired for a full-time contract, so sometimes it just takes a lot of time and a lot of hard work to get there.
Samantha Osborne
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Owner, Samantha Osborne DesignEastern Illinois University
Art + Design
What soft skills should all Art Professors possess?
Samantha Osborne: Three soft skills stand out most: an ability to see the big picture, an ability to "read" people, and an ability to make a convincing argument for your design solution(s).
i. An ability to see big picture: there are an infinite number of details in graphic design, whether you work in website design on the front or back end, or in print media with physical outputs. It's easy to get caught up on the details, especially when clients are making specific demands about things such as paper type. A skilled designer must be able to see beyond the details and look at the big picture for an effective design solution. For example, a client may be asking for an invitation design for an up-coming event. A skilled designer will ask questions and dig in, eventually uncovering that perhaps for a successful event, the client also needs a splash page and social media, either in place of or in addition to an invitation. A skilled designer addresses design problems holistically, rather than minutely.
ii. An ability to "read" people: designers are trained in art-specific vocabulary. Hue, saturation, pixels, gestalt...most non-art folks don't use or speak that language. When clients are describing their goals, they aren't using art-vocabulary. It's a designer's job to translate what the client is saying into an advanced and effective creative solution. They must be able to speak and understand the language of non-creative folks, as well as the language of the broader creative industry.
iii. An ability to make a convincing argument for your design solution(s): many young and inexperienced designer tend to get their hearts broken when a client smashes one of their [very well thought-out] ideas. Rather than rolling over, a designer must learn to navigate how best to build support for their idea(s). That might mean in some instances you work more fluidly with the client throughout the design process, so that they feel they have ownership in the development of the solution. In other instances it might mean that the designer is presenting options, rather than a single solution, so that the client feels empowered to make choices throughout the design process. And in some instances, it might be a matter of better explaining and presenting your idea to a client; perhaps the designer needs to push back more, perhaps they need to provide more research as to why their solution is best, or maybe they simply need to present it with more excitement and enthusiasm.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Art Professors?
Samantha Osborne: This completely depends on which sector of the graphic design industry you're involved in. Generally speaking, a working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite is essential, with expertise in other software as it applies to your field. I also find it refreshing and highly effective when designers can begin exploring and developing solutions in an more analog fashion on the front-end of projects, before jumping to the computer. For example, it's easier to visually organize complex ideas via a post-it/mood board wall in which you can physically move ideas around, especially when you're working with a team, which is more common than not.
What skills will help Art Professors earn the most?
Samantha Osborne: An ability to effectively communicate, navigate creative resources, network, empathize with others, and come up with innovative creative solutions. That said, your work still needs to be stellar and consistently great if you're going to be a big earner.
What Art Professor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emily Howard: Given the increase in online and virtual marketing, having professional quality images of artwork
is more important than ever. I would recommend enhancing portfolio photography and
videography skills. Internships and apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience and
skills.
What Art Professor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Fischer: Depending on the career goals, it is always recommended to work with professionals to learn
more about a certain area of the artworld. This could be working in a museum, gallery, and/or for
a professional, working artist as an intern or assistant.
What general advice would you give to an Art Professor?
Holly Fischer: To set long-term and short-term goals to work towards a "dream job." If the goal is to work as a
head curator in a museum, then I would encourage researching jobs that will help you get closer
to that position.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Art Professors?
Dana Freeman: Our art students are so varied, it's hard to pinpoint typical jobs, and I can't say how the pandemic might change the market or where in the country is best for art-related jobs. Most typical would be graphic design, (which one could do remotely, so no location is better than another) or teaching (and I bet the pandemic may prompt many art students to get their MFA now, instead of waiting). I can say our art students are resilient, creative thinkers in general, so they may be more able to pivot toward the "new normal" and envision what doesn't even exist right now.
What experience really stands out on Art Professor resumes?
Dana Freeman: For resumes, I think substantial internships, and one that addresses the pandemic, wouldn't hurt (e.g., my daughter interned for a big yearly arts fair and figured out how to do it virtually). Otherwise, great references, and specifically for artists, great portfolios are essential. In the absence of a job, improve your portfolio!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Art Professor job market given the pandemic?
Constant Albertson Ph.D.: Before the pandemic, schools were desperate to hire art teachers. Their need has only increased. Before the pandemic, our hire rate was 100 percent. There are more jobs than qualified art teachers. When I say qualified, I mean that they aren't merely artists in schools but people with expertize not only in the content areas of art and art history but also with conceptual and practical skills in teaching in the arts.
Carol Fairlie
Professor of ArtSul Ross State University
Fine Arts and Communication Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Art Professors?
Carol Fairlie: I think the concept of reality has changed. This is good for graduates because they will now understand the flexibility and adapt or change and innovation.
What type of skills will young Art Professors need?
Carol Fairlie:
-Teamwork
-The ability to plan
-The ability to project into the future and meet a schedule.
-The ability to understand writing, proposals, grant writing (boilerplates)
-The willingness to learn, evolve and apply what they already know.
What experience really stands out on Art Professor resumes?
Carol Fairlie: -The ability to plan
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Art Professor job market given the pandemic?
Allan Espiritu: Because of the pandemic, I've observed many companies reinventing themselves or pivoting from their normal direction and directives. Companies are looking for creative thinkers and specialists to help them devise creative, strategic plans, missions, and identifying new audiences. In my opinion, companies are looking for talented creative strategists, directors, and project managers. With many working remotely and consumers stuck at home, there is a push to ensure an online presence is secured. Companies are currently looking for a digital specialist-web developers, UI and UX designers, and social media specialists. I own a design and marketing studio, GDLOFT-many of our clients are currently utilizing us to help develop social media strategies and implementation.
What skills stand out on Art Professor resumes?
Allan Espiritu: I feel it's currently desirable for a candidate to hold administrative and technical skills in addition to their specialized skill sets. For a designer, it is desirable to have the ability to be a content maker and producer. The ability to work independently and timely is always crucial, especially now.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Art Professors to find work opportunities?
Allan Espiritu: The pandemic has created infrastructures to work remotely that wasn't really established pre-pandemic. Companies have calibrated and appraised their workflow to account for working remotely. Post pandemic, I don't think this will go away or be dismantled. I think companies will continue to embrace remote working. Some companies are leveraging the financial benefits of going totally remote instead of renting office spaces. If this is true, the idea that location is equated with opportunities will dissipate. Also, the pandemic has allowed us to pause and evaluate our "quality of life" balance. Some of the popular hub cities don't accommodate this perspective. Remote working has started to create a shift. I believe major cities will not necessarily be the hub of talent and commerce. Good work opportunities will be accessible from anywhere- from Los Angeles, CA to New Hope, PA. I also see smaller cities like Philadelphia compete for the same talent that would have gone straight to NYC otherwise.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Art Professor job market given the pandemic?
Robert Arellano: Employers, understandably, will need talented creatives who are prepared to work remotely, communicating with clients and coworkers efficiently and effectively while also managing their project workflow. But we'll again be returning to onsite jobs, so people at all stages of their careers will need to work together to adapt to new, hybrid configurations of workspaces.
What skills stand out on Art Professor resumes?
Donna Goodwin Ph.D.: Demonstrated creativity continues to be one of the top applied skills sought by business leaders. Additionally, problem-solving, an entrepreneurial spirit, connection making, and community building are all skills much needed in our current and future societies and economies. The fine arts dominate in these outcomes.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Art Professors to find work opportunities?
Donna Goodwin Ph.D.: The arts are showcased and continue to uplift communities and regions across the country, in the rural areas and more metropolitan areas, with growing creative districts and cultural sectors. The boom in remote working brings an interest in artistic and craft expression and connections to many previously unexplored areas.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Art Professors to find work opportunities?
Rachel Blackburn Ph.D.: Where to find opportunities: This is a bit of a loaded question because the most obvious place to become involved in theatre in the U.S. is New York City. However, that said, there are numerous reasons to go to other theatre markets, including outside of the U.S. So many local markets need practitioners to continue live performance in their city. I'd like to see theatre-makers move to the less obvious places that might desperately need community healing right now, such as Detroit or Flint, MI, Minneapolis, MN, St. Louis, MO, Phoenix, AZ, etc.
Those are places where communities have seen some rough patches, and I'd like to see how theatre might innovate by bringing people together to heal those communities. Otherwise, Seattle, Atlanta, LA, Houston, and some others are places that might surprise our graduates with the size and history of their theatre markets. For the intrepid explorer who is open to a little adventure, go abroad!
Your student loans will be deferred while you're out of the country, and if you have no spouse or kids, leap, it's a perfect time. London, Toronto, Dublin, Montreal, Paris, Edinburgh, Sydney - go to Auckland and see how you can support the theatre of the indigenous Maori peoples in New Zealand; why not? Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities, take the reins and enjoy this moment as a time when you can make the world your oyster, if you want. Sniff out places that have something to teach you besides just employing you.
What experience really stands out on Art Professor resumes?
Scott Andrew: In my experience as a multimedia artist, educator, and event organizer/curator, it is good to have the following items on your CV: Education (ideally from top-rated programs with relevant mentors), Exhibition, Screening, and Performance history (notional and international), teaching and curation experience, the listing of guest lectures, presentations, mentorships, fellowships, residencies and awards, additional professional experience and internships, as well as a bibliography of publications and press.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Art Professors?
Scott Andrew: I am not a job placement specialist by any means, and it isn't a secret that the job market in the arts (both in academia and for practicing artists) was already overly competitive and with a low level of support and opportunity, specifically within American culture. These problems are only embellished by a global pandemic and a serious economic crisis due to a lack of political leadership in our country. I speculate that these issues won't be going away any time soon, and students need to understand that, in order to have a more successful life outside of the institution, they will need to diversify their income streams, potentially participate in the gig economy, and commissioned or part-time labor from multiple sources, as well as apply for grants, residencies, and other institutional support in order to support their artistic careers.
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.
Professor and DeanEastern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
How would you rate the starting salaries for Art Professors, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.: Starting salaries depend on the particular job you take (and having a master's degree will always increase that). That depends on your abilities (initially documented through your academic work), mobility, and sometimes sheer luck. But most people hold 5-7 jobs during their lifetime, and each job change could be a career move to better pay and a better work environment and more exciting work. Liberal arts graduates increase their wages by 43% throughout their work-life (compared to the business at 44% and STEM at 50%); the abovementioned broad educational portfolio of the liberal arts graduate allows for that movement. And while salaries are necessary, don't forget to factor in job satisfaction with a supportive work environment and work in which you can take pride.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Art Professors in the next 5 years?
Kevin Hagan: I certainly see there is an increase in visual arts majors over the next five years. The main reason for this is due to our students' ability to creatively problem solve the challenges presented to them. Companies are always looking for individuals who are creative, inquisitive, and are able to look at a problem from many different perspectives in order to find the best solution, and that is where our students excel. The more broadly the future employee can think about a problem, and try multiple different approaches until the best solution is discovered, is something that is always highly sought after.
What experience really stands out on Art Professor resumes?
Robert Tarrell: Our Art & Design Teaching Majors complete practicums, as well as student teaching. The students teach at an assigned elementary school for nine weeks, followed by a high school for nine weeks. Teaching related experiences, such as working at art-related organizations, businesses, non-profits, camps, etc. is always a plus.