Home Schools CUNY New York City College of Technology Theater & Drama
Visual & Performing Arts · Theater & Drama Rank #109 of 270

Theater & Dramaat CUNY New York City College of Technology

Graduates earn $14,799/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Theater & Drama average. Base-case 10-year earnings $474K; scenarios range from $445K to $473K depending on AI disruption.

Brooklyn, NY Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
23 AT RISK
23
Optimistic
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$14,799
1-year post-graduation
ROI
10.4x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$474K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Moderate
38% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at CUNY New York City College of Technology

Your earnings data for this program reflects the unique, highly competitive nature of New York City's arts and entertainment industry. While the region offers unparalleled opportunities in theatre, film, and live events, many graduates initially enter project-based, freelance, or entry-level positions within smaller production companies, off-Broadway houses, or event setup crews. These roles, though crucial for building experience, often start with modest pay, especially given the high cost of living in the area. NYCCT's practical curriculum provides essential stagecraft and production skills, but navigating the dense network of unions, production pipelines, and independent companies requires significant proactive effort. To maximize your earning potential, focus intensely on networking and securing internships with major production houses or established event companies during your studies, as these connections are critical for accessing more stable and higher-paying opportunities.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$445K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score20/100
Earnings Multiple15.2x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$474K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple16.2x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$473K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple16.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to CUNY New York City College of Technology's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Theater & Drama graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Producers and directors
+4.9% 10-yr growth · 12,800 openings/yr
$83,480/yr
Moderate
2
Fashion designers
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 2,300 openings/yr
$80,690/yr
Moderate
3
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
4
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
5
Set and exhibit designers
+2.3% 10-yr growth · 2,500 openings/yr
$66,280/yr
Moderate
6
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Theater & Drama

How CUNY New York City College of Technology stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Saint Mary's College of California
CA · Private nonprofit
31
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
0.7x
ROI
University of Notre Dame
IN · Private nonprofit
29
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
1.5x
ROI
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
VA · Public
31
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
4.8x
ROI
University of South Dakota
SD · Public
29
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
6.5x
ROI
Top score
The University of Texas at Austin
TX · Public
34
DW Score
$33K
1-yr earn
6.1x
ROI
Also at CUNY New York City College of Technology

Other top programs at CUNY New York City College of Technology

Other highest-scoring programs offered at CUNY New York City College of Technology, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Theater & Drama offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Theater & Drama trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Theater & Drama at CUNY New York City College of Technology

How does CUNY New York City College of Technology's Theater & Drama program score?

This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Theater & Drama. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why are Theater & Drama earnings lower at CUNY New York City College of Technology?

Lower starting pay at CUNY New York City College of Technology may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.