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Professional Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MACNY's Job Board

Paintmaker - 2nd Shift

New Berlin, NY · On-site

$18.76 - $23.44/hr

We do this by building our world class brands of professional artist paints, and by supporting the arts with partners who share our values and mission. Individuals are required to operate and be ...

MACNY's Job Board

Paintmaker - 2nd Shift

New Berlin, NY · On-site

$23.44/hr

We do this by building our world class brands of professional artist paints, and by supporting the arts with partners who share our values and mission. Responsibilities Individuals are required to ...

MACNY's Job Board

Paintmaker - 2nd Shift

New Berlin, NY · On-site

$18.76 - $23.44/hr

We do this by building our world class brands of professional artist paints, and by supporting the arts with partners who share our values and mission. Responsibilities Individuals are required to ...

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How much do professional artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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, adhering to deadlines and client specifications.

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 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs?

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What states have the most Professional Artist jobs?

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Professional Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Teaching Artist - Theater/Dramatic Arts

Police Athletic League, Inc.

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$125/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About the Organization:
The Police Athletic League (or PAL) is New York City's largest independent youth development organization. We operate diverse programs from Head Start, Day Car and Universal Pre-K programs; to elementary and middle school after-school programs, summer day camps and summer Playstreets. We run evening teen centers and college readiness programs, as well as youth employment and juvenile justice programs. In its over a century of service, PAL is continuing its evolution and remains a vibrant and vital New York City institution.
Position Summary
The Teaching Artist - Theater/Dramatic Arts is an accomplished theater professional responsible for designing and delivering a dynamic, high-quality theater program for middle school and high school participants. The Teaching Artist combines professional artistic experience with exceptional instructional skills to cultivate creativity, confidence, collaboration, and self-expression through acting and performance. This individual will create an engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment while mentoring young people and inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
The Teaching Artist will develop a comprehensive theater curriculum, direct rehearsals, and prepare participants for a culminating theatrical performance or showcase that highlights participants' artistic growth and achievements. This role requires a seasoned educator and theater practitioner who can inspire excellence, adapt instruction to diverse learning needs, and serve as a positive role model both on and off the stage.
Schedule
  • Part-Time
  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
  • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Total of 9 hours per week

Compensation
$125.00 per hour
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Design and implement a comprehensive theater curriculum that develops acting technique, creative expression, collaboration, and stage confidence for youth ages 13-18.
  • Teach core theater concepts, including character development, scene study, improvisation, voice and diction, movement, script analysis, storytelling, and stage presence.
  • Develop engaging lesson plans with measurable learning objectives that progressively build participants' theatrical skills.
  • Direct rehearsals and coach participants in preparation for a culminating performance, showcase, or community presentation.
  • Select, adapt, or create age-appropriate scripts and performance material that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.
  • Prepare participants to perform confidently before live audiences by emphasizing professionalism, collaboration, stage etiquette, and performance techniques.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where participants feel safe to take creative risks and express themselves.
  • Differentiate instruction to meet participants with varying levels of theater experience and ability.
  • Mentor participants by promoting teamwork, leadership, communication, empathy, discipline, and self-confidence through the performing arts.
  • Assess participant progress and provide individualized feedback to support artistic growth.
  • Collaborate with site leadership to coordinate performances, family engagement opportunities, and special program events.
  • Maintain accurate attendance records, lesson plans, rehearsal schedules, and other required program documentation.
  • Ensure rehearsal spaces, props, scripts, and instructional materials are organized, safe, and well maintained.
  • Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by demonstrating professionalism, reliability, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience teaching theater, drama, or acting, preferably with middle school and high school youth.
  • Professional experience as an actor, director, playwright, teaching artist, or theater educator required.
  • Demonstrated expertise in acting instruction, directing, improvisation, and theater production.
  • Experience developing theater curriculum and directing performances, showcases, festivals, competitions, or community productions.
  • Experience preparing students for public performances, auditions, competitions, or theatrical productions is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working with adolescents in schools, after-school programs, community-based organizations, or youth development settings preferred.
  • Exceptional classroom management and youth engagement skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to inspire and mentor adolescents from diverse backgrounds while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and creative learning environment.

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Theater, Drama, Performing Arts, Arts Education, or a closely related field preferred.
  • Equivalent combinations of professional theater training, directing, acting, teaching, and production experience will be considered.
  • Specialized training, certifications, or recognized professional accomplishments in theater or dramatic arts are a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
At the Police Athletic League, we seek people who are talented, creative and passionate to help create a more inclusive city and better futures for our youth. We're devoted to empowering communities and building the best places to work, and that goes for our own teams too.
The Police Athletic League is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected characteristic including, but not limited to, an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy
Employment with PAL is contingent upon successful completion of all the Agency's lawful pre-employment checks, which may include a background check.

Apply