### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career and Technical Education Teachers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                    
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			career and technical education teachers imageCareer and technical education teachers teach academic and technical content to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation.							
						Quick Facts:     Career and Technical Education Teachers2023     Median Pay
            						$63,580     per yearTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    Less than 5 yearsOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    212,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    0% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -800What Career and Technical Education Teachers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most career and technical education teachers work in middle, high, and postsecondary schools, such as 2-year colleges. Others work in technical, trade, and business schools. Although they generally work during school hours, some teach evening or weekend classes.
            
                                                How to Become a Career or Technical Education Teacher
                                                
                        
Career and technical education teachers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and work experience in the subject that they teach. Public school teachers may be required to have a state-issued teaching certification or license.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for career and technical education teachers was $63,580 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of career and technical education teachers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 14,800 openings for career and technical education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for career and technical education teachers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of career and technical education teachers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about career and technical education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Career and Technical Education Teachers Do 
            

			Career and technical education teachersTechnical education teachers often work in classrooms and help students.			
Career and technical education (CTE) teachers provide training in subjects such as auto repair, cosmetology, and culinary arts. They teach vocational and technical content to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to enter an occupation.
Duties
Career and technical education teachers typically do the following:
Create lesson plans and assignments
Instruct students on how to develop certain skills
Show students how to apply classroom knowledge through hands-on activities
Demonstrate and supervise safe and proper use of tools and equipment
Monitor students’ progress, assign tasks, and grade assignments
Discuss students’ progress with parents, students, and counselors
Develop and enforce classroom rules and safety proceduresCTE teachers help students explore and prepare to enter a career or technical occupation. They use a variety of teaching methods to help students learn and develop skills related to a specific occupation or career field. They demonstrate tasks, techniques, and tools used in an occupation. They may assign hands-on tasks, such as replacing brakes on cars, taking blood pressure, or applying makeup. Teachers typically oversee these activities in workshops and laboratories in the school.
Some teachers work with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide practical work experience for students. They also serve as advisers to students participating in career and technical student organizations.
The specific duties of CTE teachers vary by the grade and subject they teach. In middle schools and high schools, they teach general concepts in a classroom and practical exercises in workshops and laboratories.
In postsecondary schools, they teach specific career skills that help students earn a certificate, a diploma, or an associate’s degree and prepare them for a specific job. For example, welding instructors teach students welding techniques and safety practices. They also monitor the use of tools and equipment and have students practice procedures until they meet the standards required by the trade.
In most states, teachers in middle and high schools teach one subject within major career fields. CTE teachers combine academic instruction with experiential learning in their subject of expertise.
For example, teachers of courses in ***agricultural, food, and natural resources*** teach topics such as agricultural production; agriculture-related business; veterinary science; and plant, animal, and food systems. They may have students plant and care for crops and animals to apply what they have learned in the classroom.
For information about the programs for major career fields, visit Advance CTE.
 Work Environment
			Career and technical education teachersTechnical education teachers demonstrate the theories and techniques of their field.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Career and technical education teachers held about 212,100 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up career and technical education teachers was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary
                113,000Career/technical education teachers, secondary school
                88,000Career/technical education teachers, middle school
                11,100The largest employers of career and technical education teachers were as follows:
        Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
                45%Junior colleges; state, local, and private
                20Technical and trade schools; state, local, and private
                20Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                7Other schools and instruction; private
                1Career and technical education teachers typically work in middle, high, and postsecondary schools, such as 2-year colleges. Others work in technical, trade, and business schools.
Work Schedules
Career and technical education teachers in middle and high schools generally work during school hours. They may meet with parents, students, and school staff before and after classes.
Some career and technical education teachers, especially those in postsecondary schools, teach courses and develop lesson plans during evening hours and on weekends.
Teachers usually work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work for summer programs.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new school session.
 How to Become a Career or Technical Education Teacher

			Career and technical education teachersTeachers need years of experience in their field of expertise.			
Career and technical education teachers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and work experience in the subject they teach. Public schools may require a state-issued teaching certification or license.
Education
Career and technical education teachers generally need a bachelor’s degree in the field they teach, such as agriculture, engineering, or computer and information technology.
All states require prospective career and technical education teachers in public schools to complete a period of fieldwork, called a student-teaching program, in which they work with a mentor teacher and get experience teaching students in a classroom. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Many career and technical education teachers need work experience in the field they teach. For example, automotive mechanics, chefs, and nurses typically spend years in their career before moving into teaching.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
States may require career and technical education teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified. Requirements for certification or licensure vary by state, but generally involve the following:
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average
Completion of a student-teaching program
Passing a background check
Passing a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates their knowledge of the subject they will teach.For information on certification requirements in your state, visit Teach.org.
Career and technical education teachers who prepare students for an occupation that requires a license or certification may need to have and maintain the same credential. For example, career and technical education teachers who teach welding may need to have certification in welding. In addition, teachers may be required to complete annual professional development courses to maintain their license or certification.
Some states offer an alternative route to certification or licensure for prospective teachers who have a bachelor’s degree or work experience in their field but lack the education courses required for certification. Alternative programs typically cover teaching methods, development of lesson plans, and classroom management.
Advancement
Experienced teachers may advance to become mentors or lead teachers, helping less experienced teachers to improve their teaching skills.
Teachers may become school counselors, instructional coordinators, or principals. These positions generally require additional education, an advanced degree, or certification. An advanced degree in education administration or leadership may be helpful.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Career and technical education teachers must explain concepts in terms that students can understand.
***Organizational skills.*** Career and technical education teachers must coordinate their time and teaching materials.
***Patience.*** Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Teachers must be even-tempered with students to develop a positive learning environment.
***Resourcefulness.*** Teachers need to create different ways of presenting information and demonstrating tasks so that all students learn the material.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Career and Technical Education TeachersMedian annual wages, May 2023Career and technical education teachers$63,580  Educational instruction and library occupations$59,940  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for career and technical education teachers was $63,580 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,550.

			
                    	Median annual wages for career and technical education teachers in May 2023 were as follows:
        Career/technical education teachers, secondary school
		$65,130Career/technical education teachers, middle school
		63,860Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary
		62,060In May 2023, the median annual wages for career and technical education teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                $66,230Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
                65,190Junior colleges; state, local, and private
                64,170Technical and trade schools; state, local, and private
                59,000Other schools and instruction; private
                49,350Career and technical education teachers in middle and high schools generally work during school hours. They may meet with parents, students, and school staff before and after classes.
Some career and technical education teachers, especially those in postsecondary schools, teach courses and develop lesson plans during evening hours and on weekends.
Teachers usually work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work for summer programs.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new school session.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Career and Technical Education TeachersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Educational instruction and library occupations2%  Career and technical education teachers0%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of career and technical education teachers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 14,800 openings for career and technical education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Some demand for these workers is expected over the projections decade due to continued interest in career and technical education programs in middle schools, high schools, and postsecondary institutions. However, this demand is likely to be tempered as schools continue to require students to take more academic classes.
In addition, public schools often depend on government funding for career and technical education programs. When budgets for these programs are reduced, employment growth for career and technical education teachers may be limited.
			

                        Employment projections data for     career and technical education teachers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Career and technical education teachers**
			—
			212,100
			211,300
			0
			-800
			—**Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary**
			25-1194
			113,000
			112,500
			0
			-600
			Get data**Career/technical education teachers, middle school**
			25-2023
			11,100
			11,100
			0
			0
			Get data**Career/technical education teachers, secondary school**
			25-2032
			88,000
			87,700
			0
			-200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Career/technical education teachers, middle school
					Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary
					Career/technical education teachers, secondary school **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of career and technical education teachers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals**
            Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities.
            Master's degree
            $103,460**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Instructional Coordinators**
            Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.
            Master's degree
            $74,620**Middle School Teachers**
            Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,290**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**School and Career Counselors and Advisors**
            School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
            Master's degree
            $61,710**Special Education Teachers**
            Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,910**Teacher Assistants**
            Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.
            Some college, no degree
            $35,550**Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers**
            Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,560**Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers**
            Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,670
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about career and technical education teachers, visit
Association for Career and Technical Education
Advance CTE
For more information about teaching and becoming a teacher, visit
Teach.org

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle SchoolCareer/Technical Education Teachers, PostsecondaryCareer/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Career and Technical Education Teachers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/career-and-technical-education-teachers.htm (visited *May 18, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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