Unlock Your Future in Art: Thrilling Academic Careers Await!
Art faculty jobs offer a dynamic blend of creativity and scholarship, attracting passionate educators to universities worldwide. From studio art to art history, these roles shape the next generation of artists while advancing innovative research. AcademicJobs.com features the latest higher ed faculty jobs in art, including tenure-track positions, adjunct roles, and department chairs. Students dreaming of academia should pursue a BFA followed by an MFA, essential for most art professor jobs.
Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) shows postsecondary art teachers earning a median of $83,470 annually, with projected 8% job growth through 2032—faster than average due to rising demand for digital media and interdisciplinary programs. Fringe opportunities abound: in Providence, Rhode Island, RISD faculty explore experimental bio-art, while California's CalArts emphasizes avant-garde performance. Check Rate My Professor for art faculty reviews before applying. Parents and job seekers, discover prestige and stability in professor jobs. Explore higher ed jobs now and launch your art career.
What to Study for Art Faculty Careers
Aspiring art professors typically start with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in studio art, visual arts, or art history, followed by a Master of Fine Arts (MFA)—held by 90% of tenure-track hires per 2023 ACE data. PhDs are common for art history roles. Unique programs include SCAD's Savannah fiber arts track, drawing on Southern textile traditions, or Yale's MFA with celebrity alumni like Titus Kaphar.
Students, use scholarships for funding and Ivy League guide for elite paths. Rate potential mentors on Rate My Professor.
Career Paths in Art Academia
Art graduates enter as adjunct instructors (common first step), advancing to assistant professor, associate, then full professor. Non-tenure paths include lecturers or curators. Trends show growth in digital art faculty, with NFT and VR specialists in demand—e.g., NYU's emerging media roles. Quirky anecdote: Forensic art professors at institutions like TIFFA train students in facial reconstruction for law enforcement.
Job seekers, browse adjunct professor jobs or lecturer jobs. International options via UniJobs.
Art Faculty Job Market Trends
In 2024, art faculty openings rose 12% per HigherEdJobs data, driven by retirements and expanded programs. Hotspots: New York City for contemporary art, Los Angeles for film-adjacent roles. Prestige peaks at MFA powerhouses like Columbia, where faculty exhibit at MoMA.
Staff and faculty, leverage higher ed career advice. Review departments on Rate My Professor.
Art Professor Salaries and Earnings
Expected earnings vary by role and location. Visit professor salaries for detailed breakdowns.
| Position | Average US Salary (2023 BLS) | Top Location Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjunct Instructor | $45,000 - $60,000 | Midwest colleges |
| Assistant Professor | $75,000 - $95,000 | CA public unis |
| Full Professor | $110,000 - $150,000+ | NYC privates |
Fringe high: RISD full profs average $140k with exhibitions boosting income. See professor salaries for updates.
Tips for Securing Art Faculty Jobs
Build a strong portfolio, publish in journals like Artforum, and network at CAA conferences. Tailor resumes with our free resume template. Students, rate courses on Rate My Course to choose wisely.
Find Art Faculty Jobs NowAssociations for Art
College Art Association
A US-based organization that promotes excellence in scholarship and teaching in the history and criticism of the visual arts and provides advocacy for the field.
International Association of Art
A global network under UNESCO that represents professional visual artists and promotes international cooperation in the arts.
Royal Academy of Arts
A UK institution dedicated to promoting the creation, enjoyment, and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and debate.
European League of Institutes of the Arts
A European network that connects higher arts education institutions to foster collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in the arts.
National Association for the Visual Arts
An Australian organization that advocates for the professional interests of visual artists and provides resources for the arts sector.
Canadian Artists' Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens
A Canadian association that represents visual and media artists, advocating for their rights and providing professional development resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎓What degree do I need for art faculty jobs?
Most art faculty jobs require an MFA for studio roles and PhD for art history, per 2023 MLA data. Start with BFA; elite programs like Cranbrook offer unique apprenticeships. Check scholarships for funding.
💰What is the average art professor salary?
BLS 2023 reports $83,470 median for postsecondary art teachers. Full professors earn $110k+ in high-cost areas. Detailed data at professor salaries; NYC averages 20% higher.
📈What are trends in art faculty jobs?
Digital art and interdisciplinary roles grow 15% yearly (2024 HigherEdJobs). Fringe: VR art at SAIC. Find openings in faculty jobs.
⭐How to rate art professors before applying?
Use Rate My Professor for art faculty insights on teaching style and research. Essential for targeting dream departments like UCLA.
🎨What quirky art faculty roles exist?
Unique positions include glassblowing at Penland School or chocolate art at CIA. These fringe gigs lead to tenure tracks. Explore via specialty jobs.
🗺️Best locations for art faculty jobs?
Art hubs: New York City, Los Angeles. Salaries soar in coastal cities. See professor salaries by location.
📚Advice for art students entering academia?
Build exhibitions, teach as TA. Rate courses on Rate My Course. Paths via career advice.
🌍International art faculty opportunities?
UK roles via Jobs.ac.uk; Australia at UniJobs. Prestige in Paris École des Beaux-Arts affiliates.
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