Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 97,890 art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondarys, and they earn a median of $80,190/year. The range runs from $47K to $195K. Hawaii pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondarys start around $47K. The gap between that and the median ($80K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $195K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $129K | 570 |
| New York | $110K | 17,600 |
| California | $106K | 10,100 |
| New Jersey | $99K | 3,060 |
| Rhode Island | $99K | 450 |
| Connecticut | $98K | 970 |
| Vermont | $87K | 230 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | 5,780 |
| New Hampshire | $83K | 390 |
| District of Columbia | $83K | 330 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary make?▼
The median art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary salary in the United States is $80,190 per year ($0/hour). Entry-level positions start around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $194,530.
What education do you need to become a art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondarys?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondarys.
What are the highest paying states for art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondarys?▼
The highest paying states for art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondarys are Hawaii ($129,330), New York ($110,000), California ($105,980), New Jersey ($99,110), Rhode Island ($98,960). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.