Business Teachers, Postsecondary

SOC code 25-1011 · O*NET-SOC 25-1011.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Education and library

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Business Teachers, Postsecondary pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$99,080

a year

Hourly

—

per hour

10th$47,180Median$99,08090th$209,470

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$114,720

— per hour

Middle 50%

$64,150 – $141,710

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,180 – $209,470

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

82,150

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $47,180; —/hr
25th percentile: $64,150; —/hr
Median percentile: $99,080; —/hr
75th percentile: $141,710; —/hr
90th percentile: $209,470; —/hr

What do business teachers, postsecondary do?

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and conferences.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 73% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Doctoral Degree73%
Master's Degree20%
Bachelor's Degree5%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate1%

Common questions

How much does a business teachers, postsecondary earn?

The national median is $99,080 a year. The full range runs from $47,180 at the 10th percentile to $209,470 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a business teachers, postsecondary without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.3/5
Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Learning Strategies4.0/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Learning3.9/5
Monitoring3.6/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.6/5
Education and Training4.5/5
Administration and Management4.1/5
Economics and Accounting4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Law and Government3.8/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5

Transferable strengths: Instructing, Complex Problem Solving.