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How much do photography instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for photography instructor in the United States is $59.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Photography Instructor Do?

A photography instructor works at a school, with an organization, or privately to provide instruction in all aspects of photography. As a photography instructor, you use your knowledge of camera equipment, both digital and film, to teach students how to shoot high-quality photos of all kinds. Your responsibilities include instilling a thorough understanding of digital photography, from cameras to editing software. Other duties involve instructing students on the art of developing film photographs, exposure techniques, lens choice, and other technical aspects of taking pictures. You also travel to various locations with students to shoot photos in different styles and settings.

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

To thrive as a Photography Instructor, you need an in-depth understanding of photographic techniques, camera equipment, and composition, typically backed by professional experience or a relevant degree. Familiarity with photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as knowledge of studio lighting and digital workflow, is essential. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire creativity are crucial soft skills for effectively teaching and mentoring students. These skills ensure that instructors can convey complex concepts clearly, foster student growth, and maintain a dynamic, engaging learning environment.

What are some common challenges Photography Instructors face when teaching students with varying skill levels?

Photography Instructors often teach classes that include students with a wide range of experience, from complete beginners to those with advanced skills. Balancing lesson plans to challenge more experienced photographers while not overwhelming newcomers can be tricky. Instructors frequently use differentiated assignments or offer personalized feedback to address this diversity. Encouraging peer learning and fostering an inclusive environment also help ensure that all students stay engaged and progress at their own pace.

What is the difference between Photography Instructor vs Photography Tutor?

AspectPhotography InstructorPhotography Tutor
CredentialsPhotography certification or degree, teaching experiencePhotography skills, possibly certifications, tutoring experience
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, workshops, community centersOne-on-one or small group sessions, online or in-person
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, colleges, art centersPrivate clients, online platforms, tutoring agencies
Search & Comparison IntentLearning photography skills in a formal settingImproving specific photography skills through personalized guidance

Both Photography Instructors and Photography Tutors help individuals improve their photography skills. Instructors typically work in formal educational settings and may have teaching credentials, while Tutors often provide personalized, one-on-one coaching, frequently in private or online settings. The choice depends on whether you prefer structured classes or personalized guidance.

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Photography Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photography Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,088 per year, or $59.7 per hour.
Part-time Instructor in Photography (Applicant Pool)

Part-time Instructor in Photography (Applicant Pool)

Northern Kentucky University

Newport, KY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Northern Kentucky University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 531 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Working Title
Part-time Instructor in Photography (Applicant Pool)
Department
School of the Arts
Full Time or Part Time?
Part - Time
Position Number
Purpose of Position
The Art & Design program in the School of the Arts (SOTA) at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) invites applications for its ongoing pool of part-time instructors in Photography. We are seeking passionate and experienced individuals to teach engaging, profession-oriented, and inspiring photo courses to our students. The Photography area at NKU offers an approach to artmaking which is media diverse and emphasizes both technical skills and conceptual development. We offer a specific Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Photography as well as variety of BA and BFA degrees in Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design where photography is an integral part of the curriculum. A successful candidate should be knowledgeable and proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, advanced digital camera control, digital file management, and be able to converse in and with a variety of contemporary methods of current commercial and fine art photography. While there is no specific position associated with this posting at this time, applications will be used to build a qualified and diverse database of instructors for future instructional needs.
ABOUT SOTA
The Art & Design, Music, and Theatre & Dance programs make up the School of the Arts which sits in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Art & Design offers an innovative and engaged opportunity for aspiring artists and designers who seek professional training in the arts. Art & Design has 17 full-time faculty and 4 full-time staff that embrace a comprehensive hands-on approach of working with materials and techniques while developing critical thinking skills related to the various art disciplines and studio training.
ABOUT NKU
Established in 1968, NKU is a 15,000-student, nationally recognized, growing metropolitan university located seven miles from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Greater Cincinnati has one of the most vibrant and multifaceted cultural scenes in the Midwest, with the Cincinnati Art Museum, Contemporary Arts Center, 21c Museum Hotel and a plethora of galleries such as The Weston, Carl Solway and Manifest Gallery. Cincinnati offers an outstanding quality of life, a dynamic arts community, and an affordable cost of living. NKU is committed to active engagement with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region of over two million people.
Primary Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of this position are to teach photography courses in the Art & Design Photography program in SOTA. We aim to cultivate the next generation of creative visionaries through a personalized education rooted in principles, exploration, and professional pragmatism. At our institution, we foster the development of adept problem-solvers, innovators, and cultural pioneers.
We seek photography faculty who can harness these qualities to empower students, instilling confidence, refining technical abilities, and fostering creative expression. The photography area at NKU is dedicated to preparing students for diverse career paths. Whether aspiring to pursue graduate studies, embark on a career as a wildlife photographer, establish their own photography studio as entrepreneurs, work as touring photojournalist in the music industry, or make their mark as an emerging New York artist, our program equips students with the skills and techniques necessary to stand out in the competitive landscape of photography.
Additional responsibilities include some student mentoring, responsible studio management, and provide direction and guidance for advancing the University's strategic priorities. The photography area features a teaching lab outfitted with Apple iMac computers that also serve as open labs for student use when not occupied by classes. The photography studio has dual bays and is outfitted with professional lighting from Profoto. Additionally, students can check out a wide variety of top-quality photographic equipment including lenses for both Canon and Nikon, mobile lighting kits, tripods, and Cintiq input tablets. The print lab that exclusively services art and design students is outfitted with two sheet printers and two roll printers capable of producing the highest quality images from 4X6 inches to 4X6 feet and beyond. From capture to print, the photography area has the resources needed to help students realize their creative vision.
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications include an MFA in Photography or its equivalent, an active professional creative practice in photography, a demonstrated knowledge of photography and digital techniques, and well versed in contemporary / historical practice. Demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a positive learning environment.
Required Technical Qualifications:
  • Proven ability to thoroughly teach Adobe Lightroom Classic for image importing/exporting and processing
  • Proven ability to teach introduction to photography with DSLR cameras. Must have a strong understanding of basic/advanced digital camera control + operation, lens function, and introductory photographic equipment for digital capture.
  • Proven ability to teach file management via SD/CF cards, external hard drives, and compact flash drives.
  • Proven ability to teach practices in file management for digital output via Epson inkjet printers.
  • Proven ability to teach introductory photography courses in a Mac lab.

Strongly Preferred:
  • Proven ability to teach all levels of photography (Introductory to Advanced)
  • Proven ability to teach Adobe Photoshop.
  • Proven ability to effectively utilize Canvas Learning Management System for student instruction
  • Work and/or teaching experience in a digital printing lab (Epson Inkjet printers)
  • Work and/or teaching experience in studio lighting
  • Strong skills related to SSD formatting, file management, color managed printing workflows

College-level teaching experience preferred.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate strengths and technical experience in the afore-mentioned areas of expertise. To apply, submit the following items electronically:
1) Cover Letter
2) CV
3) Names and Contact Information of 3 references
4) Artist Statement / Research Interests
5) Portfolio of Professional Work
(20 images of personal work with descriptions/image list)
6) Teaching Philosophy
7) Portfolio of Student Work
(20 images of student work with descriptions/image list)
** Portfolio of Professional Work and Portfolio of Example Student Work may either be a link to a website or submit a PDF attachment (9MB) maximum for each item):
Any candidate who is offered a position at NKU will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law. Questions regarding the use of the website should be directed to the Human Resources Department at jobs@nku.edu.
Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to Kim Kattus, Art & Design Program Head, via email: KATTUS@nku.edu .
Minimum Education
Master's Degree
Preferred Education
MFA
Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number
2024F726
Job Open Date
04/23/2024
Job Close Date
Quick Link
https://jobs.nku.edu/postings/13937

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