How to become a career/technical education teacher, postsecondary
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..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.
What career/technical education teachers, postsecondary do
- Determine training needs of students or workers.
- Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
- Supervise independent or group projects, field placements, laboratory work, or other training.
- Arrange for lectures by experts in designated fields.
- Administer oral, written, or performance tests to measure progress and to evaluate training effectiveness.
- Prepare reports and maintain records, such as student grades, attendance rolls, and training activity details.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Is career/technical education teacher, postsecondary a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 25% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Wisconsin $82,620
- South Carolina $79,610
- Massachusetts $78,780
- Washington $77,530
- Alaska $77,310
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.