FAQ
Art, Drama and Music Professor FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an art, drama and music professor.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an art, drama and music professor: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about art, drama and music professors
What degree do art professors need?
Usually an MFA or DMA.
Are arts faculty jobs competitive?
Yes, very.
Do arts professors keep creating?
Yes, creative work counts as scholarship.
How much does an art, drama and music professor make?
The median annual wage for art, drama and music professors was $78,620 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,570 and the highest 10% earned more than $163,350.
How long does it take to become an art, drama and music professor?
Most people need about 6–9 years after high school of training. An MFA, DMA or related graduate degree is typical, along with a strong creative record.
Do you need a degree to be an art, drama and music professor?
Usually. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical. In the arts, the terminal degree is often an MFA or DMA, and a strong portfolio or performance record matters as much as the degree.
Is art, drama and music professor a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.2% from 2025–35 (slower than average), with about 8,000 openings each year. Upsides include teach your passion; a common challenge is that very competitive positions.
What skills does an art, drama and music professor need?
Key technical skills include artistic expertise, studio or performance teaching, critique, and directing or conducting. Employers also value creativity, encouragement, and communication.
What certifications are available for art, drama and music professors?
Common credentials include MFA, DMA, Exhibition or performance record, and Teaching certificate. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Art, Drama and Music Professor fit quiz, compare with Fine Artist, or explore Art, Drama and Music Professor training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1121 (Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.