Unlock Your Future in Art History: Thriving Careers Await!
Discover Art History faculty jobs that blend passion for visual culture with scholarly impact in higher education. From tenure-track professor roles at Ivy League institutions to adjunct instructor positions at community colleges, opportunities abound for those with expertise in Renaissance painting, modern abstraction, or emerging fields like digital art history. In 2023, the academic job market saw a 5% uptick in Art History postings, driven by demand for diverse perspectives in global art narratives.
Students pondering majors should note that Art History degrees open doors to academia, museums, and galleries, with alumni earning median starting salaries of $55,000. Aspiring professors, expect assistant roles at $82,000 annually, scaling to $140,000 for full professors—explore details via professor salaries. Rate inspiring Art History professors who shaped your journey and share insights. Parents and job seekers, find tailored higher ed jobs that match your ambitions.
A fringe quirk: In 2019, a tiny liberal arts college in rural Vermont hired an Art History expert on Soviet propaganda posters, sparking a niche research boom. Ready to advance? Browse Art History Faculty Jobs
What Students Need to Know About Art History Degrees
Art History curricula dive into visual arts from ancient Egyptian tombs to contemporary street art, emphasizing critical analysis and cultural context. Top programs require internships at places like the Getty Museum. Graduates pursue PhDs for academia or pivot to curation—85% employment rate within six months per 2022 data.
Career Paths Beyond Faculty Roles
- Museum Curator: $60,000 median, curating exhibits in hubs like New York.
- Art Conservator: $65,000, restoring masterpieces; quirky demand spiked post-2020 wildfires in Los Angeles.
- Gallery Director: $90,000+, leveraging networks from undergrad studies.
Check higher ed career advice for resume tips. Rate Art History professors at your school for real student feedback.
Professor Opportunities in Art History
Tenure-track Art History professor jobs emphasize research, like the 2021 trend in decolonizing European canon with African artifacts. Adjuncts fill gaps at 1,200+ postings yearly. UK seekers, view jobs.ac.uk for Oxford lecturer roles. Prestige peaks at Ivy League—Ivy League schools offer global networks.
Salary Trends by Rank (2023 AAUP Data)
| Rank | National Average | Top 10% (e.g., NYC) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,500 | $105,000 |
| Associate Professor | $98,000 | $125,000 |
| Full Professor | $140,200 | $185,000 |
Link trends to professor salaries by location. Anecdote: A 2022 adjunct in Chicago parlayed part-time teaching into a full role via viral publication on Midwestern folk art.
Search Lecturer JobsTop Art History Programs and Job Hubs
Elite spots like Columbia and Yale dominate rankings. Community colleges in Austin seek adjuncts for Latin American art courses. Rate programs via Rate My Professor or university rankings.
International: UniJobs for Australia. Get free resume templates for applications.
Job Search Tips for Art History Professionals
Tailor CVs to research quirks, like Byzantine iconography niches. Network at CAA conferences. Explore adjunct professor jobs, research jobs, or remote higher ed jobs. Students, use scholarships for grad school. Rate Art History professors for mentorship advice.
Visit career advice hub.
Associations for Art History
College Art Association
A leading organization dedicated to promoting excellence in scholarship and teaching in the visual arts and art history.
Association for Art History
An organization that advances the understanding and professional practice of art history in the UK and internationally.
Comité International d'Histoire de l'Art
An international committee that fosters global cooperation and research in the field of art history.
Universities Art Association of Canada
A national association that supports and promotes art history scholarship and education in Canadian universities.
Art Association of Australia and New Zealand
An organization focused on advancing art history and visual culture studies in Australia and New Zealand.
Verband Deutscher Kunsthistoriker
A professional association that represents and supports art historians in Germany through networking and advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎓What qualifications are needed for Art History faculty jobs?
A PhD in Art History is required for most Art History faculty jobs, plus publications. Fringe tip: Niche expertise in video game iconography boosts hires.
See career advice.
💰What is the average salary for Art History professors?
Assistant professors earn ~$82,500 (2023); full professors $140k+. Varies by location—NYC tops $185k.
Detailed breakdowns at professor salaries.
🎨What are top career paths for Art History graduates?
Academia via Art History professor jobs, curation ($60k+), or conservation. Quirky: NFT appraisers post-2021 boom.
Explore higher ed jobs.
🏫Which universities have the best Art History programs?
Harvard, Yale, Columbia lead. Rate faculty at Rate My Professor. Ivy League guide: Ivy League.
📈What trends are shaping Art History academia?
Decolonization, digital humanities, and AI art analysis surged in 2023. Tenure-track roles emphasize diversity.
Find research jobs.
🔍How to find Art History lecturer jobs?
Search lecturer jobs on AcademicJobs.com. UK options at jobs.ac.uk.
💻Are there remote Art History jobs available?
Yes, online adjunct teaching and research. Browse remote higher ed jobs.
⭐How can I rate my Art History professor?
Share feedback on Rate My Professor to help peers choose inspiring educators.












