How to become career/technical education teachers, secondary schooleducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$66,270

25th–75th pct. $60,590–$80,060

Top pay (est.)

$131,700

Top 10% $101,340

Pay in 5 years

$76,600est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$88,500est.

$76,100–$102,700

Outlook score

47/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

30%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

−0.4%

6,400 openings / yr

How to become career/technical education teachers, secondary school

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Key skills

Instructing

4.2

Learning Strategies

4.1

Speaking

4.1

Reading Comprehension

4.1

Active Listening

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Active Learning

4.0

Monitoring

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training

5.4

English Language

4.6

Computers and Electronics

4.4

Customer and Personal Service

4.1

Psychology

3.8

Sociology and Anthropology

3.3

Mathematics

3.3

Administration and Management

3.3

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyTraining and Teaching OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoaching and Developing OthersGetting Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningSpeech ClarityWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

40%

Master's degree

23%

Associate's degree

13%

Post-secondary certificate

High school diploma

Post-bachelor's certificate

Some college

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

28%

3–6 months

13%

1–2 years

12%

2–4 years

11%

4–10 years

11%

6–12 months

10%

1–3 months

None / short demo

Related work experience

2–4 years

22%

6–8 years

19%

None

16%

1–2 years

13%

3–6 months

Over 10 years

6–12 months

8–10 years

4–6 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as career/technical education teachers, secondary school

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.	$41,670	49/100	39%
5	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
6	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.