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
$78,620
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
8
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
$47,570
10th percentile
Early Career
$61,620
25th percentile
Median
$78,620
50th percentile
Experienced
$103,850
75th percentile
Top Earners
$163,350
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$47,570
25th
$61,620
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$78,620
Mean: $94,700
75th
$103,850
90th
$163,350
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $115,780 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $61,620 and $103,850
- •Salary spread is 53.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 93,560 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:116,900
Top Industries
Educational Services46.3%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools43.3%
Other Schools and Instruction2.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.2%
Annual Openings:8,000
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)116,900
Current
2035 (Projected)119,500
+2.2%
+2,600
Employment Change
+2.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
New York
14,920 jobs$98,8502.56x
California
9,820 jobs$99,4100.90x
Texas
6,730 jobs$77,5600.79x
Massachusetts
4,960 jobs$85,8202.27x
Pennsylvania
4,170 jobs$77,2801.14x
Illinois
4,170 jobs$62,9601.14x
Ohio
3,940 jobs$78,0501.18x
New Jersey
3,300 jobs$80,1001.28x
North Carolina
2,880 jobs$73,8000.97x
Virginia
2,840 jobs$74,8701.15x
Florida
2,490 jobs$63,8200.42x
Michigan
2,410 jobs$82,9900.91x
Colorado
1,950 jobs$70,0601.13x
Indiana
1,920 jobs$76,0501.00x
Georgia
1,910 jobs$79,8700.65x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Fine Arts
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Instructing
94%
#5
Education and Training
92%
#6
Written Expression
92%
#7
Learning Strategies
86%
#8
English Language
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Active Listening
80%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Fine Arts
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Instructing
advanced4.7
94%
Education and Training
advanced4.6
92%
Written Expression
advanced4.6
92%
Learning Strategies
intermediate4.3
86%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
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
Fine Arts
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Instructing
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Education and Training
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Written Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Learning Strategies
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Communications and Media
intermediateImportance78%
knowledge
3.9/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
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
- ✓Fine Arts
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Monitoring
- →Psychology
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Instructing
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Fine Arts
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Learning Strategies
- ★Active Listening
- ★Fine Arts
- ★Education and Training
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
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary.
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