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Visual Arts Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PT Visual Arts Instructor

NC ยท On-site

$35.85/hr

The teaching load encompasses a variety of 2-D Media Art courses, such as Drawing, 2-D Design, Painting, and Art Appreciation, aligned with the AFA-Visual Arts program. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND ...

Visual Arts Specialist

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Instructors utilize and adapt the New York State Arts Learning Standards to create an engaging and ... Organize, lead, and promote interest in arts activities such as visual art, fashion, painting ...

Visual Arts Specialist

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Instructors utilize and adapt the New York State Arts Learning Standards to create an engaging and ... Organize, lead, and promote interest in arts activities such as visual art, fashion, painting ...

Visual Arts Specialist

Hollis, NY ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Instructors utilize and adapt the New York State Arts Learning Standards to create an engaging and ... Organize, lead, and promote interest in arts activities such as visual art, fashion, painting ...

Visual Arts Specialist

Woodside, NY ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Instructors utilize and adapt the New York State Arts Learning Standards to create an engaging and ... Organize, lead, and promote interest in arts activities such as visual art, fashion, painting ...

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Visual ARTS Instructor information

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$19K

$61.4K

$130K

How much do visual arts instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual arts instructor in the United States is $61,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying visual arts career?

In the field of visual arts, careers such as art director, creative director, or multimedia artist tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually for experienced professionals. These roles typically require strong leadership skills, advanced technical proficiency, and extensive industry experience.

What is the difference between Visual Arts Instructor vs Art Teacher?

AspectVisual Arts InstructorArt Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in art or education, sometimes a teaching certificationUsually requires a bachelor's degree in art or education, often with state certification
Work EnvironmentArt studios, community centers, schools, collegesPublic and private schools, educational institutions
Employer & IndustryArt schools, community programs, educational institutionsPublic/private schools, school districts
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in art education, community art programsPeople seeking traditional school-based art teaching positions

Both Visual Arts Instructors and Art Teachers work in educational settings and require similar credentials. However, Visual Arts Instructors often focus on community programs or specialized art studios, while Art Teachers are primarily employed in K-12 schools. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their qualifications and career goals.

What is a visual arts instructor?

A visual arts instructor teaches students techniques and concepts in art forms such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. They often work in schools, community centers, or art studios, and may hold certifications or degrees in art education or related fields to effectively guide learners of various ages and skill levels.

What are some common challenges Visual Arts Instructors face when engaging diverse student groups, and how can they address them?

Visual Arts Instructors often work with students who have varying skill levels, backgrounds, and learning styles. A common challenge is ensuring that lessons remain accessible and inspiring for everyone, from beginners to advanced students. Instructors can address this by differentiating instruction, offering individualized feedback, and incorporating a variety of materials and techniques to keep students engaged. Building a supportive classroom environment and encouraging peer collaboration also help foster creativity and inclusivity.

Is there a shortage of art teachers?

The demand for art teachers, including visual arts instructors, varies by region but generally exceeds supply in many areas due to a shortage of qualified candidates and increased emphasis on arts education. Schools often seek candidates with a bachelor's degree in art or education and relevant teaching certifications to fill these positions.

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

To thrive as a Visual Arts Instructor, you need a solid background in art theory, studio techniques, and teaching methods, often supported by a degree in fine arts or art education. Familiarity with digital design tools, classroom management software, and traditional art materials is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and adaptability help instructors engage diverse learners and foster a positive classroom environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for inspiring students, effectively delivering instruction, and supporting artistic growth.

How to become a visual arts teacher?

To become a visual arts teacher, you typically need a bachelor's degree in art education or a related field, along with state certification or licensure for teaching. Developing strong artistic skills, classroom management abilities, and knowledge of curriculum standards are also important for this role.
What cities are hiring for Visual Arts Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Visual Arts Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Visual Arts Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Visual Arts Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Visual Arts Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,375 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Teaching Artist: Visual Arts

Teaching Artist: Visual Arts

YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

$48K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 hours ago


Job description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you'll discover more than just a job-you'll enjoy a career with the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
TARGET DATES
Summer programming with potential for year-round programming. Hours based on availability and site specific needs
MINIMUM CRITERIA
  • Established local visual arts instructor with at least one year of teaching experience
  • Ability to work cooperatively with a team
  • Daytime, afternoon, and/or weekend availability
  • Reliability, follow-through
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check

JOB SEGMENTS
  • Create lessons for art projects, from concept to execution, and work with Y Arts staff to develop the class logistics, including class description, supplies list, and any other medium specifics
  • Instruct a class of up to 25 students (usually co-teaching with another artist)
  • Maybe multiple sites on multiple days
  • Travel to program sites, bring program supplies to sites as needed
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of the Y Arts Program Director with additional oversight from the Executive Director, Visual Arts Instructors will teach enrichment in schools, after-school programs, summer programs, and at YMCA branches. A teacher must show passion and thorough knowledge of the craft, and the ability to manage a classroom. Flexible schedule and teaching experience are preferred.
Our ideal candidate has a passion for youth development that equals their passion for the arts and will serve as a role model for youth by modeling exemplary behavior.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The YMCA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring or other terms or conditions of employment based on race, color, gender, gender identity, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, ethnicity, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military status or application or any other basis protected by state, federal or other applicable law.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit ("YMCA") is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The YMCA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring or other terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, ethnicity, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military status or application or any other basis protected by state, federal or other applicable law.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our programs. We hold all staff, regardless of position, to the highest possible standards. We require all staff to be screened regularly and sign a code of conduct. All staff will be monitored when interacting with
program participants. We take any inappropriate interactions between program
participants and with staff very seriously and will fully cooperate with
authorities in any case of abuse.