Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $63,820 median salary, slow growth ahead
The median salary for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary is $63,820 per year, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to about $31 an hour. The typical range runs from $41,960 at the 10th percentile to $108,620 at the 90th. There are 114,110 people working in this occupation across the U.S.
How much Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn
Average pay in this field is $72,060. Half of all workers earn between $50,630 and $82,220. The bottom 10% make under $41,960; the top 10% exceed $108,620.
Pay varies by institution type, location, and teaching field. Instructors in high-demand technical trades or healthcare often earn more, especially if they have industry certifications.
Pay by state
Wisconsin tops the list at $82,620 mean annual wage, followed by South Carolina ($79,610), Massachusetts ($78,780), Washington ($77,530), and Alaska ($77,310).
At the lower end, Mississippi pays $50,670, Arkansas $50,120, and Kansas $48,790. That's a gap of more than $30,000 between the highest and lowest states.
How to become Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Most jobs require a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience in the field you'll teach. Many community colleges also require a teaching certificate or alternative credential, especially for trade programs.
Typical path: earn a degree in your technical area (e.g., nursing, automotive technology, IT), accumulate 2–5 years of industry experience, then obtain a postsecondary teaching credential if required by your state. Some states offer alternate routes for experienced professionals.
- Bachelor's degree in your technical field (some associate-level teaching may accept associate degree plus experience)
- Relevant industry experience (often 3+ years)
- State teaching license or certification for postsecondary CTE (check state requirements)
- Optional: master's degree in adult education or career and technical education to boost pay and job prospects
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 0.7% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the average for all occupations. That's about 8,800 openings per year, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the field.
Demand will be strongest in healthcare and skilled trades, as community colleges expand programs tied to local workforce needs. Online instruction may also create some opportunities, but overall growth is limited by state budgets and enrollment trends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary?
The national median salary is $63,820 per year. The mean wage is $72,060, and the typical range is $41,960 to $108,620.
How do I become a Career/Technical Education Teacher, Postsecondary?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in the subject you'll teach plus several years of relevant industry experience. Many states also require a postsecondary teaching license or alternative credential.
What is the job outlook for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary?
The BLS projects 0.7% growth from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than average. About 8,800 openings occur each year due to retirements and turnover.
Which states pay the most for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary?
The highest-paying states are Wisconsin ($82,620), South Carolina ($79,610), Massachusetts ($78,780), Washington ($77,530), and Alaska ($77,310).
Do Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary need a teaching license?
It depends on the state and institution. Many community colleges require a state-issued postsecondary CTE teaching credential, especially for certification-linked programs.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary data.