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Visual Artist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Concept Schools

Art Teacher

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Horizon Science Academy Des Moines School Art Teacher Position Purpose To develop students' interest, abilities, talents and skills for artistic expression and creativity in the visual arts, as well ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts, storytelling, and user experience design disciplines. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts, storytelling, and user experience design disciplines. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction:

Varsity Tutors

Drawing Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes seeing like an artist through careful observation and connects drawing to visual communication, design careers, and creative expression across artistic disciplines. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

Drawing Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes seeing like an artist through careful observation and connects drawing to visual communication, design careers, and creative expression across artistic disciplines. * Curriculum Awareness ...

City of Ames

Auditorium Technical Specialist

Ames, IA · On-site

$24.60 - $26.10/hr

Examples of Essential Job Functions Provides artistic & technical expertise to internal and ... A variety of general office equipment; telephone; audio-visual equipment; computer hardware ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsVisual Artist JobsVisual Artist Jobs in Iowa

Visual Artist information

See Iowa salary details

$34.3K

$101.3K

$143.2K

How much do visual artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual artist in Iowa is $101,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $142,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you get as a visual artist?

A visual artist can pursue various roles such as fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, concept artist, muralist, or art director. These jobs often require skills in drawing, painting, digital tools, and a strong portfolio, and may involve working in studios, advertising agencies, or freelance settings.

What is the difference between Visual Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectVisual ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt degrees, portfoliosDesign degrees, software skills
Work EnvironmentStudios, galleries, public spacesOffices, agencies, client sites
Industry UsageFine arts, exhibitions, installationsAdvertising, branding, marketing

While both Visual Artists and Graphic Designers create visual content, Visual Artists focus on personal or fine art projects often showcased in galleries or public spaces. Graphic Designers typically work on commercial projects like branding and advertising, using specific software tools. The roles overlap in creativity and visual communication but differ in purpose, environment, and industry focus.

How much money does a visual artist make?

The average salary for a visual artist varies widely depending on experience, location, and specialization, but typically ranges from $20,000 to $70,000 annually. Many visual artists supplement income through commissions, gallery sales, or teaching, and success often depends on portfolio quality and networking skills.

What does a visual artist do?

A visual artist creates works of art using a variety of materials. As a visual artist, your duties may be to draw images, work with paint, develop murals, design in 3D, or create art with mixed media. While many visual artists create art solely to display in galleries and sell to collectors, you can also work in a variety of other fields. Your responsibilities vary with the position, but you can work as an advertising specialist, marketing director, CAD designer, product designer, and more. Visual artists can also work in the movie industry, develop video games, or create brand images for a company. Social media is another growing area where visual artists can create content.

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

To thrive as a Visual Artist, you need a strong foundation in drawing, color theory, composition, and art history, often supported by a degree in fine arts or a related field. Familiarity with digital design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate, as well as traditional media, is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective self-promotion are essential soft skills for standing out in a competitive field. These abilities enable artists to produce compelling work, adapt to evolving media, and build a sustainable career.

What are 5 careers in visual artist?

Five careers for a visual artist include becoming a fine artist, graphic designer, illustrator, art director, or muralist. These roles often require proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio to showcase artistic skills. Opportunities exist in galleries, advertising agencies, publishing, and public art projects.

What is a visual artist?

Visual artists are creative professionals who use various mediums—such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and digital art—to express ideas, emotions, or concepts visually. Their work can be displayed in galleries, public spaces, online platforms, or commercial settings. Visual artists may work independently or collaborate with organizations, and they often develop unique styles or techniques. The field encompasses a wide range of specializations, including fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and more.

How do visual artists typically collaborate with other creative professionals during a project?

Visual artists often work closely with graphic designers, art directors, writers, and marketing teams to bring creative concepts to life. Collaboration usually involves participating in brainstorming sessions, interpreting briefs, and providing sketches or drafts for feedback. Clear communication and openness to constructive critique are essential, as projects may go through multiple revisions. This teamwork not only enhances the final product but also helps artists expand their creative network and skill set.
More about Visual Artist jobs
What are popular job titles related to Visual Artist jobs in Iowa? For Visual Artist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Visual Artist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Artist jobs in Iowa are:
Visual Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Artist job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,279 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Visual & Performing Arts

Graceland University

Lamoni, IA • On-site

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Graceland University is seeking an Adjunct Instructor of Voice to teach applied voice, 9-month contract, on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus beginning August 24, 2026. The successful candidate will provide individualized instruction to undergraduates while fostering healthy vocal technique and artistic growth.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Voice Performance, Vocal Pedagogy, or an allied field required. Doctorate preferred.
  • Functional keyboard skills.
  • Record of successful applied voice teaching.
  • Commitment to undergraduate teaching at a liberal arts institution.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Teach weekly applied voice lessons to undergraduate students.
  • Prepare students for recitals, auditions, and other performance opportunities.
  • Assess student progress and submit grades in accordance with university policies.
  • Participate in performances as appropriate.

Application Process

Qualified applicants should complete the employment application and include:

  • Cover letter or letter of interest
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Academic transcripts from all institutions of higher education
  • Three references (at least two which speak to the candidate's teaching ability)
  • Links to performance videos required.

Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic submissions are required and can be submitted online through the application process at https://www.graceland.edu/about/employment/.  Any questions should be directed to: Kimberly Manuel, Division Chair, Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts Departments, kmanuel@graceland.edu. 

Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We're looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University is a small, historic, private, liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and 120 miles north of Kansas City, MO. 

Graceland University welcomes your application and interest in the open positions listed on this website. Updates are made regularly, so please check back often. Benefits overview is available here. Graceland offers a generous paid time off policy, which includes vacation, sick leave and holiday pay.
Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.
Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.
All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.

Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We're looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.

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