A Technical Education High School Teacher specializes in instructing students in grades 9-12 in various technical and vocational subjects. They aim to provide practical skills and knowledge applicable to specific trades or technological fields.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: -0.2% (negative growth)
Annual job openings: 6,200
Direct AI exposure: 12% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 55% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $66K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $50K per year | $61K per year | $66K per year | $80K per year | $101K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $15K above the national average. | ||||
Technical Education Teachers in high schools work in environments that vary depending on their specialty, from traditional classrooms to workshops and laboratories. These settings are equipped with tools and equipment relevant to their subject, such as automotive repair tools, computer labs, or culinary kitchens.
Technical Education High School Teachers are essential in bridging the gap between academic education and practical vocational skills. They provide students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue careers in technical fields or further specialized education. These educators must be well-versed in their subject area and adept at translating complex technical concepts into accessible, engaging lessons.
One of the key challenges of this role is keeping up with technological advancements and industry trends to ensure that the education provided is current and relevant. Teachers must also be skilled in managing diverse classrooms where students have varying levels of interest and aptitude in technical subjects.
This role is more than just teaching; it's about inspiring students to explore and excel in technical careers. It involves guiding students through project-based learning, fostering critical thinking, and helping them understand the real-world applications of their skills.
Becoming a Technical Education High School Teacher generally requires a bachelor's degree in education with a specialization in a technical field, or a degree in the technical field itself, followed by a teaching credential. This amounts to around 4 to 5 years of post-secondary education, including teacher certification.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.