How much does a career skills teacher make?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience, education or job-related credentials, and the school or district and its location. Hours worked may matter too, since some CTE teachers teach evening or weekend classes.

Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050) and “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).

What's a typical day like?

They plan lessons, demonstrate safe tool use, and guide students through hands-on projects in a classroom, workshop, or lab. They check students’ work, give feedback, and may talk with families or local businesses.

Earn a bachelor’s degree, gain work experience in the subject you want to teach, and complete student teaching. Public-school teachers may need a state license and tests; some subjects also require an industry credential.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like helping and teaching and keeping things organized.

In a school workshop, students may practice real job tasks like replacing car brakes or taking blood pressure—not just read about them in a book.