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Art History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instructor of Art History Compensation: $3,000-$9,000 Department: School of Art - Temp Start Date: 08/24/2026 About this opportunity: The School of Art at Ball State University invites applications ...

PT Art History Instructor

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$97.54 - $145.02/hr

PT Art History - 25 Division: Fine Arts & Communications Opening Date: 11/14/2025 Closing Date: 11/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description Equity and Diversity The District is strongly committed to ...

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Art History information

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$49.5K

$88.3K

$140.5K

How much do art history jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for art history in the United States is $88,276.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Art History roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Art History often encounter challenges such as limited access to original artworks, competition for positions in museums or academia, and the need to stay updated on ongoing research and preservation techniques. Addressing these challenges typically involves building a strong network within the art community, seeking internships or fellowships to gain hands-on experience, and actively participating in conferences and publications. Additionally, embracing digital resources and interdisciplinary collaboration can open new avenues for research and career advancement.

What is the highest paying art history job?

The highest paying art history-related jobs are typically roles such as museum directors, art consultants, or senior curators, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions usually require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management or leadership skills.

What jobs are there in art history?

Jobs in art history include roles such as art historian, museum curator, art conservator, gallery director, and art appraiser. These positions often require strong research, analytical skills, and knowledge of art periods, with many professionals working in museums, galleries, auction houses, or academic institutions.

What is the difference between Art History vs Art Conservation?

AspectArt HistoryArt Conservation
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Art History or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Conservation, Fine Arts, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, universities, research institutionsMuseums, galleries, conservation labs
Industry UsageAnalyzing, researching, and interpreting artworksRestoring, preserving, and maintaining artworks
Common Search IntentUnderstanding art history, careers in art historyCareers in art conservation, preservation techniques

While both careers involve working with artworks, art history focuses on studying and interpreting art's historical context, whereas art conservation emphasizes preserving and restoring artworks to ensure their longevity. Both fields often collaborate in museum settings but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds.

What do art historians do?

Art historians study and interpret works of art, their history, and their cultural significance. They analyze paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other visual arts to understand the context in which they were created. Their work often involves research, teaching, curating exhibitions, and writing about art. Art historians may work in museums, galleries, universities, or in art conservation and preservation. Their expertise helps preserve and explain the value and meaning of art across different time periods and cultures.

What Are the Qualifications to Get an Art History Job?

The qualifications to get an art history job depends on the employer and position. Art history teachers need at least a bachelor's degree to teach at the high school level, whereas postsecondary schools usually seek candidates with a master’s degree or doctorate. Museum positions have similar requirements. Employers prefer applicants who have relevant art history experience, and many art history professionals gain this experience by volunteering at museums. An art history job requires excellent interpersonal, communication, and teaching skills, as well as the ability to stay up-to-date with recent developments in art, including new work by popular artists and innovative techniques used to create art.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Art Historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Historian, you need a strong background in art history, research, critical analysis, and often an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in the field. Familiarity with digital archives, museum cataloging systems, and relevant research databases is typically required. Exceptional communication, analytical thinking, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that help you interpret and convey complex historical contexts. These abilities ensure the accurate preservation, interpretation, and presentation of artworks, benefiting both academic research and public education.

Is it hard to get a job with an art history degree?

Securing a job with an art history degree can be competitive, as many roles in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions require relevant experience, internships, or additional skills such as curation or education. Building a strong portfolio, networking, and gaining practical experience can improve employment prospects in this field.

What are entry level art history jobs?

Entry-level art history jobs typically include positions such as museum assistants, gallery interns, collections assistants, or research assistants. These roles often require strong research, writing, and organizational skills, and may involve tasks like cataloging collections, supporting exhibitions, or assisting with educational programs.
What cities are hiring for Art History jobs? Cities with the most Art History job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Art History jobs? The most popular types of Art History jobs are:
What states have the most Art History jobs? States with the most job openings for Art History jobs include:
Infographic showing various Art History job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,276 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Professor, Art History

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Savannah College of Art and Design rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

512th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Professor, Art History

Apply now Job no: 502266
Work type: Faculty Full Time
Location: Atlanta
Categories: Art History

SCAD Atlanta seeks an accomplished full-time Professor of Art History with advanced expertise in non-Western art history, open to any period specialization, to inspire the next generation of creative professionals. The ideal candidate will bring deep scholarly knowledge with a global perspective to the classroom, enabling students to investigate and interpret the complex relationships between historical context and cultural production. The ability to teach global art history survey courses with confidence and breadth, in addition to specialized courses in their area of expertise is essential.

As an art history professor, you will prepare talented students for creative careers through professional, positive, and engaging courses that emphasize research, interpretation, and critical analysis of art and artifacts. In joining one of the largest full-time art history faculty in North America, you will guide student exploration into visual expression and cultural context from antiquity to modernity. You will also provide students with unique opportunities to build vital industry connections, hear from guest speakers, and participate in critiques, portfolio reviews, and more. 

In this position, you will prepare talented students for creative careers through professional, positive, and engaging courses. Responsibilities include adherence to all duties and expectations outlined in the SCAD Faculty Handbook, which encompasses coursework preparation, syllabus design and approval, office hours, midterm grade reviews, and more. Among other responsibilities, you will provide students with extra help sessions, extended learning opportunities, and field trips outside of regular class hours. Additionally, you will maintain an active and engaged classroom and conduct course- and program-level assessments.

In this role, you will model professionalism, fulfill all grading and academic documentation requirements, and record attendance. You will assist with all academic assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts. Occasionally, you may support departmental and university-wide initiatives by attending both in-person and virtual events, such as faculty councils, admission activities, accreditation support, curriculum development, and exhibitions, among other duties. Professors must fulfill teaching assignments determined by contact hours as specified in the Employment Agreement. 

The university's primary objective is to provide excellent quality educational opportunities to its students within a professional environment where knowledge, creativity, discipline and character are developed. Your teaching activities, other assigned duties, and personal conduct as a professor shall be supportive of this purpose and of the policies and philosophy of SCAD. You will render professional services at times and places determined by the university.

Minimum qualifications: 

  • PhD in art history or a closely relevant field
  • Academic and professional credentials to teach art history
  • Two years of work experience in a related profession or post-secondary teaching experience

Travel required: 

  • Less than 10% 

Required application documents: 

  • Current resume and/or CV 
  • Cover letter 
  • Portfolio or its equivalent 
  • Unofficial academic transcripts 

Work hours: As noted in the Employment Agreement. 

ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.

Advertised: 21 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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