Health Teachers, Postsecondary earn $99,830 median salary — BLS 2024 data
Health teachers in postsecondary institutions earn a median salary of $99,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $131,640, or roughly $48 per hour. The typical pay range stretches from $52,490 at the 10th percentile to $295,480 at the 90th percentile, meaning top earners can make more than double the median.
How much Health Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The BLS reports that the median salary for health teachers at postsecondary schools is $99,830. The average (mean) is higher at $131,640, pulled up by the top earners. Half of workers earn between $52,490 and $295,480, with the bottom 10% making under $52,490 and the top 10% over $295,480.
Pay varies by institution type and location. At medical schools and research universities, salaries are typically higher. Community colleges and smaller liberal arts schools tend to pay on the lower end. Experience and specialization — like teaching nursing, public health, or clinical fields — also influence earnings.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level data for this specific occupation. However, salaries generally mirror regional cost of living and demand. Higher-paying states for postsecondary health teachers are likely those with large medical and research institutions, such as California, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. Lower-paying states may have smaller programs or lower funding for higher education. For exact state figures, consult the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics database.
How to become Health Teachers, Postsecondary
Becoming a postsecondary health teacher usually requires at least a master's degree, and often a doctoral degree, especially for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities. Degrees are typically in nursing, public health, health education, or a clinical specialty like medicine or dentistry.
For community colleges, a master's degree with teaching experience or clinical credentials is common. Licenses such as a registered nurse (RN) license or teaching certification may be required. Most teachers start as adjuncts, teaching part-time while gaining experience, then move to full-time roles. Many have prior clinical or research experience.
- Earn a master's or doctoral degree in a health field.
- Gain clinical or teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct roles.
- Obtain relevant licenses (e.g., RN) or certifications.
- Build a teaching portfolio and apply to full-time positions.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a projected growth rate for health teachers, postsecondary specifically. However, overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be driven by increasing student enrollment in health programs, especially as the healthcare industry expands. Competition for tenure-track positions at universities will remain strong.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for health teachers at postsecondary schools?
The BLS reports a median salary of $99,830. The mean is $131,640, with a typical range of $52,490 to $295,480.
What degree do you need to teach health at a college?
A master's degree is the minimum for most community colleges; a doctoral degree is often required for four-year universities. Degrees in nursing, public health, or health education are common.
Is there job growth for postsecondary health teachers?
The BLS projects 8% growth for all postsecondary teachers from 2024 to 2034. Health programs are expected to see strong demand due to healthcare industry growth.
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 Health Teachers, Postsecondary data.