Art Teacher Salary

An art teacher works in a school environment, and the ages of students taught can vary from pre-school up to adults. A bachelor’s degree or higher in the arts is often required for this position, and extensive knowledge of art history and techniques is also necessary to teach a variety of topics to students. A portfolio may need to be shown to demonstrate personal ability, and a teaching certification must also be earned.

Art teachers may need to develop the curriculum of lessons to be taught, and classes are often taught on a group basis, though one-on-one supervision may also be provided to aid individual style and development. It's also important to be able to control and effectively instruct a large group of students.

Strong verbal communication skills are essential in this position, and patience and adaptability to change are also important when lessons do not go as planned. Art instructors are often responsible for obtaining the necessary materials to teach the class, so they must also keep a close eye on inventory levels and applicable budgets. Examples of projects may also be prepared by art teachers to aid instruction. Homework and projects will be assigned to students, and it's often necessary to follow up with students to evaluate their progress. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Art Teacher Tasks

• Instruct students on technique and use of a variety of art equipment such as oils, watercolors, brushes, pens, pencils, canvases and papers.
• Prepare and deliver lectures on subjects such as acting, art, and music.
• Plan lessons that challenge and interest students, meet state learning requirements, and inspire further learning.

For Art Teachers, above-average compensation can be found going east — in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, in particular. Art Teachers in Cleveland report much lower salaries than the rest of the country — 20 percent below the national average — proving that residence is a major factor in overall pay. Employers in San Diego and Milwaukee also lean toward paying below-median salaries (18 percent lower and 15 percent lower, respectively).