Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Also called: Art and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
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.
Also called: Adjunct Art Instructor, Adjunct College Instructor, Adjunct Graphic Design Instructor, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Lecturer, Adjunct Music Instructor
Median pay
$78,620
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$47,570 – $163,350
People employed
93,560
Holland code
SAI
Social · Artistic · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (48 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary salary in every state →
What art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary do
- 01Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
- 02Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
- 03Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
- 04Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 05Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
- 06Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Fine Arts
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- History and Archeology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
- Empathy
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education78% · −8%
- Instructional Coordinators77% · −2%
- Art Therapists75% · group pay
- Music Directors and Composers74% · −6%
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education72% · −18%
Change into art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education76% · $72,040
- Art Therapists75% · $77,930
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education75% · $63,970
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education75% · $64,370
- Music Directors and Composers75% · $73,710
Majors that lead here
- Art Teacher Education
- Music Teacher Education
- Drama and Dance Teacher Education
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Digital Arts
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Dance, General
- Ballet
- Dance, Other
- Design and Visual Communications, General
- Industrial and Product Design
- Commercial Photography
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.