Overall employment of career and technical education teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by type. (See table below.)

Overall demand for career and technical education teachers will be driven by a continued need for programs that prepare students for technical careers.

As middle and high school students continue to be required to take more academic and fewer career and technical classes, employment growth of career and education teachers in middle and high schools may be impacted.

In addition, employment growth of teachers, particularly those in public schools, will depend on government funding for career and technical programs.

Postsecondary career and technical education programs have experienced an increase in the number of career and technical institutions and an increase in the number of graduates who have received certificates or diplomas. This will have a positive impact on the demand for career and technical teachers.

Employment growth of career and technical education teachers at the postsecondary level, such as technical, trade, and business schools, often depends on the economy. As jobs become more limited, people seek additional technical skills to help them get a job. Also, changes in technology will drive the demand for people with technical skills. This will result in an increased demand for career and technical teachers at the postsecondary level.

Job Prospects

Most job opportunities will come from the need to replace teachers who leave the occupation. As a result, teachers with work experience in the subject they teach and certifications should have the best job prospects.

Job opportunities also may be better in certain specialties, particularly at the postsecondary level. For example, those with experience in healthcare support occupations, who can teach skills necessary to work as medical or dental assistants, may have better job opportunities.