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Indigenous Art Instructor, Art Teacher, Craft Instructor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Art instructors teach art history, art appreciation and the techniques and methods of artistic expression. Some work with students of all ages, while others work especially with children, adults or seniors. They may specialize in particular mediums, styles, or types of art such as:
Duties and responsibilities vary considerably in this occupation but, in general, art instructors:
They may also:
Art instructors may work in a variety of indoor or outdoor environments, ranging from their own homes to seniors' residences, summer camps, craft stores, galleries, school classrooms and community recreation centres. Art rooms are sometimes noisy and messy.
Instructors may teach primarily during the day, or they may offer evening and weekend classes.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression; and in preparing and assigning special exercises, advising on selection of materials and equipment to use and grading students' work
Interest in precision working to demonstrate use of materials for paintings, ceramics, sculpture and other forms of art
Interest in instructing students; and in providing audio-visual teaching aids and arranging for tours of art galleries, museums and exhibitions of students' work
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Art instructors should enjoy teaching. They need:
They should enjoy encouraging and motivating students, and working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Education, training and experience requirements vary depending on the level of teaching involved. However, most instructors have related post-secondary education, or have achieved a high degree of proficiency and recognition in a particular craft. Art instructors employed in schools must have a bachelor of education degree, or equivalent, as well as post-secondary education in art. Employment in a post-secondary school such as a college or university generally requires a graduate degree (master's or PhD) in fine art, or professional recognition as an artist.
Instructors of non-credit or community art classes should:
Self-employed instructors who work on a contract basis for schools and community groups, or those who offer their own independent classes, also need business skills.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Art and craft associations, guilds and post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer introductory and advanced courses in a wide variety of arts and crafts. For current information about courses, please check post-secondary or community calendars or websites, or contact organizations associated with arts or crafts.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most art instructors are self-employed or work on a contract basis for art or craft centres, adult education councils, art galleries, artist-run centres, museums, friendship centres or other community service agencies. They may teach from home or give lessons at schools, community centres, studios, galleries or craft stores.
Advancement opportunities vary depending on the employer and the qualifications of the art instructor. Self-employed instructors may open their own art galleries or craft stores, or become art agents or dealers.
Art instructors with sufficient post-secondary credentials as well as professional reputation may advance to art professor positions at colleges or universities.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
2016 NOC: 5136
82.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Many art instructors teach part time and spend the rest of their time working on their own artistic endeavours or in other occupations. Most are paid an hourly wage, which can vary depending on the employer and the program being taught. For small workshops, some instructors may be paid a percentage of the total class enrollment fees. Instructors may or may not be paid for the time required to prepare for classes.
Art instructors are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 53122: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Painters, sculptors and other visual artists occupational group earned on average from $21.85 to $30.36 an hour. The overall average was $26.11 an hour. For more information, see the Painters, sculptors and other visual artists wage profile.
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Alberta Teacher’s Association – Fine Arts Council website: fac.teachers.ab.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
Alberta Community Art Clubs Association website: acaca.ab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
