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Trade Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Trade Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$20

$36

How much do trade instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for trade instructor in Virginia is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trade instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trade Instructor, you need in-depth expertise in your specific trade, relevant certifications or licensure, and experience in both the field and teaching. Familiarity with industry-standard tools, safety protocols, and instructional technologies such as learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse learners make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively transferring practical knowledge, ensuring safety, and preparing students for successful trade careers.

What is the difference between Trade Instructor vs Trade Technician?

AspectTrade InstructorTrade Technician
Required CredentialsTrade certifications, teaching credentials or licensesTrade certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, training centers, workshopsWorksites, repair shops, industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, vocational schoolsManufacturing, construction, maintenance industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Trade Instructors primarily focus on teaching and training students in technical skills within educational settings, requiring teaching credentials alongside trade certifications. Trade Technicians, on the other hand, apply their technical skills directly in the field to repair, maintain, or operate equipment. While both roles require trade certifications, their work environments and employer types differ significantly, making this comparison relevant for those exploring careers in skilled trades.

What are some common challenges trade instructors face when teaching hands-on skills to adult learners?

Trade Instructors often encounter the challenge of addressing diverse skill levels and learning styles within a single group of adult learners. Many students may have little prior experience, while others may already possess some practical knowledge, requiring instructors to balance the pace and depth of instruction. Additionally, ensuring safety while demonstrating and supervising hands-on tasks is critical, especially in workshops or labs. Effective Trade Instructors use a mix of demonstration, guided practice, and individualized feedback to ensure all learners can progress confidently.

What is a trade instructor?

Trade Instructors are professionals who teach students the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for a specific trade, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or automotive repair. They typically work in vocational schools, technical colleges, or apprenticeship programs, providing hands-on training and classroom instruction. Trade Instructors often have years of experience in their trade and hold relevant certifications. Their main goal is to prepare students for successful careers by ensuring they meet industry standards and safety regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Trade Instructor jobs in Virginia?

For Trade Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Trade Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,637 per year, or $20 per hour.

Skilled Trades Instructor (*Restricted)

Northern VA Community College

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Working Title
Skilled Trades Instructor (*Restricted)
Role Title
Lecturer
Role Code
01041-FP
FLSA
Exempt
Pay Band
00
Position Number
280G0163
Agency
Northern VA Community College
Agency/Division
NV280-VP Workforce Development
Work Location
Prince William - 153
Hiring Range
Please refer to the Additional Considerations Section for more information.
Emergency/Essential Personnel
No
EEO Category
I-Faculty
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
No
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
Work Schedule
Work schedule is Monday to Friday from 8:30 am-5:00pm. May have to work weekends when needed. Schedule will vary by semester based on operational needs.
Sensitive Position
No
Job Description
General Description:
The Skilled Trades Instructor delivers high-quality, hands-on training while incorporating real-world industry practices and partnerships. This role plays a key part in advancing NOVA Workforce's Skilled Trades programs, supporting training that aligns with regional labor demands in areas such as mission-critical facilities, semiconductor manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and advanced infrastructure.
This position is not eligible for telework.
Duties and Tasks:

  • Deliver instruction through a variety of formats, including classroom, lab-based, hybrid, and accelerated training.
  • Incorporate practical applications and industry-relevant concepts to support skill development.
  • Maintain and promote adherence to safety guidelines and regulatory standards across all learning environments.
  • Prepare participants for industry-recognized certifications through structured instruction, practice, and assessment.

*This position is restricted and is funded with non-continuous or non-recurring funding and is subject to continuation based on fiscal year funds and the needs of the College.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
KSAs:
  • Knowledge of fundamental electrical and mechanical systems, including power distribution, equipment operation, and maintenance principles.
  • Understanding of troubleshooting techniques, system diagnostics, and preventative maintenance practices.
  • Familiarity with facility infrastructure, equipment systems, and operational reliability concepts.
  • Ability to apply industry standards, safety practices, and regulatory guidelines in instructional settings.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using common tools and testing equipment.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly through instruction and demonstration.
  • Skill in supporting diverse learners and adapting teaching methods to varying skill levels.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with students and partners.
  • Ability to maintain a safe, professional, and compliant learning environment.
  • Ability to represent the organization professionally with external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Appropriately related education and/or occupational certifications combined with substantial related occupational experience.
  • Experience delivering hands-on training across multiple formats, such as in-person, hybrid, or accelerated programs.
  • Experience developing or supporting competency-based training aligned with industry standards and certifications.
  • Experience facilitating practical, lab-based learning that incorporates troubleshooting, diagnostics, and safe work practices.
  • Experience collaborating with employers or community partners to support workforce development initiatives.

Additional Considerations
  • Experience teaching "boot camp" style training course.
  • Experience teaching students from diverse language backgrounds and varying levels of proficiency.
  • Experience working with adult learners.
  • Experience with leveraging LMS platforms to deliver content and track learner progress.
  • Experience training adult learners with applied instruction in data center Tier standards, redundancy, and cooling systems.
  • Experience using digital learning platforms to deliver instruction and monitor progress.

Hiring Range is $80,000 to $125,000. Starting salary is commensurate based on education and/or occupational training, experience and other appropriately qualifying factors and will fall within the specified hiring range.
Operation of a State Vehicle
No
Supervises Employees
No
Required Travel
Maybe required to travel between NOVA Campuses.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FAC_2035P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
08/05/2026
Job Close Date
08/18/2026
Open Until Filled
Agency Website
www.nvcc.edu
Contact Name
Email
Phone Number
Special Instructions to Applicants
Additional Information
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of the largest community colleges in the nation. NOVA enrolls nearly 75,000 students on its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Sterling, Manassas, Springfield, and Woodbridge, as well as through NOVA Online and high school dual enrollment programs. The College offers more than 100 affordable associate degree and certificate programs to help our students reach their academic and professional goals in some of the most in-demand careers.
At NOVA, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive community for all students, faculty, and staff, and our diverse workforce is representative of this commitment. To this end, we encourage all applicants seeking to add value through their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests to consider employment opportunities with NOVA. To learn more about NOVA's commitment to inclusive excellence, please visit At a Glance | Northern Virginia Community College.
NOVA offers eligible employees a benefits package that includes a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, generous paid leave, deferred compensation plans, paid parental leave, state employee discounts, and a solid and secure retirement program.
We strive to ensure our employees have tools and development opportunities to support and promote NOVA's mission. For more information about NOVA and its programs and services, please visit our website at www.nvcc.edu.
The security of our students, faculty, and staff is very important at NOVA. Please take a moment to review NOVA's Annual Security Reports.
The selected candidate must reside in the (DC, MD, VA) DMV area.
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate's offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth's Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/99455