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Visual Arts Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teaching Artist: Visual Arts

Detroit, MI

$48K - $61K/yr

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 ...

Teaching Artist: Visual Arts

Detroit, MI · On-site

$48K - $61K/yr

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 ...

PT Visual Arts Instructor

NC · 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 ...

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Visual Arts Instructor information

See salary details

$19K

$61.4K

$130K

How much do visual arts instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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 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.

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.

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.

Are art teachers in high demand?

Art teachers, including visual arts instructors, are generally in steady demand in educational institutions, especially those with strong arts programs. Employment opportunities depend on school budgets, regional demand for arts education, and certification requirements, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree and teaching credentials.

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. Their role includes developing lesson plans, providing feedback, and fostering creativity among learners.

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:

What are popular job titles related to Visual Arts Instructor jobs?

For Visual Arts Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Visual Arts Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,375 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Visual Arts Instructor - High School

Hartford, CT • On-site

Capitol Region Education Council
Outpatient Health Care • 1 - 5K employees

$49K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develops engaging curriculum, lessons, and project examples for visual arts students.

  • Assesses and implements lessons to meet the needs of all learners and organizes class time for instruction and demonstration.

  • Collaborates with colleagues to display student work, participate in school events, and support curriculum development.


Job description

Visual Arts Artist Instructor for CREC  Academy of International Studies Middle and High School 

Essential Functions: 

  • Develops engaging curriculum and daily lessons, and project examples.
  • Implementation and assessment of lessons to meet the needs of all learners.
  • Develops instructional plans and organizes class time to provide a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and working time.
  • In partnership with others, ensures students' work is displayed throughout the school.
  • Ensures students know how to properly take care of and utilize arts supplies.
  • Recording of daily attendance, preparation of grades and comments on interim and quarterly reports for all students, in addition to regular communication with parents, social workers, school counselors regarding student progress.
  • Collaborate with fellow artist instructors and non-arts academic subjects on various school projects and initiatives.
  • Builds opportunities for student work to be presented or showcased.
  • Actively participates in the school community which may include student concerts, competitions, productions, exhibitions, and recruitment activities, open houses, regular faculty meetings as well as professional development activities, and prepares documentation necessary to support school events, activities and curriculum development.
  • Assists with non-instructional duties as needed (i.e., study halls etc.).

Overall Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (see below for more information)

  • Must have extensive experience and/or schooling in one or more visual arts genres such as sculpture, mixed media, painting, drawing, contemporary art, murals, and/or printmaking. Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience teaching sculpture.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff.
  • Ability to organize and maintain accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement, and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
  • Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
  • Experience working with middle and/or high school-aged students.
  • Experience working in a high school setting is a plus. 

Requirements: 

  • Minimum requirement: must be eligible for a State Department of Education Adjunct Instructor Permit and/or  BA/BFA in related field, plus relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
  • Eligibility for a Connecticut State Department of Education Adjunct Arts Instructor Permit required, requirements for permit eligibility:
    • (1) hold a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by the Board of Governors of Higher Education, or regionally accredited,
    • (2) have a minimum of three years of work experience in the arts or one year of work and two years of specialized schooling related to the applicant's artistic specialty, and
    • (3) at least one hundred eighty hours of cumulative experience working with children in a private or public setting, including, but not limited to, afterschool programs, group lessons, children's programs, and artist-in-residence programs, or at least two years' experience as a full-time faculty member at an institution of higher education or been employed by an eligible inter-district magnet school for at least one year. 

Certification/License:

  • Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation to school site.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday.

7:10am - 2:25