Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $78,620 Median
Postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers earn a median salary of $78,620 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $38 per hour, with the top 10% earning over $163,350. This career combines a passion for the arts with academia, but pay varies widely by state and institution. The typical salary range runs from $47,570 at the 10th percentile to $163,350 at the 90th. Nationwide, about 93,560 professionals hold these jobs, with roughly 9,000 openings projected each year through 2034.
How much Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median annual wage for postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers is $78,620. The mean salary is higher at $94,700, reflecting the influence of top earners. Half of workers earn between the 25th percentile ($53,470) and 75th percentile ($107,450).
Pay depends on factors like institution type (public vs. private), academic rank, and geographic location. Full professors at research universities can push beyond $150,000, while adjuncts at community colleges may earn near the 10th percentile.
Pay by state
Geography matters a lot for this occupation. Delaware tops the list with an average salary of $103,320, followed by California ($99,410), New York ($98,850), Vermont ($97,980), and Rhode Island ($97,580). These states typically have higher costs of living and stronger funding for higher education.
On the lower end, Mississippi averages $60,580, Wyoming $59,190, and Nevada $52,870. Differences can exceed $50,000 between the highest and lowest paying states.
- Highest-paying states: DE ($103,320), CA ($99,410), NY ($98,850), VT ($97,980), RI ($97,580)
- Lower-paying: MS ($60,580), WY ($59,190), NV ($52,870)
How to become Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Most postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers need a master's or doctoral degree in their field. A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) is standard for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges. Community colleges may hire with a master's plus teaching experience.
Practical experience matters: a strong portfolio (for art), performance record (music), or production credits (drama) can boost your candidacy. Some institutions require teaching certification, but not universally. Adjunct roles often have lower barriers to entry.
- Earn a master's or doctorate in art, drama, music, or related field.
- Build a portfolio, performance history, or production work.
- Apply for faculty positions; many start as adjuncts.
- Consider pursuing tenure-track for higher pay and job security.
Job outlook
Employment for postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers is projected to grow 1.7% from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 9,000 openings per year, mostly from retirements and turnover.
Competition for tenure-track jobs will remain strong, especially at prestigious institutions. Growth is limited by budget constraints in public universities and a shift toward adjunct hiring. However, demand for arts education in community colleges and online programs may provide opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for postsecondary art, drama, and music teachers?
Delaware, with an average salary of $103,320, according to BLS data.
How many years of college do you need to become a postsecondary art teacher?
Typically 6-8 years: a bachelor's (4 years) plus a master's (2-3 years) or a doctorate (4-6 years). Community colleges may require only a master's.
Will there be many job openings for art, drama, and music teachers in the future?
About 9,000 openings per year are projected through 2034, mostly to replace retirees. But competition is high for full-time, tenure-track positions.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary data.