Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary

SOC code 25-1194 · O*NET-SOC 25-1194.00 · Medium preparation needed · Education and library

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary pay

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

Median pay

$63,820

a year

Hourly

$30.68

per hour

10th$41,960Median$63,82090th$108,620

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

Average pay

$72,060

$34.64 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,320 – $82,360

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$41,960 – $108,620

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

114,110

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $41,960; $20.17/hr
25th percentile: $50,320; $24.19/hr
Median percentile: $63,820; $30.68/hr
75th percentile: $82,360; $39.60/hr
90th percentile: $108,620; $52.22/hr

What do career/technical education teachers, postsecondary do?

Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
Supervise and monitor students' use of tools and equipment.
Administer oral, written, or performance tests to measure progress and to evaluate training effectiveness.
Provide individualized instruction and tutorial or remedial instruction.
Prepare reports and maintain records, such as student grades, attendance rolls, and training activity details.
Develop curricula and plan course content and methods of instruction.
Determine training needs of students or workers.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 42% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree42%
Bachelor's Degree20%
Post-Secondary Certificate16%
Master's Degree8%

Common questions

How much does a career/technical education teachers, postsecondary earn?

The national median is $63,820 a year. The full range runs from $41,960 at the 10th percentile to $108,620 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 career/technical education teachers, postsecondary without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Learning Strategies4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Active Learning3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Writing3.6/5
Monitoring3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Education and Training4.5/5
English Language3.8/5
Mechanical3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Administrative3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness.