Art teachers deserve to earn more money. You’re staying late to hang student work, buying glue sticks with your own money, grading artwork over the weekend, jumping into school events, and constantly saying “yes” to make your school community more vibrant. And while you didn’t get into teaching for the paycheck, your creativity, labor, and emotional energy have value, and they should be compensated. The good news? There are real, actionable ways to increase your income, gain financial stability, and invest in your future without burning out.
Learn how to navigate your contract, continue your education strategically, and climb the salary schedule—because you deserve to earn more money!
Understand your district’s pay structure.
Tip 1: Learn your salary schedule.
Most public school districts use a salary schedule. This grid outlines how much you earn based on two factors: steps and lanes. You may see labels like BA+15 or MA+30. These mean you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree plus a certain number of additional graduate credits.
Here are the two factors:
- Steps: Usually refers to your years of experience
- Lanes: Often refers to your level of education or a set number of graduate credits
You can usually find this grid in your district’s teacher contract, on the HR page of your district website, or by asking your union representative. It can look complicated at first, but AOEU’s Admissions and Advising teams are experienced in helping teachers understand how professional development and graduate coursework can translate into real dollars on your salary schedule.
Bonus Tip:
It’s so easy to figure out your Return on Investment (ROI) with our online calculator. This handy tool will help you understand the value a master’s degree can bring to your career.
Tip 2: Know the rules for moving lanes.
Here’s the good news: Continuing your education is one of the most reliable ways to earn more money as an art teacher. However, not all graduate-level courses or credits count automatically. It’s important to read your contract carefully before enrolling in any course or program so you can allocate your time and resources effectively. Then, find out what paperwork, approvals, or documentation your district needs to process your credits and apply your salary increase.
Many districts require:
- Pre-approval for a course or program.
- Courses “relevant to your teaching assignment.”
- Official transcripts within a set timeframe.
Tip 3: Ask the right questions, right now.
Once you’ve reviewed your contract, confirm your understanding. Reach out to your HR department or union representative and ask questions. Thoughtful questions give you the power to pursue the education that aligns with your work and helps you advance professionally. If you find your contract doesn’t support fair credit for continuing education, consider joining your bargaining team or union committee to make sure the arts are represented in the next contract cycle.
Ask these three questions:
- “Do these courses count toward a lane change?”
- “Is there a deadline for submitting credits?”
- “What happens if I finish a course mid-year?”
Continue your education strategically.
Tip 4: Choose courses that earn and serve you.
You deserve art-specific learning that fills your cup and increases your earnings. Look for courses that spark your creativity, help you grow, or bring a fresh perspective to your classroom practice. Do you want to reconnect with your artmaking practice? Take a studio course this summer. Or, how about sharpening your classroom management tools? Consider a course like Managing the Art Room or Mind, Brain, and Learning. These courses don’t just move you up the pay scale—they improve your day-to-day experience as an educator.
Tip 5: Stack credits with intention.
Once you understand your district’s rules, make a plan. For example, “I need 12 credits to move to the next lane. I’ll take four courses over the next year and apply for the lane change in August.” Or maybe your goal is to expand your 3D offerings. You might enroll in Studio: Sculpture, Studio: Ceramics, and Managing the Art Room to develop both the technical and logistical skills to launch a new program.
If you’re interested in studio art, AOEU offers two Studio Art Certificates in 2D and 3D. Each one includes 18 graduate credits, which is enough to support a lane change in many districts.
Tip 6: Consider a Master’s degree.
A master’s degree is a more significant commitment, but it often offers greater long-term benefits. In many districts, completing a master’s degree moves you into a permanently higher pay lane or even unlocks a higher salary cap. Many districts increase your pay for every year you hold a master’s, while others offer an annual pay bump.
If you’re not sure if you’re ready to dive in, look for programs that allow you to start with individual courses. You can always apply them toward a degree later. AOEU offers two master’s degree programs that allow you to do exactly that. In fact, in a recent alumni survey, over 85% of AOEU grads reported a salary increase after earning their degree. Among 55 respondents, the average annual increase was approximately $1,138, with many reporting bumps of $2,000, $4,000, or more.
Look at the bigger picture and why it matters.
Tip 7: Think beyond this year’s raise.
The beauty of a salary schedule is that raises compound over time. A $2,500 increase this year could mean $50,000 or more over the course of your career. A lane change now could mean retiring earlier or retiring more comfortably.
It’s not just about money. It’s about what money allows: stability, freedom, and opportunity. When you continue your education through a program designed for art teachers, you’ll grow professionally and personally. You’ll meet other creative educators who stretch your thinking, share resources, and support you in your journey.
You’re worth investing in.
You give so much to your students and school—it’s time to bring that same intention to your own financial future. Understanding your contract, asking the right questions, and pursuing meaningful professional learning are important to your growth. When you move lanes or earn a degree, you’re building long-term stability and honoring the value of your expertise. Advocate for yourself with the same courage you show your students—because your work is worth it.
Do you know what it would take to move up the salary scale in your district?
What’s one step you could take to invest in yourself and your earning potential?
To chat about advocating for your pay with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
