Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Career/technical education teachers at the middle school level instruct students in occupational and vocational subjects, preparing them for trade careers and practical skills. They work in public and private middle schools, teaching courses in areas like construction, healthcare, information technology, automotive repair, and culinary arts alongside traditional academic content.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against career/technical education teachers, middle school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning lessons, delivering hands-on instruction in shop or lab settings, and assessing student work. Teachers manage classroom materials and equipment, provide one-on-one guidance to students learning technical skills, grade assignments and projects, and communicate with parents about student progress. Many also collaborate with local employers and industry professionals to keep curriculum current and relevant.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you value helping others develop practical skills and seeing direct results from instruction. You prefer structured environments with clear expectations and tend to be detail-oriented about procedures and standards—traits that align with both the social focus on student development and the conventional preference for established systems and rules.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $83,020 | $103,290 | $118,750 | 720 |
| Rhode Island | $92,110 | $97,240 | $100,850 | 50 |
| Connecticut | $73,890 | $95,680 | $107,230 | 120 |
| Massachusetts | $67,660 | $93,260 | $107,440 | — |
| Utah | $63,420 | $86,890 | $93,720 | — |
| Ohio | $63,940 | $86,560 | $100,160 | 590 |
| New York | $70,200 | $86,450 | $108,470 | 1,930 |
| Maryland | $56,520 | $84,160 | $97,560 | 210 |
| Minnesota | $54,990 | $81,460 | $88,000 | 160 |
| Illinois | $62,730 | $80,700 | $96,470 | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,830 | $77,980 | $100,590 | 690 |
| Wisconsin | $59,950 | $76,860 | $80,960 | 570 |
All 34 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Board Certification - Career & Technical Education -Early Adolescence to Young Adulthood (EAYA/CTE) — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against career/technical education teachers, middle school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-2023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.