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.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
SOC: 25-1121 O*NET: 25-1121.00
Median Salary
$80,190
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
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.
What does a Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$47,040
10th percentile
Early Career
$60,730
25th percentile
Median
$80,190
50th percentile
Experienced
$121,600
75th percentile
Top Earners
$194,530
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$47,040
25th
$60,730
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$80,190
Mean: $102,240
75th
$121,600
90th
$194,530
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $147,490 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $60,730 and $121,600
- •Salary spread is 75.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 97,890 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:122,800
Top Industries
Educational Services48.2%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools44.3%
Other Schools and Instruction3.3%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.7%
Annual Openings:9,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)122,800
Current
2034 (Projected)124,800
+1.7%
+2,100
Employment Change
+1.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
New York
17,600 jobs$110,0002.90x
California
10,100 jobs$105,9800.88x
Texas
7,190 jobs$76,2900.82x
Massachusetts
5,780 jobs$83,4902.50x
Ohio
4,130 jobs$73,0501.18x
Pennsylvania
4,070 jobs$81,2501.07x
Illinois
3,910 jobs$66,6701.02x
Florida
3,230 jobs$64,8400.52x
New Jersey
3,060 jobs$99,1101.13x
North Carolina
2,980 jobs$67,2200.96x
Virginia
2,630 jobs$67,9501.02x
Michigan
2,620 jobs$76,7600.94x
Indiana
2,050 jobs$76,7901.01x
Georgia
2,020 jobs$79,2400.65x
Colorado
1,870 jobs$63,3901.02x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Instructing
94%
#3
Learning Strategies
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Active Learning
74%
#6
Reading Comprehension
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Critical Thinking
40%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Instructing
advanced4.7
94%
Learning Strategies
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Learning
intermediate3.7
74%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Instructing
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Learning Strategies
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors82%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Business Teachers, Postsecondary82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Active Listening
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Learning Strategies
- ★Active Listening
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
MySQL
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
MySQL
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Visual Studio
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)General Responsibilities (9)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Management & Supervision (2)Planning & Development (2)Operations & Execution (1)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Organize performance groups and direct their rehearsals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision88% perform92%
6
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary professionals typically have a SAI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
AArtistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.56
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.42
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.41
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.40
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.36
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.33
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.4
Self-Control
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Integrity
4.4
Initiative
4.3
Achievement/Effort
4.3
Concern for Others
4.3
Persistence
4.3
Independence
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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