Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Educational requirements vary by subject and the type of educational institution. Typically, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges, and others may need work experience in their field of expertise. PayThe median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $85,330 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 103,300 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postsecondary teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postsecondary teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $85,330 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 103,300 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postsecondary teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postsecondary teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 103,300 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postsecondary teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postsecondary teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
Work Environment
Most postsecondary teachers work in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, and junior or community colleges. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher
Educational requirements vary by subject and the type of educational institution. Typically, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges, and others may need work experience in their field of expertise.
Pay
The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $85,330 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 103,300 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postsecondary teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postsecondary teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most postsecondary teachers work in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, and junior or community colleges. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher
Educational requirements vary by subject and the type of educational institution. Typically, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges, and others may need work experience in their field of expertise.
Pay
The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $85,330 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 103,300 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postsecondary teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postsecondary teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for postsecondary teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of postsecondary teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about postsecondary teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.