Occupations25-2032.00

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Median annual pay
$63,910

BLS, 2024

Employment
103,400

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
-1.8%

2024–34

Annual openings
6,200

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  2. 02Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
  3. 03Prepare materials and classroom for class activities.
  4. 04Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
  5. 05Instruct 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.
  6. 06Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage.
  7. 07Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
  8. 08Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  9. 09Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
  10. 10Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
  11. 11Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  12. 12Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingLearning StrategiesWritingCritical ThinkingMonitoringActive LearningMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 103,400 in 2024 to 101,500 in 2034, a -1.8% change.

BLS projects an average of 6,200 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.