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Vocational Instructor Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Career growth opportunities Salary: Starting at $16.50 / hour - depending on education Job Summary The Vocational Instructor Utilizes teaching techniques, materials, curricular resources and ...

$89.24/hr

Salary: $89.24 Hourly Location : Santa Clarita, CA Job Type: Non-Credit Instructor Job Number ... We offer a wide range of opportunities in transfer, general education, vocational and occupational ...

$89.24/hr

Salary: $89.24 Hourly Location : Santa Clarita, CA Job Type: Non-Credit Instructor Job Number ... We offer a wide range of opportunities in transfer, general education, vocational and occupational ...

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Vocational Instructor Salary information

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$28K

$51.8K

$73K

How much do vocational instructor salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for vocational instructor salary in the United States is $51,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a vocational instructor?

The average salary of a vocational instructor varies based on location, level of experience, and the specific trade or subject taught. In the United States, vocational instructors typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year. Those working in postsecondary institutions or with specialized expertise may earn higher wages, while those in smaller schools or less in-demand trades may earn less. Benefits, work schedule, and opportunities for advancement can also influence total compensation. It's important to research local job listings and industry trends for the most current salary information.

How much do vocational instructor salary make?

The average salary for a vocational instructor typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the specific field taught. Salaries can vary based on certifications, education level, and the type of institution or training program. Many vocational instructors also earn additional compensation through benefits or overtime opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vocational instructor?

To thrive as a Vocational Instructor, you need expertise in your trade or industry, a relevant certification or degree, and often a teaching credential. Familiarity with curriculum development software, learning management systems, and industry-specific tools is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and mentor diverse learners set outstanding instructors apart. These skills ensure students gain practical, job-ready abilities and succeed in their chosen careers.

What are the typical challenges vocational instructors face when adapting curriculum to meet industry standards?

Vocational Instructors often encounter the challenge of keeping course content aligned with rapidly evolving industry technologies and practices. This requires continuous professional development and close collaboration with industry partners to ensure students gain relevant, up-to-date skills. Balancing administrative duties, hands-on instruction, and individualized student support can also be demanding. However, staying engaged with employers and regularly updating instructional materials can help instructors maintain curriculum relevance and student success.

What is the difference between Vocational Instructor Salary vs Technical Trainer Salary?

AspectVocational Instructor SalaryTechnical Trainer Salary
Required CredentialsTypically requires a vocational or technical certification and teaching credentialsRequires technical expertise, often with certifications in specific technologies or skills
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, vocational schools, community collegesCorporate training departments, technical colleges, private companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education and training sectors focused on skill developmentUsed in corporate and industry-specific training settings

Both Vocational Instructors and Technical Trainers focus on skill development, but Vocational Instructors typically work in educational settings with formal certifications, while Technical Trainers often operate within corporate environments, emphasizing industry-specific skills.

What does a vocational instructor do?

A vocational instructor teaches students practical skills and knowledge in specific trades or technical fields, such as carpentry, automotive repair, or healthcare. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate techniques, assess student progress, and often hold industry certifications to ensure students are prepared for employment. Vocational instructors typically work in technical schools, community colleges, or training centers and may require relevant industry experience and teaching credentials.
More about Vocational Instructor Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Vocational Instructor Salary jobs? Cities with the most Vocational Instructor Salary job openings:
What states have the most Vocational Instructor Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Vocational Instructor Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vocational Instructor Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vocational Instructor Salary jobs are:
Infographic showing various Vocational Instructor Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,783 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

The Vocational Instructor C works with individuals to provide job coaching and support and are engaged in teaching a variety of employable skills to individuals in group-supported worksites. The Vocational Instructor C participates actively in the Individual Support Plan (ISP)/ Life Plan process. This position requires the ability to work collaboratively with team members, service providers, and family members to provide direction to individuals with intellectual disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, and attend support meetings and trainings to properly assist the individuals in choosing career goals. This position requires the Vocational Instructor to follow business-related procedures and assist with covering a variety of other TCS day and work programs as needed, including group-supported and individualized worksites.

Potential candidates must have the ability to maintain accurate financial records and reports, perform monetary transactions, compile required data, produce daily written documentation, complete progress notes and incident reports, record daily attendance and/or timesheets, as well as assist in the planning and development of work programs. The Vocational Instructor C may also provide functional supervision to Vocational Instructor A/B's in the worksite. They must also have the ability to communicate and interact professionally with the public, be sensitive to the social/emotional needs of individuals being served, while following specific behavioral plans, mobility/dietary guidelines, and be mindful of varying medical needs. Candidates may also be required to perform 1:1 support to individuals served in the day or work programs.  

Experience in operating and maintaining a variety of outdoor equipment safely and efficiently and Medication Administration Program (MAP) certified person preferred but not required.

Please Note:

This position is based in Baldwinville, MA and will be travelling throughout the Central/West Region, as required.

Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Days Off: Sunday/Saturday

With flexibility required to meet the needs of the program.

About the Department of Developmental Services: 

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

  • Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

  • Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
  • Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.  http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori 
  • National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

 

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in vocational or industrial training or vocational or industrial instruction. 

SUBSTITIONS:  -  A Bachelor's or higher degree in industrial arts or vocational education may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.   

-  One year of education equals 30 semester hours.  Education toward degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Licenses: Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators license or the equivalent.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.