What are vocational teaching jobs like in Texas?

I'm curious about the opportunities and requirements for vocational teaching jobs in Texas. Are there specific certifications needed, and what types of schools typically offer these positions? Any insights on salary and job satisfaction would be helpful too.

In Texas, vocational teachers—also known as Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers—primarily work in high schools and community colleges, teaching courses in areas like automotive technology, cosmetology, culinary arts, computer science, healthcare, and more.

To become a CTE teacher in Texas, you'll need to get a CTE teaching certification, which requires a blend of education and industry experience. This usually involves having a bachelor's degree and at least two years of work experience in the field you'll teach. However, if you have significant industry experience (around 5 years), some requirements can be waived. Additionally, you'll need to pass a criminal background check, and for certain fields, may need to hold relevant licenses or certifications (like a cosmetology license for teaching cosmetology).

Financially, the average salary for CTE teachers varies considerably based on the school and exact role, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for vocational education teachers in Texas was around $60,000 in 2024. This is right around the national average.

As for job satisfaction, that can depend greatly on the individual. However, many career and technical educators find their jobs highly rewarding because they're preparing students for real-world careers and often see firsthand the impact their instruction has.

As our modern economy changes, career and technical education is becoming increasingly important. This means that CTE teachers have the opportunity to be at the forefront of preparing the next generation for the workforce. However, like any teaching job, it can come with challenges, including large classes and a high administrative load. It's important to weigh all these factors when considering a career in vocational education.