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Professional Artist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Arts and Hospitality I, Culinary Arts and Hospitality II, Culinary Arts and Hospitality ... CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional ...

Culture & Leadership Behavior As a representative of Music & Arts' renewed culture, the Ed Account Manager is expected to: * Lead with optimism, service, and professionalism. * Model accountability ...

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$9.50 - $12/hr

... professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$9.50 - $12/hr

... professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on ...

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$9.50 - $12/hr

... professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on ...

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$9.50 - $12/hr

... professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on ...

Open Rank

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$9.50 - $12/hr

... professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on ...

At Music & Arts, we provide the tools and support for you to focus on what matters most: teaching ... Professional teaching memberships or certifications. * 8+ years of teaching experience, especially ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Artist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

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How much do professional artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional artist in Raleigh, NC is $23.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional artist?

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?

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.

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.

How much money does a professional artist make?

The average annual salary for a professional artist varies widely depending on experience, location, and specialization, typically ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. Successful artists who sell their work independently or work in commercial fields like illustration or design can earn higher incomes, especially with a strong portfolio and client base.

What does a professional artist do?

A professional artist creates visual works such as paintings, sculptures, illustrations, or digital art for clients, galleries, or commercial projects. They often develop a portfolio, use tools like brushes or digital software, and may work independently or for organizations to produce art that communicates ideas or evokes emotion.

What kind of job can you get as a professional artist?

A professional artist can work in various fields such as fine arts, illustration, graphic design, animation, and commercial art. They may find employment with art galleries, advertising agencies, media companies, or as freelance creators, often requiring skills in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Job roles can include painter, illustrator, concept artist, art director, or muralist.

What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Artist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Professional Artist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Professional Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Artist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,829 per year, or $24 per hour.

Assistant Director, Arts Annex

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the power of artistic expression to transform communities. As the Assistant Director, Arts Annex, you will play a key role in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant environment where students can explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful creative experiences.

You will join a collaborative team within Venue and Production Management that supports student engagement through the arts while fostering innovation, belonging, and personal growth. Your leadership will help ensure the Arts Annex remains a dynamic hub where students from all backgrounds can create, connect, and thrive.

Be Bold.

The Assistant Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Arts Annex, supporting student arts engagement, facility management, program development, and student leadership initiatives. This role serves as a champion for creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success while strengthening partnerships across Duke and supporting the connection between the Arts Annex and the Rubenstein Arts Center.

What You'll Do

Lead Arts Annex Operations

  • Oversee the daily operations of the Arts Annex and its specialized creative spaces, including ceramics, screen-printing, visual arts, and dance studios.
  • Manage facility schedules, resources, and space utilization to ensure an exceptional experience for students and campus partners.
  • Guide operational planning, facility improvements, maintenance efforts, and long-range space enhancement initiatives.
  • Maintain inventory systems and oversee the tracking, maintenance, and safe use of equipment and resources.
  • Provide a visible and supportive presence during daytime, evening, and weekend operations.
  • Ensure compliance with university, safety, risk management, and operational policies.

Develop and Lead Student Staff

  • Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate undergraduate and graduate student employees.
  • Foster a student-centered culture that encourages creativity, ownership, leadership development, and collaboration.
  • Manage student staffing budgets, payroll processes, and workforce planning.
  • Support assessment initiatives by gathering feedback and implementing continuous improvement strategies.
  • Prepare reports, recommendations, and planning materials that support departmental and divisional goals.

Support Student Success and Leadership Development

  • Mentor and coach student leaders while promoting innovation and engagement through the arts.
  • Cultivate an environment where students feel empowered to explore creative opportunities and build community.
  • Represent the Arts Annex in divisional initiatives that advance student belonging, engagement, and wellbeing.
  • Promote accessibility and inclusive practices that ensure all students can meaningfully participate in programs and experiences.

Advance Marketing and Community Engagement

  • Manage social media platforms and digital communication strategies for the Arts Annex.
  • Create engaging content that highlights programs, workshops, facilities, and opportunities for involvement.
  • Support marketing efforts designed to increase awareness, participation, and community connection.
  • Oversee reservation and registration systems to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
  • Maintain strong communication with students, campus partners, and stakeholders.

Build Campus Partnerships Through the Arts

  • Develop collaborative relationships with faculty, departments, student organizations, and community partners.
  • Strengthen connections between the Arts Annex and the Rubenstein Arts Center.
  • Support interdisciplinary programming and innovative arts experiences.
  • Identify opportunities to expand student participation and create impactful engagement initiatives.
  • Contribute to special projects that advance and enrich the student experience.

Contribute to the Duke Community

  • Participate on committees, working groups, and professional development opportunities.
  • Serve as a collaborative partner across the university.
  • Perform other duties that support departmental, divisional, and university goals.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work generally requires two years experience in personnel, college or university administration, or a related field to acquire skills necessary to provide program management, advising and general administrative support. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications.

Experience

  • Three or more years of experience supporting student activities, student organizations, arts programming, media production, or campus engagement initiatives.
  • Experience supervising student employees and supporting student leadership development.
  • Experience managing budgets, operational resources, and assessment processes.
  • Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and events.
  • Experience working in arts, performance, creative, or student-centered environments.

Why Duke?

At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community driven by purpose, creativity, and collaboration. Through innovative programs, world-class resources, and a commitment to student success, Duke empowers team members to make a meaningful impact every day.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to bring their unique perspectives and talents to our community.

Choose Duke.

Join a team that inspires creativity, cultivates belonging, and empowers students to explore their passions through the arts. Your leadership will help shape transformative experiences that enrich campus life and strengthen Duke's creative community.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help create opportunities for students to imagine boldly, express themselves authentically, and build lasting connections through the arts.


Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $48,899.00 to USD $77,510.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.


Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/


Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US