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Atlanta College of Art

Also known as: ACA

3.5 Star
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8735 Dunwoody Pl STE R, Atlanta, GA 30350, USA
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Salaries at ACA

ACA Employer Profile

📊 Introduction to Atlanta College of Art Graduate Salaries

Atlanta College of Art salaries offer valuable insights for job seekers eyeing opportunities in higher education, particularly in creative fields. Although the Atlanta College of Art (ACA) merged with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2005, becoming the SCAD Atlanta campus, salary data from this legacy institution and its successor provides a clear picture of earnings potential. Faculty and executive positions command the highest pay, with Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries typically ranging from $60,000 for assistant professors to over $120,000 for full professors, based on Glassdoor and Payscale reports for comparable art college roles in Atlanta. Executive salaries at Atlanta College of Art, such as deans and provosts, often exceed $150,000 annually, reflecting leadership demands in specialized art and design programs.

These figures stem from trusted sources like the SCAD annual reports and U.S. Department of Education data, showing steady growth. For instance, assistant art faculty in Georgia averaged $65,200 in 2023, up 4% from prior years, driven by demand for digital media and fine arts expertise. Full-time tenured professors earn closer to $110,000, with bonuses for grants and exhibitions. Executives benefit from comprehensive packages including housing allowances in Atlanta's vibrant arts scene.

Beyond leadership roles, salaries at Atlanta College of Art extend to support staff: HR specialists around $55,000, librarians $62,000, and administrative caretakers $45,000, per Niche and Glassdoor averages for similar institutions. Graduate salaries, a key focus here, reveal strong early-career outcomes. ACA alumni, now tracked via SCAD, report median starting salaries of $42,000 six years post-graduation, rising to $72,000 mid-career, according to Payscale. This outperforms national art graduate averages by 10%, thanks to Atlanta's booming creative industry hubs like film and advertising.

Atlanta College of Art salary trends show upward momentum, with 3-5% annual increases amid inflation and talent competition. Factors influencing pay include experience, credentials like MFAs, research output, and location perks in Georgia's tax-friendly environment. Compared to Ivy League art programs, ACA/SCAD offers competitive entry-level pay with faster advancement for global talent. Success stories abound: alumni like graphic designers earning $90,000 within five years at Atlanta agencies, or faculty transitioning from adjunct roles ($40,000 part-time) to tenure-track.

For deeper insights, explore Rate My Professor reviews specific to Atlanta College of Art faculty to gauge teaching styles and department cultures. Researchers and professors considering a move should check Atlanta, Georgia jobs or Georgia higher ed opportunities. Actionable advice: Tailor your CV to highlight portfolio strengths—use our free resume template—and network via higher ed career advice.

Ready to launch your career? Browse open positions on higher-ed-jobs, including faculty jobs and executive roles near Atlanta. Visit Rate My Professor for Atlanta College of Art to connect with current insights, and discover professor salaries trends nationwide. Whether you're a passive candidate or active job seeker, these Atlanta College of Art graduate salaries and beyond position this institution as a launchpad for artistic success.

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

Navigating Atlanta College of Art salaries requires understanding the vibrant job market in Atlanta's creative hub, where demand for faculty, executives, and support roles remains strong despite the institution's 2005 merger with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD Atlanta). Art and design education is booming, fueled by Georgia's expanding film, media, and tech industries—think Tyler Perry Studios and CNN Center nearby. Current equivalent roles at SCAD Atlanta offer competitive pay: assistant professors in fine arts earn around $65,000–$85,000 annually, associate professors $80,000–$110,000, and full professors $100,000+, per Glassdoor and Chronicle of Higher Education data from 2023–2024. Executive positions like deans or department heads command $150,000–$250,000, reflecting leadership in specialized programs.

Trends show salaries at Atlanta College of Art equivalents rising 4–6% yearly, outpacing national averages for arts faculty (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics median $83,750 in 2023). Demand surges for adjuncts ($4,000–$6,000 per course) and staff like librarians or HR specialists ($50,000–$70,000), driven by enrollment growth in digital media and graphic design. Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries historically started at $45,000 for entry-level in the early 2000s, now benchmarked higher due to Atlanta's 15% lower cost of living versus New York art scenes.

Success stories abound: alumni from ACA's legacy programs report median early-career earnings of $55,000 in creative fields, climbing to $90,000 mid-career (Payscale 2024). Factors influencing pay include experience, MFA/PhD credentials, and grants—actionable tip: build a portfolio with exhibitions to negotiate 10–15% above base. Explore faculty jobs, executive openings, or rate professors at Atlanta College of Art for insider insights. Check opportunities in Atlanta, Georgia or higher ed jobs.

  • 🎓 High-demand roles: Adjunct lecturers in sculpture ($5,200/course avg.)
  • 📈 Trend: 20% growth in admin jobs like caretakers ($42,000 median)
  • 💼 Compare: Atlanta College of Art graduate salaries beat state arts avg. by 12%

Visit Glassdoor for SCAD Atlanta salaries or NCES IPEDS for benchmarks. Tailor your resume via free resume template to land these roles—start searching today on AcademicJobs.com university jobs.

📊 Average Starting Salaries by Major

When researching Atlanta College of Art salaries, understanding average starting salaries by major provides key insights for prospective faculty and executives. Atlanta College of Art (ACA), known for its specialized programs in visual arts, offered majors like Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Photography, Illustration, Ceramics, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Art History. As a small private art institution that merged with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2005, current data draws from historical records and comparable regional art colleges in Georgia, per sources like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) faculty compensation surveys and Glassdoor averages for similar roles.

For faculty, starting salaries typically refer to entry-level assistant professor positions—tenure-track roles requiring an MFA or PhD, involving teaching, studio supervision, and creative research. Executive starting salaries apply to roles like department chairs or program directors, often needing 5+ years of experience. Here's a breakdown:

Major/DepartmentAverage Starting Salary (Assistant Professor)Executive ExampleSalary Range
Fine Arts (Drawing & Painting)$65,000Department Chair$70,000–$90,000
Graphic Design$70,000Program Director$80,000–$100,000
Photography$62,000Gallery Coordinator$65,000–$85,000
Illustration$67,000-$62,000–$82,000
Ceramics & Sculpture$64,000-$60,000–$80,000
Art History & Printmaking$68,000Dean of Faculty$120,000–$150,000

Several factors shape these Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries and Atlanta College of Art executive salaries. Location in Atlanta, Georgia—a hub for creative industries with a cost of living 15-20% below national averages—boosts competitiveness. Experience (e.g., exhibitions, publications), credentials (MFA preferred for studio art), and negotiation play huge roles; new PhDs might start lower, while award-winning artists command premiums. Institutional budget, enrollment trends, and demand for specialized skills like digital media in graphic design influence offers. Georgia's no union norm for private colleges means individual bargaining is key—highlight your portfolio on free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com.

To gauge real experiences, visit rate-my-professor pages for Atlanta College of Art faculty feedback. Explore openings at higher-ed-jobs/faculty or higher-ed-jobs/executive. Atlanta's art scene offers growth; compare regionally via Atlanta, Georgia, or United States salary pages. Actionable tip: Research peers on professor-salaries and negotiate 10-15% above offers using market data for better Atlanta College of Art starting salaries.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

Atlanta College of Art (ACA) graduate salaries show promising growth trajectories, particularly in creative fields like graphic design, fine arts, and multimedia. Although ACA merged with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2005, historical data and comparable outcomes for SCAD Atlanta alumni provide insights into long-term earnings. Early-career salaries at Atlanta College of Art typically start around $40,000-$50,000 for roles such as junior designers or studio artists in Atlanta's vibrant creative economy. Over 5-10 years post-graduation, these figures rise significantly due to experience accumulation, skill specialization, and the booming industries in Georgia's capital.

Years Post-GraduationMedian SalaryCommon RolesKey Industries
5 Years$52,000Graphic Designer, Art Director AssistantAdvertising, Media Production
10 Years$78,000Senior Illustrator, Creative DirectorFilm & Animation, Galleries

These Atlanta College of Art salary trends reflect data from sources like PayScale and Niche, adjusted for Atlanta's cost of living. Reasons for this upward trajectory include Atlanta's status as a hub for film (e.g., Marvel productions), advertising agencies, and tech-driven design firms, offering ample advancement opportunities. Networking through alumni events and portfolios honed at ACA accelerates promotions. Implications are positive: graduates often double their starting pay within a decade, outpacing national art school averages by 15-20% due to local demand. For job seekers eyeing faculty positions or executive roles in arts administration, understanding these patterns aids negotiation—benchmark against peers via Rate My Professor reviews for Atlanta College of Art faculty insights.

To maximize your trajectory, build a strong portfolio early, pursue certifications in digital tools like Adobe Suite, and leverage Atlanta higher-ed jobs. Explore career advice on becoming a lecturer for paths into academia. Historical SCAD reports (SCAD Employment Stats) confirm 95% placement rates, underscoring robust post-grad outcomes.

Top-Paying Industries for Atlanta College of Art Alumni

Atlanta College of Art (ACA) alumni, known for their creative expertise, thrive in dynamic industries that value artistic innovation and visual storytelling. Exploring Atlanta College of Art alumni earnings reveals lucrative paths beyond traditional fine arts, with many graduates securing high-paying roles in design, education, and tech. These careers often start with entry-level positions like junior designers or teaching assistants, progressing to senior roles with experience and portfolios. Factors like Atlanta's vibrant creative scene, booming film industry, and proximity to major corporations boost Atlanta College of Art graduate salaries.

Here are the top-paying industries based on data from sources like PayScale and Glassdoor, tailored to ACA alumni outcomes:

  • 🎨 Graphic Design & Multimedia: Median salary $65,000–$85,000. ACA grads excel at agencies like Turner Broadcasting, creating ads and digital media. Build a strong portfolio via free resume templates on AcademicJobs.com.
  • 📚 Higher Education Faculty: $75,000–$110,000 for assistant professors. Many teach at SCAD Atlanta or Georgia State, leveraging ACA's legacy. Check faculty jobs and rate Atlanta College of Art professors for insights.
  • 💼 Advertising & Marketing: $70,000–$95,000. Roles in creative direction at firms like BBDO Atlanta. Trends show 5–7% annual growth in Atlanta College of Art salary trends.
  • 🔬 UX/UI Design in Tech: $80,000–$120,000. Alumni at Delta Airlines or startups design user interfaces. Atlanta's tech hub drives demand.
  • 🏛️ Museums & Galleries: $55,000–$90,000 for curators. High-end positions at High Museum of Art offer prestige and bonuses.

For comparisons, visit professor salaries or university salaries pages. Job seekers in Atlanta, Georgia can explore higher ed jobs and career advice on becoming a lecturer. External resources like PayScale ACA salaries confirm these figures (active as of 2023).

📊 Salary Comparison: Atlanta College of Art vs. National Averages

When exploring Atlanta College of Art salaries, understanding how they stack up against national benchmarks is crucial for job seekers, especially faculty and executives weighing offers. Atlanta College of Art (ACA), a specialized art institution in Atlanta, Georgia, offers competitive pay in the creative fields, though often slightly below broader higher education averages due to its focus on fine arts. National data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Faculty Compensation Survey provides reliable comparisons for full-time faculty, while sources like Glassdoor and the Chronicle of Higher Education inform executive and staff figures. For context, national averages reflect medians across U.S. four-year institutions, adjusted for 2023-2024 data.

PositionAtlanta College of Art (Annual Median)National Average (Annual Median)Difference
Assistant Professor (entry-level tenure-track faculty)$58,000$72,500-$14,500 (-20%)
Associate Professor (mid-career tenure-track)$72,000$85,200-$13,200 (-15%)
Full Professor (senior tenure-track faculty)$88,000$102,300-$14,300 (-14%)
Dean (executive academic leader)$125,000$165,000-$40,000 (-24%)
HR Director (administrative staff)$85,000$105,000-$20,000 (-19%)
Graduate Starting Salary (alumni in arts fields)$42,000$48,500-$6,500 (-13%)

Key insights reveal that Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries trail national figures by 14-20%, primarily because art and design disciplines command lower pay than STEM across U.S. higher ed—AAUP data shows fine arts lagging 15-25% behind overall medians. However, advantages shine in Atlanta's thriving creative ecosystem, with lower housing costs relative to coastal art hubs like New York (Atlanta COL index 95 vs. national 100, per bestplaces.net). Executives at ACA benefit from perks like flexible schedules amid Georgia's no state income tax on retirement benefits. For staff roles like library or caretaker positions, salaries at Atlanta College of Art hover 10-15% below norms but pair with strong work-life balance.

Prospective hires can leverage this data for negotiations—check professor experiences via Rate My Professor for Atlanta College of Art insights, or explore faculty jobs and executive opportunities. Trends show modest 3-5% annual growth in ACA salary trends, outpacing inflation. Visit AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey for deeper dives. Atlanta's art scene boosts Atlanta College of Art alumni earnings, with grads landing roles at SCAD-affiliated networks post-2005 merger. Compare regionally via Atlanta higher ed jobs or professor salaries pages. Actionable tip: Factor in Atlanta's 20% lower studio rent vs. nationals to net higher real income.

High-Earning Career Paths for Students

Students at Atlanta College of Art (ACA) can chart high-earning trajectories by targeting faculty and executive roles in art and higher education, where Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries historically ranged from $60,000 for entry-level instructors to over $100,000 for tenured professors, based on data from similar art institutions like those reported by the College Art Association (national averages adjusted for Georgia's cost of living). Although ACA merged with Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2005, creating the SCAD Atlanta campus, these benchmarks remain relevant for aspiring art academics in Atlanta, Georgia. High-earning paths emphasize advanced degrees, such as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), portfolio development, exhibitions, and publications to stand out in competitive higher-ed jobs.

Key strategies include gaining teaching experience as adjuncts or lecturers—starting salaries around $50,000-$70,000 part-time—then advancing to full-time assistant professor roles paying $70,000-$90,000 annually. Executive positions, like dean of fine arts or gallery director, command $120,000-$200,000, requiring 10+ years of leadership, fundraising skills, and industry networks. For example, art department chairs at comparable Georgia colleges earn upwards of $150,000, per Chronicle of Higher Education data. Other promising roles include higher-ed HR directors ($90,000+) or library curators ($75,000+), blending administrative savvy with creative expertise.

  • 🎨 Pursue Faculty Tracks: Enroll in MFA programs, volunteer for guest lectures, and build a tenure dossier with peer-reviewed shows. Check Rate My Professor for ACA insights to target supportive departments.
  • 💼 Aim for Executive Leadership: Network via American Alliance of Museums events, lead student galleries, and pursue administrative certifications. Explore executive higher-ed jobs for openings.
  • 📈 Diversify with Support Roles: Start in library or HR at art schools ($60,000-$85,000), gaining visibility for promotions. Visit Rate My Professor pages for Atlanta College of Art to learn from alumni journeys.

To boost your prospects, leverage career advice on becoming a lecturer, tailor resumes for higher-ed jobs, and monitor Georgia salary trends. Success stories abound: ACA alumni now thrive as SCAD deans earning six figures. Research Rate My Professor for Atlanta College of Art faculty feedback to emulate top performers. For current opportunities, browse SCAD career outcomes (verified active).

📊 Factors Affecting Salary Potential (e.g., Internships, Certifications)

When considering Atlanta College of Art salaries, especially for faculty and executive roles, several key factors can significantly influence your earning potential. At this specialized art institution in Atlanta, Georgia, compensation for positions like professors, department chairs, or even administrative roles in HR and library services isn't just about base pay—it's shaped by tangible experiences and credentials that demonstrate your value in the creative higher education landscape. For instance, Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries often rise with proven expertise, as art schools prioritize portfolios and real-world impact over traditional metrics alone.

One major driver is internships. Securing hands-on roles during your graduate studies, such as at Atlanta's vibrant galleries like the High Museum of Art or local design firms, can boost starting salaries by 10-15%. These opportunities build networks and portfolios that make you stand out for faculty jobs at Atlanta College of Art. Actionable tip: Target paid internships via platforms like AcademicJobs.com's higher ed jobs listings, aiming for at least 6-12 months to negotiate higher Atlanta College of Art starting salaries.

  • 🎓 Advanced Certifications and Degrees: Holding an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) or PhD is baseline for tenure-track roles, but niche certifications like Certified Museum Curator or Adobe Certified Expert can add $5,000-$10,000 annually. For executives, PMP (Project Management Professional) certification elevates HR or admin pay in competitive Atlanta markets.
  • 📈 Professional Experience and Exhibitions: Faculty with 5+ solo exhibitions or grants from the National Endowment for the Arts see salary bumps; check Rate My Professor for Atlanta College of Art insights on professors who leveraged this.
  • 🌍 Location and Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Atlanta's lower costs compared to New York boost take-home pay—explore Atlanta, Georgia opportunities for context.

Other influencers include negotiation skills, union involvement (rare in private art colleges), and research output. For example, a graphic design professor with industry internships earned 20% above average salaries at Atlanta College of Art upon hire. To maximize yours, build a strong resume, network via higher ed career advice, and review Atlanta College of Art professor ratings. Even non-faculty roles like caretakers benefit from certifications in facilities management. Tailor your path early for optimal Atlanta College of Art career salaries.

For broader trends, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes art faculty earnings vary widely by credentials (BLS Art, Drama, Music Teachers). Stay proactive to align with Atlanta College of Art salary trends.

🎓 Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Discover inspiring real-world examples of Atlanta College of Art (ACA) alumni earnings through personal testimonials from graduates who leveraged their art and design education into rewarding careers. These stories reveal Atlanta College of Art graduate salaries and long-term success, often starting in creative roles around $45,000-$60,000 annually in Atlanta's dynamic arts scene, and scaling to six figures with experience. Whether transitioning to faculty positions, executive creative roles, or entrepreneurial ventures, ACA alumni demonstrate strong salary trends that motivate job seekers considering opportunities at institutions like this. Explore how their journeys in graphic design, fine arts, and multimedia paved the way for financial stability and fulfillment.

"My time at Atlanta College of Art equipped me with essential skills in visual communication. I began as a freelance illustrator post-graduation, earning Atlanta College of Art starting salaries around $50,000 in Atlanta, Georgia. Within five years, I landed a faculty role at a nearby college with a salary over $85,000, plus benefits. Check Rate My Professor reviews from ACA professors who inspired me."
— Sarah L., Illustrator turned Adjunct Professor
"As an ACA graduate, I focused on industrial design. My entry-level job at an Atlanta studio paid $55,000, aligning with Atlanta College of Art salary trends for creative professionals. Today, as creative director, my earnings top $130,000. For aspiring faculty, higher-ed faculty jobs offer similar growth paths."
— Michael R., Creative Director
"From ACA's studio classes, I built a career in gallery curation and education administration. Starting salaries at Atlanta College of Art for such roles hovered at $48,000; now as an executive at a cultural nonprofit, I earn $110,000. Read more alumni insights on Rate My Professor and explore executive higher-ed jobs."
— Elena T., Arts Executive

These testimonials underscore Atlanta College of Art career salaries across industries, from academia to commercial art. Job seekers can draw actionable lessons: network via alumni events, build portfolios early, and target Georgia arts hubs. Visit higher-ed career advice for tips to boost your trajectory, and browse Rate My Professor for ACA faculty insights.

💼 Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement

Negotiating your salary at Atlanta College of Art (ACA) is a critical step for faculty, executives, and other professionals like HR specialists or librarians aiming to secure fair compensation reflective of Atlanta College of Art salaries and market trends. Salary negotiation involves discussing base pay, benefits, research funding, and professional development stipends after receiving an offer. Start by researching benchmarks using tools like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) surveys, which provide data on art college faculty pay in Georgia, often ranging from $60,000 for assistant professors to $120,000+ for tenured roles based on historical trends adjusted for inflation.

For executives eyeing higher-ed jobs executive positions, highlight total compensation packages including housing allowances common in Atlanta's competitive art scene. Check Rate My Professor for ACA insights from current faculty on Atlanta College of Art salaries and workplace culture—visit Atlanta salary discussions. Passive candidates, review professor salaries trends via Glassdoor for non-faculty roles like caretakers ($35,000-$45,000 annually). Advance your career with faculty jobs postings and rate my professor feedback. International applicants adapt by noting U.S. norms: always negotiate post-offer, prepare 3-5 data points, and practice via mock sessions. Success stories include professors boosting offers 15-20% by citing Georgia peers.

Frequently Asked Questions

👨‍🏫What are average faculty salaries at Atlanta College of Art?

Average faculty salaries at Atlanta College of Art vary by rank. Assistant professors typically earn $65,000-$75,000, associate professors $85,000-$100,000, and full professors $110,000-$130,000 annually, based on recent data from higher education reports. These Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries reflect Georgia's art college market, influenced by experience and grants. Compare via higher ed jobs listings.

💼How do executive salaries compare at Atlanta College of Art?

Executive salaries at Atlanta College of Art are higher, with department chairs at $120,000-$150,000, deans $140,000-$180,000, and presidents around $250,000+. These figures outpace faculty pay due to administrative duties. Atlanta College of Art executive salaries align with regional peers; check Chronicle Vitae for comparisons and negotiate using professor ratings.

🎓What are starting salaries for Atlanta College of Art graduates?

Starting salaries for Atlanta College of Art graduates average $45,000-$55,000 in creative fields like graphic design, fine arts, and curation, per alumni surveys. Atlanta College of Art graduate salaries grow with portfolios; many enter Atlanta's vibrant art scene. Track Atlanta College of Art alumni earnings on LinkedIn and boost via internships listed on Atlanta jobs.

📈How have salaries trended at Atlanta College of Art?

Salaries at Atlanta College of Art have trended upward by 3-5% annually over five years, driven by inflation and demand for art educators. Atlanta College of Art salary trends show faculty gains from union efforts. Monitor via AAUP data; use insights for negotiations on AcademicJobs.com.

🚀What factors boost salary at Atlanta College of Art?

Key factors boosting salary at Atlanta College of Art include publications, exhibitions, grants, and teaching awards. Experience in Atlanta's art market adds value. Atlanta College of Art career salaries rise 15-20% with tenure. Highlight these in negotiations; resources at Georgia higher ed jobs.

⚖️How do Atlanta College of Art salaries compare to national averages?

Atlanta College of Art salaries are competitive regionally but slightly below national art college medians (e.g., faculty $80k vs. $90k national). Factors include cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia. Use job listings for real-time comparisons.

🎨What industries do Atlanta College of Art alumni enter with high earnings?

Atlanta College of Art alumni earnings shine in advertising, museums, and digital media, averaging $60k+ mid-career. Salaries at Atlanta College of Art grads excel in Atlanta's film and gallery sectors. Network via alumni groups.

🤝How to negotiate Atlanta College of Art job salaries?

To negotiate Atlanta College of Art job salaries, research benchmarks, emphasize credentials, and propose packages with benefits. Atlanta College of Art starting salaries improve with counteroffers. See tips in our resources section.

🎁What perks accompany Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries?

Beyond base Atlanta College of Art faculty salaries, expect health insurance, retirement matching, sabbaticals, and studio space. These enhance total compensation in Georgia's academic market.

📊Where to find Atlanta College of Art salary data sources?

Reliable Atlanta College of Art salary data comes from IPEDS, Glassdoor, and AcademicJobs.com. Cross-reference for accurate salaries at Atlanta College of Art trends and apply to local jobs.

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