Education Teachers, Postsecondary

These professionals teach college-level courses in areas such as guidance, instruction, and teaching English as a second language. Their daily work involves training and teaching others, organizing and planning course materials, and coaching and developing students. They must gather information, solve complex problems, and make decisions regarding student progress and curriculum quality. Strong communication is essential, as they regularly interact with supervisors and peers, write course materials, and deliver lectures.

Success in this role requires deep knowledge of education, training, psychology, sociology, and the English language. Instructors utilize skills like active listening, reading comprehension, and critical thinking to guide their students. This career strongly appeals to individuals with social interests who enjoy helping others learn. Key work styles for these teachers include intellectual curiosity, dependability, empathy, cooperation, and initiative.

Entering this career typically requires extensive preparation. Most professionals in this field need a doctoral or professional degree, though some positions may be accessible with a master's degree.

Students preparing for this career path generally major in fields such as education, curriculum and instruction, special education and teaching, public policy analysis, or specific areas of teacher education and professional development. To enhance their credentials, candidates can pursue voluntary certifications. Examples of these credentials include the Certified Postsecondary Instructor from the National Center for Competency Testing, the DoDEA Certification from the Department of Defense Education Activity, or the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate.

In 2025, the median annual pay for postsecondary education teachers was $75,350. The lowest 10% of earners in this field made less than $39,530, while the highest 10% earned more than $126,860. There are 60,830 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 2.5%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth and normal turnover are expected to result in approximately 5,300 job openings each year.