How to become art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondaryeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$78,620

25th–75th pct. $61,620–$103,850

Top pay (est.)

$212,400

Top 10% $163,350

Pay in 5 years

$91,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$106,700est.

$91,700–$123,800

Outlook score

63/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

25%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.2%

8,000 openings / yr

How to become art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

Typical education

Master's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Key skills

Instructing

4.8

Speaking

4.8

Reading Comprehension

4.6

Active Learning

4.2

Learning Strategies

4.2

Writing

4.1

Active Listening

4.1

Critical Thinking

3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Fine Arts

6.5

Education and Training

6.1

English Language

5.3

Philosophy and Theology

4.4

Communications and Media

4.3

History and Archeology

4.1

Computers and Electronics

3.8

Sociology and Anthropology

3.8

What the work involves

Thinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCoaching and Developing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProviding Consultation and Advice to Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionSpeech ClarityNear Vision

Education of workers

Master's degree

51%

Doctoral degree

32%

Bachelor's degree

14%

Post-master's certificate

Associate's degree

Training before entry

None / short demo

33%

Up to 1 month

19%

6–12 months

13%

1–3 months

11%

1–2 years

11%

2–4 years

Over 10 years

4–10 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

28%

4–6 years

20%

2–4 years

18%

8–10 years

10%

6–8 years

10%

Over 10 years

6–12 months

None

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.	$41,670	49/100	39%
5	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
6	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.