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Chicago Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$6K/mo

Description Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim ...

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach ...

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$6K/mo

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach ...

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach ...

Teaching Artists are contracted as part-time seasonal employees of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Pay rates are hourly and vary based on the program's delivery type. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Create ...

Teaching Artists are contracted as part-time seasonal employees of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Pay rates are hourly and vary based on the program's delivery type. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Create ...

Teaching Artist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50/hr

Based in the heart of Chicago's theater district, the 20,000 square foot Exelon Education Center at ... About The Position The Grainger Academy of the Joffrey Ballet Teaching Artist (TA) teaches ...

The Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt is comprised of three Conservatories: Music, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Theatre. Our faculty and staff maintain successful professional ...

We are seeking talented and professional Makeup Artists to join our community of freelance pros in your area. Be a part of our loyal team of professionals, committed to transforming the beauty and ...

We are seeking talented and professional Makeup Artists to join our community of freelance pros in your area. Be a part of our loyal team of professionals, committed to transforming the beauty and ...

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Chicago Artist information

See salary details

$10

$28

$55

How much do chicago artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for chicago artist in the United States is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Chicago artists?

Chicago artists are individuals who create visual, performing, or other forms of art and are either from Chicago or have a significant connection to the city. They contribute to the city's vibrant arts scene, which is known for its diversity and innovation in areas like painting, sculpture, music, theater, and public art. Chicago artists often draw inspiration from the city's history, architecture, and culture, and their work can be found in galleries, public spaces, and institutions throughout the city.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chicago Artist, you need strong creative abilities, a solid portfolio showcasing your work, and often a formal education in fine arts or a related field. Familiarity with digital design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, as well as experience with various artistic mediums, is typically beneficial. Networking, effective self-promotion, and adaptability to diverse audiences and markets are key soft skills that help artists stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for building a sustainable career, securing exhibitions or commissions, and navigating the competitive Chicago art scene.

What is the difference between Chicago Artist vs Chicago Illustrator?

AspectChicago ArtistChicago Illustrator
CredentialsArt degree or equivalent experienceArt degree, often with specialization in illustration
Work EnvironmentGalleries, studios, public art projectsPublishing houses, advertising agencies, freelance
Industry UsageBroadly used for various art formsSpecific to visual storytelling and commercial art
Common Search IntentGeneral art careers in ChicagoCommercial and book illustration opportunities

Chicago Artists encompass a wide range of creative roles, including fine art, murals, and installations, often focusing on personal or community projects. Chicago Illustrators specialize in creating visual images for books, advertisements, and media, with a focus on commercial and narrative art. While both roles require strong artistic skills and similar credentials, their work environments and industry applications differ, making it important to distinguish between the two when exploring career options or job opportunities in Chicago.

What are some common challenges Chicago artists face when building their careers in the city's art scene?

Chicago artists often encounter challenges such as standing out in a competitive market, securing consistent exhibition opportunities, and navigating the city's diverse network of galleries and art organizations. Many artists also balance their creative work with side jobs or freelance gigs to support themselves financially. However, the city's strong sense of community and numerous art collectives provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. Building relationships with local curators, participating in group shows, and engaging with public art projects can help artists gain visibility and advance their careers.
What cities are hiring for Chicago Artist jobs? Cities with the most Chicago Artist job openings:
What states have the most Chicago Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Chicago Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chicago Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,432 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Teaching Artist

$6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description
Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.
Columbia College Chicago is a private urban institution of approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a Teaching Artist.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the appropriate Columbia College Chicago School Director, the Part-Time Teaching Artist is responsible for the design and delivery of foundational courses in the areas of visual art, theater, dance, and music.
In partnership with the Chicago Public Schools Department of Arts Education (DAE), Columbia College Chicago presents RE:ALIZE, the premier early college arts program in Chicago. Drawing high school juniors and seniors without robust arts access at their home schools to Columbia College Chicago and the Wells campus, RE:ALIZE provides a two-year sequence of standards-based, culturally relevant, rigorous coursework. In addition to completing 12 college credits in their artistic discipline through Dual Enrollment courses, RE:ALIZE students will participate in weekly workshops at Wells Community Academy High School, and complete work-based learning opportunities within their field. Each student graduates as an artistically-minded, analytical lifelong learner whose RE:ALIZE experience culminates in the presentation of a Senior Portfolio
This position is part-time, continued employment is contingent on available funding for position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Deliver Columbia College Chicago courses to RE:ALIZE dual enrollment high school students in dance, music, theatre, or visual arts.
Create an effective learning environment that fosters students' intellectual curiosity and helps students to problem solve using discipline-specific thinking strategies.
Use and stay abreast of current pedagogies and technologies that are effective in a diverse classroom.
Collaborate with other program faculty and staff to use assessment techniques to maximize the effectiveness of classroom instruction that leads to learning outcomes attainment and student success.
Participate in practitioner-focused meetings and trainings offered by the Department of Arts Education and/or Columbia College Chicago.
Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general programmatic needs in a timely manner.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in the relevant area required; Master's degree preferred. Significant professional experience in the discipline of the course may substitute for the graduate degree, contingent upon approval from the college.
Experience teaching and/or mentoring in secondary and/or post-secondary schools required
Ability to establish a supportive and well-organized classroom community required
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills required
Experience within the Canvas Learning Management System preferred
Knowledge of Columbia College Chicago and Chicago Public Schools preferred
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.
The compensation rate for teaching one, 3-credit course in the dual enrollment program is $6,849.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer, or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.
Additional Information
  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a non-union position.
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.