Career Overview
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Also Known As
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher (FACS Teacher)
- Instructor
- Teacher
- Technology Education Teacher
Alternate Job Titles
- Agricultural Education Instructor
- Agricultural Education Teacher
- Agriculture Education Instructor
- Agriculture Teacher
- Agriscience Instructor
- Allied Health Teacher
- Auto Body Repair Teacher (Automotive Body Repair Teacher)
- Auto Mechanics Instructor (Automotive Mechanics Instructor)
- Auto Mechanics Teacher (Automotive Mechanics Teacher)
- Auto Teacher (Automotive Teacher)
- Auto Technology Instructor (Automotive Technology Instructor)
- Automotive Instructor
- Bookkeeping Teacher
- Building Trades Teacher
- Business Education Teacher
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Prepare materials and classroom for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct students in the knowledge and skills required in a specific occupation or occupational field, using a systematic plan of lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop, and field studies.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Instructing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Speech Recognition
- Problem Sensitivity
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Cooperation
- Optimism
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Adjustable wrench sets
- Analog tachometers
- Anvils
- Band saws
- Belt sanders
- Binocular microscopes
- Block planes
- Blowdryers
- Built-in ovens
- Caliper sets
- Carousel slide projectors
- Chef's knives
- Circular saws
- Claw hammers
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Public Speaking
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Frequency of Decision Making
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $48,840 |
| Median | $63,910 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $98,720 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 104,450
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $61,490
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $63,620
Instructional Coordinators
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $74,720
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $69,590
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $64,580
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.