Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Career and technical education teachers at the postsecondary level instruct students in vocational skills for specific trades and occupations. They teach subjects such as construction, automotive repair, manufacturing, transportation, and cosmetology in public or private educational institutions, typically to students who have completed or left high school.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against career/technical education teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Teachers develop lesson plans, deliver hands-on instruction in workshop or classroom settings, and assess student progress through projects and practical demonstrations. They maintain equipment and facilities, meet with individual students to address challenges, coordinate with industry partners for curriculum relevance, and document student attendance and performance. Many instructors spend time preparing materials and keeping current with industry standards and technological changes.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You are organized and enjoy explaining how systems and techniques work to others. You combine social skills with investigative thinking—you're curious about solving problems in real-world occupations and genuinely interested in helping adults develop practical competence in their chosen fields.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $77,320 | $82,620 | $99,930 | 2,000 |
| South Carolina | $57,740 | $79,610 | $92,310 | 1,980 |
| Massachusetts | $62,120 | $78,780 | $99,150 | 1,660 |
| Washington | $58,410 | $77,530 | $97,760 | 3,610 |
| Alaska | $76,590 | $77,310 | $99,070 | 1,120 |
| Minnesota | $61,790 | $76,920 | $92,350 | 1,510 |
| California | $52,110 | $76,630 | $116,450 | 11,040 |
| New York | $58,160 | $75,170 | $95,880 | 5,250 |
| Wyoming | $52,210 | $74,210 | $104,370 | 360 |
| North Dakota | $54,580 | $73,570 | $95,740 | 430 |
| South Dakota | $60,940 | $72,940 | $77,200 | 350 |
| New Jersey | $59,950 | $72,440 | $82,400 | 2,590 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Professional Skills Training for Career-Technical Education — Safety and Pollution Prevention
- Certified Career Counselor (CCC) — National Career Development Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against career/technical education teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1194.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.