How To Become A College Teacher: What It Is and Career Path

What is a college teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

R. Todd Coy Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a college teacher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.51 an hour? That's $46,827 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 20,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a college teacher?

R. Todd Coy Ph.D.

Professor, Colby-Sawyer College

Our world today is technologically driven, so it's essential to stay up with that. However, one shouldn't forget the importance of making personal connections with people. "Old fashioned" courtesies, like phone calls or thank you notes to follow up on interviews, etc., can go a long way in helping you stand out from the crowd of form-like emails.

Also, don't think that there is only one path to professional success. Be open to new experiences and flexible in exploring various ways to blend your individual interests and passions into what you want to do and then forge a path that allows you to do pursue those dreams.

ScoreCollege TeacherUS Average

Salary

3.7

Avg. Salary $46,827

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 10.28%

Black or African American 11.28%

Hispanic or Latino 15.95%

Unknown 5.86%

White 56.13%

Gender

female 57.49%

male 42.51%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Key steps to become a college teacher

Explore college teacher education requirements

Most common college teacher degrees

Bachelor's

60.8 %

Master's

24.5 %

Associate

8.6 %

Start to develop specific college teacher skills

Skills	Percentages
Class Management	22.91%
Mathematics	11.60%
Economics	11.21%
Public Schools	9.82%
Classroom Environment	6.99%

Research college teacher duties and responsibilities

Manage FBLA, assist with meeting notes, financial records, and agendas for meetings, events, and fundraisers.
Develop syllabus for the course.
Work with adult refugees, as ESL teacher.
Construct IEP's for children entering school systems.

Prepare your college teacher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your college teacher resume.

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