Career comparison
Career and Technical Education Teacher vs. High School Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
High school teachers earn more at the median ($72,040 vs. $66,270), while career and technical education teachers usually get to work faster (Industry experience plus licensing of training). Career and technical education teachers teach high school students job skills in trades, health, technology and business. High school teachers teach teenagers a subject and prepare them for college, careers and life.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Career and Technical Education Teacher | High School Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $66,270 | $72,040 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $50,040 – $101,340 | $48,780 – $107,600 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.4% (little or no change) | -0.2% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 6,400 | 63,500 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | Industry experience plus licensing | 4 years plus licensing |
| Key credential | State CTE teaching license | State teaching license |
| Work setting | CTE teachers work in shops, labs and classrooms that may include heavy equipment, tools and hazards.. | High school teachers work in classrooms and labs, with after-school activities, meetings and events.. |
What each job does
Career and Technical Education Teacher
- Teach hands-on career skills
- Plan lessons aligned to industry standards
- Prepare students for industry certifications
- Maintain shop and lab safety
- Manage equipment and supplies
High School Teacher
- Plan and teach lessons in a subject
- Grade assignments and exams
- Prepare students for state and AP exams
- Manage classroom behavior
- Differentiate instruction
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and teamwork. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose career and technical education teacher if…
- I have skills in a trade or career field
- I enjoy teaching others
- I take safety seriously
Choose high school teacher if…
- I love my subject
- I enjoy working with teenagers
- I can manage a classroom
Still torn? Take the Career and Technical Education Teacher fit quiz and the High School Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, career and technical education teacher or high school teacher?
High School Teachers earn more at the median: $72,040 versus $66,270 for career and technical education teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Career and Technical Education Teachers typically train faster (Industry experience plus licensing) than high school teachers (4 years plus licensing).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects high school teachers to grow -0.2% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for career and technical education teachers.