How much does a hobby class teacher make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical hobby class teacher in the United States makes $46,800 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They lay out supplies and plan a short lesson, then demonstrate a skill—like a dance step or camera trick—and guide learners as they try it. They adjust for each student, answer questions, and suggest ways to improve.
Did you know? A California arts teacher said he visited three different schools in a single day—some hobby-class teachers travel from class to class!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $30,050 and $92,840How do you become one?
In the US, finish high school and build strong skills in the hobby you want to teach; many jobs do not require college. Get practice by helping at a camp or class, and check your employer’s requirements—full-time school jobs may require teacher qualifications.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like helping and teaching and creating
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can depend on experience, skill, and any certificate a class or employer requires. It can also change with the subject you teach, your location, whether you work for a school, studio, or community group, how many classes you teach, and how well-known you are.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($66,430), lowest in Arkansas ($30,810).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,050 | $46,800 | $92,840 | about 332,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $66,430 | about 600 |
| New Hampshire | $59,880 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $57,790 | about 31,000 |
| Connecticut | $55,240 | about 5,000 |
| Oregon | $53,790 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness. Excludes “Coaches and Scouts” (27-2022) and “Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors” (39-9031). Flight instructors are included with “Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers” (53-2010).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/25-3021.00
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-3021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes253021.htm
- secure.ruready.nd.gov/Career_Planning/Career_Cluster_Profile/ClusterArticle.aspx
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY