Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Both part-time and full-time postsecondary teachers are included in this projection.

Growth is expected as enrollments at postsecondary institutions continue to rise, although it will be at a slower rate than it has been in the past.

The number of people attending postsecondary institutions is expected to grow from 2014 to 2024. Students will continue to seek higher education to gain the additional education and skills necessary to meet their career goals. As more people enter colleges and universities, more postsecondary teachers will be needed to serve these additional students.

However, despite expected increases in enrollment, employment growth in public colleges and universities will depend on state and local government budgets. When budgets for higher education are reduced, employment growth may be limited.

Enrollment is expected to decrease in online colleges and universities. As a result, there will be less demand for postsecondary teachers in these types of schools.

Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to increase, but it will vary by field. For example, nursing and health specialties teachers are projected to grow much faster than the average. As an aging population increasingly demands healthcare services, many additional postsecondary teachers are expected to be needed to help educate the workers who will provide these services.

In all fields, there is expected to be a limited number of full-time non-tenure and full-time tenure positions. Many colleges and universities are hiring more part-time positions.

Job Prospects

There are expected to be more job opportunities for part-time postsecondary teachers since many institutions are hiring more part-time than full-time positions.

There will be a limited number of full-time tenure track positions and competition is expected to be high.

Some fields, such as health specialties and nursing, will likely experience better job prospects than others, such as those in the humanities.

Community colleges or career and technical schools may hire those with a master's degree. However, there are more applicants than available positions in some fields. In these situations, institutions can be more selective, and they frequently choose applicants who have a Ph.D. over those with a master's degree.