A Career/Technical Education Professor specializes in teaching and guiding students in various vocational and technical disciplines. They focus on imparting practical skills and knowledge necessary for specific trades or careers.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: -0.5% (negative growth)
Annual job openings: 8,800
Direct AI exposure: 21% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 69% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $64K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $42K per year | $50K per year | $64K per year | $82K per year | $109K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average. | ||||
These educators typically work in community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, and sometimes in high schools. Their environment includes classrooms, workshops, or labs, depending on the technical or vocational subject taught. They may also spend time in offices for planning, research, and student consultations.
Career/Technical Education Professors play a vital role in preparing students for specific careers, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field. They bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical application, ensuring that students are job-ready upon completion of their courses. This requires educators to have significant experience and expertise in their field, combined with the ability to teach effectively.
In addition to teaching, these professors often engage in developing vocational education programs, staying abreast of industry changes, and incorporating new technologies and methodologies into their teaching. They may also build partnerships with local businesses and industries to align educational programs with the current job market, facilitating student internships and employment opportunities.
A career in technical education is rewarding for those who are passionate about both their field of expertise and education. It offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on students' lives and careers, shaping the workforce of the future. These educators often find satisfaction in seeing their students achieve competency and succeed in their vocational pursuits.
A master's degree in the vocational subject or in education is often required, which usually involves 2 years of post-bachelor's study. Some positions, especially at community colleges, may require or prefer a doctoral degree.
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.