Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
Career and technical education teachers instruct students in occupational and vocational skills at the secondary level, covering fields like trades, healthcare, information technology, and business. They work in public and private high schools, career centers, and alternative schools, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for specific careers or further technical education.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against career/technical education teachers, secondary school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning lessons that blend theory with practical application, setting up equipment or materials for lab work, delivering instruction to classes, and assessing student progress through assignments and practical demonstrations. Teachers may spend time maintaining shop equipment, coordinating with local employers for internship placements, updating curriculum to reflect industry standards, and meeting individually with students about career pathways and skill development.
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 thrive in this role if you value helping others develop practical skills and prefer working within established systems and procedures. You likely enjoy both the technical expertise in your field and the structured environment of schools, finding satisfaction in preparing students for real-world work.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $79,880 | $101,180 | $115,570 | 3,460 |
| Connecticut | $83,730 | $100,810 | $103,000 | 1,910 |
| Massachusetts | $80,930 | $98,020 | $103,310 | 3,130 |
| New Jersey | $75,630 | $83,770 | $100,830 | 2,320 |
| Rhode Island | $78,810 | $81,820 | $95,000 | 90 |
| California | $64,330 | $80,620 | $102,510 | 3,260 |
| New York | $63,600 | $79,820 | $103,800 | 7,610 |
| Delaware | $73,640 | $79,230 | $85,350 | 560 |
| Ohio | $62,990 | $79,230 | $94,680 | 5,130 |
| Vermont | $64,640 | $79,220 | $96,810 | 220 |
| Georgia | $62,780 | $78,760 | $88,560 | 1,680 |
| Oregon | $61,840 | $78,380 | $88,480 | 750 |
All 49 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
- Praxis Subject Assessment: Business Education: Content Knowledge (5101) — Educational Testing Service
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, secondary school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-2032.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.