Career and Technical Education Teacher
Teach high school students job skills in trades, health, technology and business.
- $66,270
- Industry experience plus licensing
Education & Childcare career
Postsecondary CTE Instructor
Also called: Career and Technical Instructor · Vocational Instructor · Trade School Instructor · Technical College Instructor
What postsecondary CTE instructors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a postsecondary CTE instructor do?
Career and technical education teachers, postsecondary, teach vocational and technical subjects such as welding, auto repair, cosmetology and healthcare support at colleges and trade schools. The median pay is $63,820 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Several years of field experience, and employment is projected to grow -0.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$63,820$30.68/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-0.3%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year8,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainSeveral years of field experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs123,100Employment, 2025
What postsecondary CTE instructors do
Postsecondary CTE instructors turn industry experience into teaching. They teach hands-on courses in fields like welding, HVAC, automotive, nursing assistance, culinary arts and IT, run shops and labs, prepare students for certification exams and work with local employers on what skills are needed.
Most have years of work experience in the trade plus industry credentials; BLS lists a bachelor’s as typical, but many programs hire skilled workers with an associate degree or certificate.
Typical duties
- Teach technical courses
- Run hands-on labs and shops
- Prepare students for certifications
- Maintain tools and equipment
- Work with employer advisory boards
- Place students in jobs
- Update curricula
Work environment and schedule
Instructors work in shops, labs and classrooms at community colleges and technical schools.
Schedule: Day and evening classes; some programs run year-round.
A day in the life
- Set up the welding shop.
- Teach safety before lab.
- Coach students on welds.
- Grade bend tests.
See a full day in the life of a postsecondary CTE instructor →
Postsecondary CTE Instructor salary
Half of postsecondary CTE instructors earned more than $63,820 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $41,960 for the lowest 10% to $108,620 for the top 10%.
Full postsecondary CTE instructor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a postsecondary CTE instructor
- Learn a trade
- Work in the field
- Earn industry certifications
- Teach part-time
- Move to full-time
Industry experience and credentials are the main requirement; BLS lists a bachelor’s as typical, but many colleges hire with an associate degree or certificate.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a postsecondary CTE instructor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Trade expertise
- Shop safety
- Hands-on instruction
- Certification prep
- Curriculum design
People skills
- Patience
- Clear explanation
- Encouragement
- Professionalism
All postsecondary CTE instructor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Use your trade experience
- Help adults change careers
- Hands-on teaching
- Good hours compared to field work
Cons
- Pay can be lower than field work
- Equipment budgets
- Keeping up with industry
- Evening classes
Certifications and licenses
- Industry certification: Such as AWS, ASE or EPA 608.
- State CTE teaching credential: Required in some states.
- OSHA 30: Safety training.
- Teaching methods course: Often required.
Career path
- Adjunct Instructor: Part-time.
- Full-Time Instructor: Lead courses.
- Program Coordinator: Run a program.
- Dean of Workforce Programs: Lead divisions.
Learn the job before day one
Our Postsecondary CTE Instructor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach a hands-on skill in four steps and run an employer advisory board meeting, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Welder
Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.
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HVAC Technician
Install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems.
- $61,010
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Corporate Trainer
Design and deliver training that helps employees learn their jobs.
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Compare: Postsecondary CTE Instructor vs. CTE Teacher · Postsecondary CTE Instructor vs. Welder · Postsecondary CTE Instructor vs. HVAC Technician · Postsecondary CTE Instructor vs. Corporate Trainer
Postsecondary CTE Instructor FAQ
Do you need a degree to teach a trade?
Not always. Experience and certifications often matter most.
Can I teach part-time?
Yes, many instructors start with evening classes.
What subjects are in demand?
Welding, HVAC, electrical, automotive and healthcare support are common needs.
How much does a postsecondary CTE instructor make?
The median annual wage for postsecondary CTE instructors was $63,820 ($30.68 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $41,960 and the highest 10% earned more than $108,620.
How long does it take to become a postsecondary CTE instructor?
Most people need about Several years of field experience of training. Industry experience and credentials are the main requirement; BLS lists a bachelor’s as typical, but many colleges hire with an associate degree or certificate.
Do you need a degree to be a postsecondary CTE instructor?
Not always. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, but many technical colleges hire experienced tradespeople with an associate degree or industry certification, especially in skilled trades.
More postsecondary CTE instructor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1194 (Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.