Technical Teacher Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals aiming to lead in career and technical education, this program equips educators with the specialized knowledge and instructional strategies needed to deliver high-impact training in technical fields. Graduates are prepared to teach across secondary, postsecondary, and adult education settings, ensuring students gain industry-relevant skills and certifications.
- Instructional Design for Technical Education: Developing effective curricula and learning experiences tailored to technical and vocational content, emphasizing hands-on application and real-world relevance.
- Workplace Safety and Compliance Standards: Understanding and teaching occupational health, safety regulations, and industry-specific compliance protocols essential for safe and responsible technical practice.
- Assessment and Evaluation Methods: Applying diverse assessment tools and techniques to measure student competency, progress, and mastery in technical skill domains.
- Industry-Integrated Teaching Strategies: Implementing pedagogical approaches that align classroom instruction with current industry practices, technologies, and workforce demands.
- Curriculum Development in Vocational Fields: Designing and refining course content in specialized areas such as automotive technology, information systems, construction, or health sciences.
- Professional Development and Leadership in Technical Education: Building leadership competencies for program coordination, faculty mentorship, and continuous improvement in technical education environments.
Technical Teacher Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Technical Teacher Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Technical Teacher Education degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School and Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 288,890 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2032 | $63,910 | $48,840 - $98,720 | 104,450 | N/A |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2023 | $63,620 | $47,090 - $98,430 | 14,200 | N/A |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1194 | $61,490 | $38,680 - $106,580 | 111,150 | $29.56 |
Salary Comparison
Technical Teacher Education Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,450 in Hawaii to $83,375 in Washington—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Massachusetts, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 288,890 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Technical Teacher Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 28 institutions offering Technical Teacher Education programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Technical Teacher Education is found at Auburn University (AU) (61 graduates), Athens State University (59 graduates), Murray State University (MSU) (24 graduates), University of Kentucky (UK) (22 graduates), and University of Georgia (UGA) (16 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 321 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
61 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Athens State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
59 | N/A | Athens, Alabama | Public | athens.edu |
| Murray State University (MSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 950-1190 ACT: 19-26 |
Murray, Kentucky | Public | murraystate.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Bachelor's
|
22 |
SAT: 1080-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
16 | ACT: 19-26 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
|
11 |
SAT: 1050-1220 ACT: 21-28 |
Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11 |
SAT: 890-1120 ACT: 18-26 |
Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 |
SAT: 1190-1460 ACT: 27-34 |
West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Troy University (TROY) |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 950-1160 ACT: 18-25 |
Troy, Alabama | Public | troy.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | N/A | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
|
7 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 930-1190 ACT: 17-24 |
Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Dorsey College |
Residency
|
6 | N/A | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | dorsey.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | N/A | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| Dorsey College |
Residency
|
5 | N/A | Woodhaven, Michigan | Private | dorsey.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 950-1200 ACT: 20-29 |
Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Eastern Illinois University (EIU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | SAT: 890-1110 | Charleston, Illinois | Public | eiu.edu |
| State University of New York |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1060-1270 ACT: 23-27 |
Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Valley City State University (VCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | ACT: 18-24 | Valley City, North Dakota | Public | vcsu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Summit Salon Academy |
Other Award
|
2 | N/A | Lexington, Kentucky | Private | summitsalonacademy.org |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 18-24 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of Wyoming (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Laramie, Wyoming | Public | uwyo.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Technical Teacher Education programs
How much can I earn with a Technical Teacher Education degree?
Salaries for Technical Teacher Education graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School earn around $63,910. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $83,375 compared to $52,450 in Hawaii. Approximately 288,890 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Technical Teacher Education programs?
Currently 28 accredited institutions offer Technical Teacher Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Auburn University (AU) (61 graduates), Athens State University (59 graduates), and Murray State University (MSU) (24 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Technical Teacher Education growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 797 in 2010 to a peak of 425 in 2020, before declining slightly to 321 in 2023-24. This represents a 60% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Technical Teacher Education degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School, and Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School. Related occupations employ approximately 288,890 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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