Unlock Your Future in History of Art: Thriving Careers Await!
Discover exceptional History of Art faculty jobs that blend passion for visual culture with academic prestige. From analyzing Renaissance frescoes to decoding contemporary digital installations, History of Art offers a dynamic field for students and professors alike. Aspiring scholars, start with a bachelor's in art history, advancing to PhDs at elite programs like those at Princeton or the Courtauld Institute. Job seekers, tenure-track roles and adjunct positions abound in higher ed jobs, with post-pandemic recovery boosting openings by 15% in 2023 per MLA reports.
Students explore career paths in curation, conservation, and academia, while professors command competitive salaries—assistant roles average $82,000, full professors $147,000 at top tiers. Visit professor salaries for location-specific data. Rate inspiring educators via History of Art professors on our platform. Trends highlight decolonized narratives and AI art attribution, with quirky cases like the 2022 rediscovery of a lost Caravaggio sparking new provenance research jobs. Parents and job seekers, leverage higher ed career advice and apply to professor jobs today. Strong hubs include New York City, Boston, and Washington DC.
Why Study History of Art for an Academic Career
History of Art delves into visual artifacts across eras and cultures, fostering critical thinking ideal for academia. Undergrads build foundations in iconography and theory; grads specialize in niches like African diaspora art or medieval manuscripts. Fringe quirk: Programs now incorporate VR reconstructions of ancient sites, as at Stanford's 2023 initiative. Top undergrad paths lead to PhDs, with 70% of faculty holding doctorates per NSF data. Check scholarships for funding and rate courses at History of Art courses. Ivy League standouts include Ivy League schools like Columbia's distinguished department.
Career Paths for History of Art Graduates
Beyond faculty roles, alumni thrive as museum curators (median $60,000), conservators ($65,000 BLS 2023), or gallerists. Academia remains prestige pinnacle: 25% enter tenure-track per recent surveys. Unique anecdote: A Yale alum uncovered Nazi-looted art in 2021, boosting provenance expert demand. Students, pair studies with internships; professors transition via adjunct professor jobs. Explore administration jobs or research jobs for variety.
Top Non-Academic Paths:
- Museum Director – Lead collections at Met or Louvre
- Art Advisor – Consult for Sotheby's auctions
- Digital Archivist – Preserve via blockchain tech
Current History of Art Faculty Job Market
Opportunities surge in lecturer and postdoc roles, with 300+ U.S. postings in 2024 via MLA Job List. Target lecturer jobs, faculty jobs, or postdoc positions. Prestige peaks at R1 universities; adjuncts fill 50% of classes. Rate top faculty like those at History of Art Renaissance experts. Remote options grow via remote higher ed jobs.
History of Art Professor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary by rank, institution, and locale—NYC full profs average $170,000 vs. $110,000 Midwest. Trends: 4% annual rise since 2022. Detailed breakdowns at professor salaries and university salaries.
| Rank | Average Salary (USD, 2023 AAUP) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,500 |
| Associate Professor | $102,300 |
| Full Professor | $147,200 |
Source: AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey. California roles 20% higher.
Emerging Trends and Quirks in History of Art Academia
Decolonizing Curricula
70% of programs now prioritize non-Western art, per 2023 CAA report.
Digital and AI Frontiers
Fringe: AI tools authenticate fakes, as in the 2024 Getty controversy spawning courses.
Job growth: 12% projected to 2030 (BLS). Find roles amid university rankings leaders.
Associations for History of Art
College Art Association
A leading organization that promotes excellence in scholarship, teaching, and practice in the visual arts and art history.
Association for Art History
An organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and professional practice of art history in the UK and beyond.
Comité International d'Histoire de l'Art
An international committee that fosters global collaboration and research in the field of art history.
Verband Deutscher Kunsthistoriker
A professional association supporting art historians in Germany through networking, advocacy, and scholarly activities.
Art Association of Australia and New Zealand
An organization promoting the study, teaching, and practice of art history and visual culture in Australia and New Zealand.
Historians of Islamic Art Association
A society focused on advancing research and scholarship in the history of Islamic art and architecture worldwide.
International Association of Art Critics
A global network of art critics that promotes ethical standards and international dialogue in art criticism and history.






