Trade and Industrial Teacher Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring educators in hands-on learning environments, this program equips future instructors with the pedagogical expertise and technical proficiency needed to teach practical, career-oriented subjects across secondary and postsecondary institutions. Graduates are prepared to lead instruction in high-demand trade and industrial fields, fostering real-world skills in students pursuing technical careers.
- Industrial Technology Education – Focuses on the principles and applications of modern manufacturing, materials, and production systems, preparing educators to teach students how to design, build, and analyze industrial processes.
- Automotive Technology Instruction – Covers the theory and practice of vehicle systems, including engines, electrical components, and diagnostics, enabling teachers to train students in automotive repair and maintenance.
- Construction and Building Trades – Emphasizes blueprint reading, safety standards, carpentry, electrical systems, and sustainable building practices to equip educators with the knowledge to train future construction professionals.
- Welding and Fabrication Techniques – Provides in-depth training in various welding processes, metal fabrication, and structural integrity, preparing instructors to deliver rigorous, hands-on training in metalworking disciplines.
- Electrical and Electronics Systems – Explores circuit design, power distribution, control systems, and emerging technologies in electronics, enabling educators to guide students in electrical trades and automation.
- Instructional Design for Vocational Education – Integrates curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management techniques tailored to technical training environments, ensuring effective delivery of trade-specific content.
Trade and Industrial Teacher Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Trade and Industrial Teacher Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Trade and Industrial 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 |
Trade and Industrial 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 Trade and Industrial Teacher Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 35 institutions offering Trade and Industrial 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 Trade and Industrial Teacher Education is found at University of Louisville (UofL) (357 graduates), Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (77 graduates), University of Central Florida (UCF) (37 graduates), University of Central Missouri (UCM) (27 graduates), and California State University, Sacramento (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 712 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 | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
357 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| Southern Illinois University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
77 | Carbondale, Illinois | Public | siu.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
37 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| University of Central Missouri (UCM) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
27 | Warrensburg, Missouri | Public | ucmo.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
23 | Sacramento, California | Public | csus.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Master's
|
15 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Kent State University |
Master's
Post-Master's
Other Award
|
14 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
12 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| Valdosta State University (VSU) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | valdosta.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Master's
|
12 | San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Marshall University |
Master's
|
10 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | marshall.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Master's
|
9 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Virginia State University (VSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Petersburg, Virginia | Public | vsu.edu |
| Fitchburg State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | Fitchburg, Massachusetts | Public | fitchburgstate.edu |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Portales, New Mexico | Public | enmu.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Master's
|
7 | Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
7 | Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | iup.edu |
| Indiana State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | Terre Haute, Indiana | Public | indstate.edu |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Cupey) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Public | uprc.edu |
| Cosmetology Training Center |
Other Award
|
4 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Private | cosmetlafayettela.com |
| Westfield State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
3 | Westfield, Massachusetts | Public | westfield.ma.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3 | Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University |
Master's
|
3 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | jwu.edu |
| University of Rio Grande |
Other Award
|
2 | Rio Grande, Ohio | Private | rio.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Gurabo, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Master's
|
1 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Dunmore, Pennsylvania | Public | scranton.psu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hazleton, Pennsylvania | Public | hazleton.psu.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Trade and Industrial Teacher Education programs
How much can I earn with a Trade and Industrial Teacher Education degree?
Salaries for Trade and Industrial 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 Trade and Industrial Teacher Education programs?
Currently 35 accredited institutions offer Trade and Industrial Teacher Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Louisville (UofL) (357 graduates), Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (77 graduates), and University of Central Florida (UCF) (37 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 Trade and Industrial Teacher Education growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,491 in 2010 to 712 in 2023-24. This represents a 52% 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 Trade and Industrial 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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