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Professional Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

92nd Street Y

Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72/hr

Selected applicants will join a dynamic team of nearly 100 professional Artists who make art accessible to a diverse audience. For over 90 years, 92NY's Art Center has filled a critical space in New ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Teaching Artists

Houston, TX · On-site

JOB STATEMENT "A Teaching Artist is a practicing professional artist with the complementary skills, curiosities, and sensibilities of an educator, who can effectively engage a wide range of people in ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Teaching Artists

Houston, TX · On-site

JOB STATEMENT "A Teaching Artist is a practicing professional artist with the complementary skills, curiosities, and sensibilities of an educator, who can effectively engage a wide range of people in ...

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How much do professional artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges professional artists face when working with clients on commissioned projects?

Professional artists often encounter challenges such as aligning their creative vision with a client's expectations, managing timelines, and navigating feedback or revision requests. Clear communication at the outset is crucial to ensure that both parties understand the project goals and deliverables. Additionally, artists must balance their artistic integrity with the need to adapt their style or process to meet client needs, all while adhering to deadlines and maintaining a positive working relationship.

What is the difference between Professional Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectProfessional ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt degrees, portfolios, artistic certificationsDesign degrees, software proficiency, portfolios
Work EnvironmentArt studios, galleries, freelanceAdvertising agencies, corporate offices, freelance
Industry UsageFine arts, exhibitions, commissionsMarketing, branding, digital media

While both Professional Artists and Graphic Designers create visual content, Professional Artists focus on fine arts, personal expression, and exhibitions, often working independently or in galleries. Graphic Designers primarily develop visual solutions for brands, marketing, and digital media, often working within corporate or agency settings. Both roles require strong artistic skills and portfolios but differ in purpose, environment, and industry focus.

What are professional artists?

Professional artists are individuals who create visual, performance, or digital art as their main occupation or source of income. They may work in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, or digital design. Professional artists often exhibit their work in galleries, sell pieces to collectors, or take on commissions. They might also collaborate with businesses, publishers, or organizations to create custom works. In addition to creating art, many professional artists engage in activities such as teaching, curating, or participating in public art projects.

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

To thrive as a Professional Artist, strong drawing or painting ability, creativity, and a solid understanding of art theory and techniques—often supported by a degree in fine arts—are essential. Familiarity with digital art software like Adobe Creative Suite, as well as traditional media and portfolio management platforms, is highly valuable. Standout soft skills include self-motivation, adaptability, and effective communication to market work and collaborate with clients or galleries. These skills are important for producing compelling art, building a recognizable brand, and achieving sustainable success in a competitive industry.
More about Professional Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Artist jobs? Cities with the most Professional Artist job openings:
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What states have the most Professional Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Artist jobs include:
Professional Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Visual Arts Teaching Artist

Visual Arts Teaching Artist

92nd Street Y

Manhattan, NY

$72/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Visual Arts Teaching Artist
ID 2021-1748
Position Type Per Diem
Job Summary

92NY continually seeks to expand its roster of diverse Teaching Artists who are passionate about sharing their practice with learners at all stages of life and ability. Selected applicants will join a dynamic team of nearly 100 professional Artists who make art accessible to a diverse audience.

For over 90 years, 92NY's Art Center has filled a critical space in New York's cultural fabric, as well as in the global art community at large. Whether you're 4 or 104 years old, an enthusiastic amateur or emerging professional, 92NY's Art Center is where creative New Yorkers come together to get inspired and learn. The Art Center hosts nearly 200 classes a week, in person at 92nd Street or virtually in real time courses with students across the globe. Our courses are open to learners of all levels who are interested in learning how to make art. Weekly classes and workshops are led by professional Artist Educators in the areas of ceramics, jewelry and metalsmithing, drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, digital photography, design, art appreciation and STEAM.

Under the supervision of the Art Center's programming team, Teaching Artists propose course ideas, prepare course materials, and then lead students through high quality course objectives. Teaching Artists implement skill-based learning to inspire their students to innovate, think critically, express themselves, find joy in the process of making, and to help them achieve their learning goals.

Job Responsibilities Include

  • Generate class ideas and course descriptions.

  • Select and plan appropriate activities and content for all class meetings aligned with 92Y's mission and curriculum focus.

  • Create, syllabi and/or lesson plans that outline learning objectives and outline clear expectations for class and students.

  • Ensure that all spaces and classes are safe, welcoming, and inclusive to all participants.

  • Communicate clearly, empathetically, and respectfully with all students.

  • Lead classes through teaching techniques that demonstrate clarity, generosity, and creativity and encourage students to grow.

  • Submit documentation of teaching as needed.
Experience, Education, & Skills Desired

To Apply:

* Resume required.

* Cover letter required, including a proposal for the class/workshop you are interested in teaching. Please indicate if this would take place in-person or online, and if the course is geared towards adults or youth students (for youth

classes, please include appropriate ages).

* Link to you portfolio or images of your artwork required.

* Optional - Images of student artwork and/or sample lesson plans

Experience:

* Minimum of 2 years of professional teaching experience in a youth or adult education setting, particularly with older adult learners.

* Ability to differentiate teaching to learners of diverse abilities and levels.

* Strong classroom management skills and ability to present information in an engaging, interactive way.

* Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

* Commitment to lifelong learning and willingness to reflect and refine their practice.

* For virtual class proposals - Clear understanding and experience using Zoom platform and all equipment required to execute teaching of assigned classes.

Work Environment & Requirements

Per Diem Compensation Range

$44 - $72/hour (based on enrollment as outlined below)

5-7 students $44/hour

8-9 students $48/hour

10-13 students $57/hour

14-17 students $62/hour

18+ students $72/hour

Apply