How much does a hobby class teacher make?
Answer: A typical hobby class teacher in the United States makes $46,800 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 332,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Hobby class teacher pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a hobby class teacher do?
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).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and creating.
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!
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Educational Instruction and Library jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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