Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
SOC code 25-2032 · O*NET-SOC 25-2032.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Education and library
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$66,270
a year
Hourly
—
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$72,680
— per hour
Middle 50%
$60,590 – $80,060
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$50,040 – $101,340
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
111,420
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $50,040
- —/hr
- 25th percentile
- $60,590
- —/hr
- Median percentile
- $66,270
- —/hr
- 75th percentile
- $80,060
- —/hr
- 90th percentile
- $101,340
- —/hr
What do career/technical education teachers, secondary school do?
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Prepare materials and classroom for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct students in the knowledge and skills required in a specific occupation or occupational field, using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop, and field studies.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree40%
- Master's Degree23%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree13%
- Post-Secondary Certificate8%
Common questions
How much does a career/technical education teachers, secondary school earn?
The national median is $66,270 a year. The full range runs from $50,040 at the 10th percentile to $101,340 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, secondary school without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Active Listening4.1/5
- Speaking4.1/5
- Learning Strategies4.1/5
- Writing4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Monitoring4.0/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Education and Training4.5/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Psychology3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness.