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Job outlook for drama teachers in the United States
Are drama teacher jobs in demand?
Drama teacher job and salary trends over time
Drama teacher jobs over time
Drama teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,491 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,558 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,681 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,645 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,641 | 0.00% |
Average drama teacher salary over time
Drama teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,164 | $24.60 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $50,098 | $24.09 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $48,889 | $23.50 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $47,990 | $23.07 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $46,849 | $22.52 | +1.7% |
Drama teacher jobs by state
Most common states for drama teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 116 | 17% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 209 | 16% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 720 | 12% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 655 | 12% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 115 | 12% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 961 | 11% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,336 | 10% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 677 | 10% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 534 | 10% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 219 | 10% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 108 | 10% |
| 12 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 271 | 9% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 169 | 9% |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,657 | 58 | 9% |
| 15 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 54 | 9% |
| 16 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 657 | 8% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 252 | 8% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 246 | 8% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 846 | 7% |
| 20 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 683 | 7% |
Most common cities for drama teachers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarasota | 1 | 2% | $46,193 |
| 2 | Brandon | 1 | 1% | $46,229 |
| 3 | Columbus | 1 | 1% | $46,521 |
| 4 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $73,920 |
Drama Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of drama teacher experts
School of the Art Institute of Chicag
Eastern Illinois University
Arlington Heights School District 25
San Francisco State University
University of Memphis
Meredith College
La Salle University
Sul Ross State University
Rutgers University, Camden Campus
University of Northern Colorado
Columbus State University
Eastern Illinois University
Colby-Sawyer College
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Edgewood College
The University of North Carolina Greensboro
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
University of Mary Washington
Andrew Falkowski
Graduate Coordinator and Associate ChaiSchool of the Art Institute of Chicag
Department of Painting and Drawing
What soft skills should all Drama Teachers possess?
Andrew Falkowski: The ability to make people comfortable is incredibly helpful. Also, being enthusiastic about what one is teaching is necessary. You shouldn't teach if you aren't interested in sharing your enthusiasm for the material. Compartmentalizing larger ideas into manageable parts helps students assimilate information more easily. Being able to speak authentically about course narratives goes a long way in creating a consistent class engagement. Lastly, being open and curious about what students are bringing to the class creates a more open class environment and can activate students' energy.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Drama Teachers?
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.
Samantha Osborne
Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Owner, Samantha Osborne DesignEastern Illinois University
Art + Design
What skills will help Drama Teachers 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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Drama Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Brian Kaye: I anticipate that incoming staff will need to be flexible in adapting to an evolving educational environment. Teachers will not only need to be content experts with instructional strategies to motivate students but more than ever they will need to support the social-emotional needs of our students. Collaborative relationships with colleagues will also serve them well as we've learned that supporting one another through this crisis is what has allowed schools to thrive under these conditions.
Stephanie Sisk-Hilton Ph.D.
ProfessorSan Francisco State University
Department of Elementary Education
What's a good job out of college for Drama Teachers?
Stephanie Sisk-Hilton Ph.D.: The good news for recent graduates of teacher training programs is that the job market looks very strong in almost every area of education. In California, we have had a strong job market for teachers for several years due to our aging educator workforce. The pandemic and the challenges of teaching over the past year, coupled with strong returns for retirement funds, appears to be accelerating the wave of retirements. While it will be particularly challenging to be a new teacher in the coming years, new teachers will likely have abundant job opportunities to select from. Teaching is not the highest earning career path, and there is much work to be done to ensure fair wages commiserate with the level of education and skill required for educators, but it is a stable and highly rewarding job, which may be particularly appealing during these uncertain times.
What soft skills should all Drama Teachers possess?
Robyn Jones: Adaptability-this was proven to be necessary across many different careers, with the need to switch to a virtual format. Diversity of skills-it's not enough anymore to just play a great audition and get a job in an orchestra. Musicians need to be great players, great teachers, self-promoters, entrepreneurs, possess marketing/advertising skills. They need to be self-motivated and creative thinkers as they find their career path.
What Drama Teacher 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 type of skills will young Drama Teachers need?
Kimberly Lewinski Ph.D.: My hope is that so many people have gotten a glimpse into the life of a teacher this past year and all the hard work that goes into educating children of all levels. It would be wonderful if teachers begin to gain the respect they deserve now that others could see firsthand it's not as easy as it looks. I always said the problem with recognizing the hard work that goes into teaching is that good teachers make it look undemanding and flawless, straight up easy. People can't see the hours of planning and preparation that are required to make those lessons look so effortless.
Carol Fairlie
Professor of ArtSul Ross State University
Fine Arts and Communication Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Drama Teachers?
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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Drama Teachers 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 skills stand out on Drama Teacher 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.
What skills stand out on Drama Teacher resumes?
Rachel Blackburn Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on resumes: Right now, in particular, post-pandemic, skills that are going to stand out for theatres will speak to technological savvy: they will include working with new ways of communicating and disseminating performance, likely tied to online platforms such as Zoom, Slack, Asana Project Management software, etc. People who can take the initiative, innovate, and collaborate will be the most sought-after candidates. The theatre world will be relying on this next generation to rethink our traditional modes of performance, communication, and dissemination, so someone who can demonstrate on their resume that they are reliable, highly communicative (excellent oral and written communication skills), and entrepreneurial will undoubtedly stand out.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Drama Teachers 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.
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.
Professor and DeanEastern Illinois University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Drama Teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Barbara Bonnekessen Ph.D.: From using musical instruments, whose history spans thousands of years, to studying gamers and how people adapt to online classes, meetings, and family occasions, the liberal arts' fields use a variety of very old to very new technologies (some even study the emergence and users of new technologies), just as people do in the world. Communication technologies and computer skills remain necessary skills for most, and one needs to adapt as these change.
What general advice would you give to a Drama Teacher?
R. Todd Coy Ph.D.: Our world today is technologically driven, so it's essential to stay up with that. However, one shouldn't forget the importance of making personal connections with people. "Old fashioned" courtesies, like phone calls or thank you notes to follow up on interviews, etc., can go a long way in helping you stand out from the crowd of form-like emails.
Also, don't think that there is only one path to professional success. Be open to new experiences and flexible in exploring various ways to blend your individual interests and passions into what you want to do and then forge a path that allows you to do pursue those dreams.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Drama Teachers in the next 3-5 years?
R. Todd Coy Ph.D.: Even before the onset of COVID-19, the increasing importance of technology in areas like education and business communications was apparent. I believe Covid only served to speed up the oncoming changes. Using online formats to deliver professional services like mental health or education will continue to become even more mainstream. Therefore, staying current with the various applications and features found online will allow you to be more effective and marketable.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Drama Teachers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
R. Todd Coy Ph.D.: In many professional fields, seeking an advanced degree or training can change the trajectory of one's salary in a positive way. But I think to maximize one's earning potential, they should be flexible and willing to learn specific technologies that will increase their real-world value to prospective employers and, therefore, maximize their earning potential.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Drama Teachers 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.
How do you envision technology impacting Drama Teachers in the next 5 years?
Robert Tarrell: An accomplished student teacher needs to be technologically savvy. Given the current climate, student teachers need to adapt with the change to virtual learning. They should be able to create Power Points, videos, and communicate through alternative resources. They need to be able to pivot to on-line learning. Remote teaching requires creativity, innovation and invention.
Julie Irene Bost
Assistant ProfessorThe University of North Carolina Greensboro
School of Education, Library and Information Science
What experience really stands out on Drama Teacher resumes?
Julie Irene Bost: A range of experiences in various settings, content areas, and age groups. The more experiences a teacher candidate has, the more skills they have to transfer into new settings. A resume really stands out when it includes teaching experiences with students of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds along with multiple content areas (e.g., reading, math, science, etc.).
What Drama Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Irene Bost: Students should seek out experiences in educational settings as much as possible. This might be a K-12 school, preschool, or community center. Any opportunity where they can practice teaching and behavior management skills is ideal.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Drama Teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Julie Irene Bost: Virtual learning experiences will continue way beyond remote learning. Teachers need to continue to develop skills for teaching in remote, virtual, and hybrid learning environments. This does not mean being able to use a magnitude of web-based tools, but having a few that they use effectively. It is also important for teachers to think beyond the basic delivery of content and develop strategies to engage the learner and incorporate social-emotional learning.
Maggie Beeber
Undergraduate Advising Coordinator & Teacher Certification OfficerUniversity of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
School of Education
What general advice would you give to a Drama Teacher?
Maggie Beeber: Be flexible when searching for that first job. Spread your wings and be willing to live in a new community. You may find that it changes your whole life and is the perfect fit. Remember how hard you have worked to earn this degree. You are strong and can succeed in anything you put work into. We also want you to remember we are here if you need us.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Drama Teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Maggie Beeber: Technology in teaching is so quickly evolving, especially in the midst of what we are going through. Take those opportunities given to you by your school district, your teacher's association, and the Department of Public Instruction.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Drama Teachers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Maggie Beeber: As much as we would like to see an increase in teacher salaries, we seldom speak of the other financial benefits most districts offer: one of the best pension plans in the country, health, sometimes vision and dental. Many districts will give raises for years of experience and higher-level degrees like a master's degree, EdD or Ph.D. Some may assist in paying for these.
Janine Davis Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Mary Washington
College of Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Drama Teachers?
Janine Davis Ph.D.: For our teacher education graduates, the impact of the pandemic will most likely work in their favor when it comes to finding jobs-the pandemic has led to many retirements, which will mean that we will need even more teachers to fill those empty positions. At the same time, the advent of increased virtual learning means that it will no longer be an option that teachers know and use technology, including teaching online and using learning management and data analysis systems-those skills will almost certainly be a non-negotiable for future teaching positions. Finally, I think that this event has highlighted the importance of working as part of a team of teachers and other school leaders.