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Professional Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whether you're an educator or a professional artist, you'll design and implement age-appropriate curriculum for our three divisions. * Sample classes: Musical Theater, School of Rock, Mixed Media ...

Day Camp Staff

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Whether you're an educator or a professional artist, you'll design and implement age-appropriate curriculum for our three divisions. * Sample classes: Musical Theater, School of Rock, Mixed Media ...

... as part of a professional creative toolkit. * Agile Mindset: The ability to pivot between ... Passion for the ethical and creative evolution of AI in the arts. What Success Looks Like * You are ...

... as part of a professional creative toolkit. * Agile Mindset: The ability to pivot between ... Passion for the ethical and creative evolution of AI in the arts. What Success Looks Like * You are ...

ASU Gammage is seeking innovative and creative part-time Teaching Artist Aides that support an afterschool elementary musical theatre program and provide professional development to teachers at Title ...

Lash Artist

Lutz, FL · On-site

$115K - $138K/yr

We have a beautiful, professional treatment room available for rent inside our growing med spaideal for a lash artist who already has a strong client base and is ready to elevate their business in an ...

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Professional Artist information

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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:
What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs? The most popular types of Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Artist jobs include:
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.

Assistant Professor of Theater (Design)

Carleton University

Northfield, MN • On-site

$87K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted just now


Job description

The Department of Theater and Dance at Carleton College invites applicants for a tenure track position in theatrical design to begin in the fall of 2027. An MFA or commensurate professional experience is required.
The search committee seeks a dynamic professional artist who is committed to developing an inclusive pedagogy, rooted in a commitment to diversity and student transformation within a liberal arts context. This faculty member will develop and lead the theatrical design focus of the major and teach courses in multiple design/production areas with a primary focus in either scenic or costume design. Ideal candidates will have experience designing productions for both theater and dance. Carleton operates on a 10-week trimester calendar, with tenure track positions teaching the equivalent of five courses during the year. As part of the 5-course teaching load, the candidate will also design on the production season and provide mentorship for student designers. The appointment will begin on September 1, 2027.
We are particularly interested in candidates committed to teaching a diverse student body. Carleton is committed to developing its faculty to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Women and members of underrepresented population groups at Carleton are strongly encouraged to apply.
The following materials are required: letter of application; curriculum vitae; creative portfolio (link to online portfolio is sufficient); a statement about teaching students from diverse backgrounds in an undergraduate, residential liberal arts environment. After passing through an initial screening process, applicants may receive a request for the contact information for three references, including at least one who is able to specifically address teaching experience. Review of applications will begin on September 1st, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. All application materials can be submitted here.
Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities.
The expected starting salary range is $87,480 - $91,460. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. We offer a robust suite of benefits including:
  • A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution
  • Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with a student body of approximately 2,000. Located in the thriving two-college town of Northfield, Minnesota, it is forty-five miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, in easy reach of a vibrant metropolitan area that is home to three million people and rich cultural resources, including a thriving local theatre community.
For further information about the department consult the Department of Theater and Dance website: https://www.carleton.edu/theater-dance/