Education & Library
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
Also called: Agricultural Education Teacher, Auto Technology Instructor (Automotive Technology Instructor), Career and Technical Education Teacher (CTE Teacher), Cosmetology Teacher
US median pay
$66,270
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-0.4%
declining
Openings a year (US)
6,400
110,500 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.
What they do day to day
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Prepare materials and classroom for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct students in the knowledge and skills required in a specific occupation or occupational field, using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop, and field studies.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Instructing4.5/5
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Coordination3.9/5
- Service Orientation3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.8/5
- Time Management3.6/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
Knowledge
- Education and Training4.5/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree40%
- Master's degree23%
- Associate's degree13%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Artistic
Creating, designing and self-expression
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.