Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Educational Instruction and Library
Occupational training below the bachelor's level is the focus—construction, mechanics, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology—for students who have already left high school. Days mix lectures and discussions, often with charts or video, with time supervising how students use tools and equipment. Student work is evaluated, feedback is given, tests are run, and extra tutoring is offered when someone falls behind. Curricula, grades, attendance, and training records are part of the job, in public or private schools focused on academic or vocational education. Suits people who like showing a trade in a classroom and shop, watching practice closely, and keeping clear records of progress.
Typical education: Associate’s Degree (2-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$63'820
Median Wage Market Position
$63'820
What you might do
- Train students in a specific trade skill
- Watch students work and give feedback
- Oversee students as they use tools and equipment
- Talk through lessons using charts and videos
- Test students through written or hands-on exams
- Plan course content and keep student records
Skills that matter
- Supervising students using tools and equipment
- Watching student work and suggesting improvements
- Teaching with charts, videos, and slides
- Giving oral, written, and performance tests
- Tutoring students who need extra practice
- Deciding what each trainee still needs
AI & the future of this role
Trade skills are taught largely through supervised shop work that is hard to automate at scale. AI might help with lesson prep or safety quizzes, but licensing pathways and hands-on assessment tend to keep instructors essential.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details