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Job outlook for communications instructors in the United States
Are communications instructor jobs in demand?
Communications instructor job and salary trends over time
Communications instructor jobs over time
Communications instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 651 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 654 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 661 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 642 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 628 | 0.00% |
Average communications instructor salary over time
Communications instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $53,529 | $25.74 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $52,189 | $25.09 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $50,239 | $24.15 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $49,301 | $23.70 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $47,351 | $22.77 | +3.2% |
Communications instructor jobs by state
Most common states for communications instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 232 | 33% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 190 | 20% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 100 | 17% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,152 | 14% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 102 | 14% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 90 | 14% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 725 | 13% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 137 | 13% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 97 | 13% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 104 | 12% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 744 | 11% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 443 | 11% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 983 | 10% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 632 | 10% |
| 15 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 498 | 10% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 135 | 10% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 108 | 10% |
| 18 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 986 | 9% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 768 | 9% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 279 | 9% |
Most common cities for communications instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon City | 1 | 3% | $37,949 |
| 2 | El Cajon | 1 | 1% | $70,399 |
| 3 | Ontario | 1 | 1% | $71,639 |
| 4 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $48,982 |
| 5 | Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $64,640 |
| 6 | Milwaukee | 1 | 0% | $49,927 |
Communications Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of communications instructor experts
College of the Marshall Islands
Morningside University
Texas Wesleyan University
Hope College
Hope College
University of Virginia
Arkansas Tech University
Franklin and Marshall College
AGWA - American Grant Writers' Association, Inc.
Texas State University
Northwestern University
New York University
Linfield University
What Communications Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alexander Velasquez: I think that in the next three to five years the most important skills to have—and I mean this—will be critical thinking and imagination. This may sound a bit outlandish, and maybe even a bit naive, but hear me out: Artificial intelligence is making strides to the point where papers are writing themselves with simple instructions, videos are generating themselves with simple instructions, and software is beginning to write itself; and all this has been happening within the last few years. We may begin to see that in the next three to five years, once coveted programming jobs could become automated. Now, what I'm *not* saying is don't go to school for computer programming; but what I *am* saying is that the nature of work and employment *is* changing. For example, if you and and AI are making a video, and both of you have the same script, same voiceover, and so on, the only thing separating your final product from the AI's is the way you *think and imagine*, the perspective that you have as someone who can think critically about the information and lay it out in a visually appealing manner. AI can't do that—at least not yet—because it simply spits out the information it's given. But critical thought, metalevel thinking about information, is what will be one of the most important assets to have in the coming three to five years.
Caprice Moore
Assistant ProfessorMorningside University
School of Business
What soft skills should all Communications Instructors possess?
Caprice Moore: Some soft skills that appeal to many employers include:
Listening Skills
Listening has always been a high priority for business communication graduates, but that is truer now than ever. With a shifting work dynamic, an increasingly remote workforce, and constant adaptation to changing conditions, employers are looking for people who can carefully listen to supervisors, co-workers, and clients.
Simplicity
In an age of information overload and shortened attention spans, simplicity shines like a star in the communication landscape. Unless a situation calls specifically for detailed, complex reports or presentations, it is generally best to arrange information in a way that is as straightforward and uncluttered as possible. Simplicity goes hand in hand with clarity and concision. When answering questions, it is best to be brief and specific if the situation allows for it.
Transparency
Transparency is the open sharing of information. It may be particularly important when you are conveying expectations. Clearly expressing what is expected in a role can help both job candidates and prospective employers make wise decisions about whether or not a position is a good fit.
What skills stand out on Communications Instructor resumes?
Caprice Moore: While graduating with a business communications degree is exciting, entering an uncertain job market might not be. The "new normal" created by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected what employers are looking for. Let's talk about what skills might give you a leg up in your quest to kick start your career.
As a recent graduate, you have a multitude of potential opportunities in front of you, even in the current climate of economic uncertainty. The ability to take advantage of such opportunities depends on how well your skills and abilities shine through on your resume. You should always adjust your resume to the description of the job you are applying for. For example, if you wish to work as a dedicated Communications Specialist, it would be wise to include things like project management, strategic planning, and content creation on your resume.
Are you looking for guidance as you navigate the ups and downs of searching for a new job? A qualified coach can help you hone your resume, define your career goals, and possibly land your dream position!
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Instructors?
Caprice Moore: The hard skills that you need to stand out as a job candidate can vary depending on the exact position you are aiming for. Some skills that might shine on your resume include:
The Right Vocabulary
Business communication graduates are invaluable across many different business sectors. Each sector, however, comes with a unique vocabulary. Reading relevant industry publications and news articles can help you to learn the lingo of industry and prepare you to impress at your next job interview.
You might even consider taking a brief course to get yourself up to speed on a particular industry. You might search for local college courses that are relevant or even try to earn a certificate on a platform like Coursera.
Research Capabilities
These days, many people equate "research" with typing something into Google's search box. Real research, however, is much more involved. Being familiar with a range of research tools, and knowing how to differentiate reliable information from unreliable information, can be a huge asset in your job search.
Media and Marketing
Especially if your desired job involves sending messages to the public, you should be familiar with a variety of advertising media and marketing techniques.
What skills will help Communications Instructors earn the most?
Caprice Moore: The national average pay for a communications major is around $62,000. However, you might be able to make more by developing and showcasing specific skills, such as:
-Marketing. The base pay for a marketing manager is more than $100,000, while the mid-career median salary of a Vice President of Marketing is more than $162,000.
-Strategic planning. The mid-career median salary of a Director of Strategic Alliances is roughly $160,000
-Account management. The mid-career median pay of a Global Account Manager is more than $138,000.
Dr. Kay Colley
Faculty Assembly Chair, Department Chair, ProfessorTexas Wesleyan University
Mass Communication Department
What skills stand out on Communications Instructor resumes?
Dr. Kay Colley: For recent graduates, skills that stand out are curiosity, listening, writing, multimedia editing, website design, and analytics, as well as social media storytelling. Attention to detail is also a very important skill. For faculty---data analytics, multimedia storytelling, social media storytelling and analytics, attention to detail.
What skills stand out on Communications Instructor resumes?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: When I look at a resume, I am not just looking for a list of skills. I am looking for the application of skills. I am looking for internship experiences or past job experiences that demonstrate hard and soft skill development and application. I believe that the best predictor of future performance is past performance. If you want to be a Communication Skills Instructor, I would recommend starting as an intern - which will help build your skillset under the guidance of someone already working in the profession.
What soft skills should all Communications Instructors possess?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: The most important soft skill that a Communication Skills Instructor can possess is the skill of coaching. A Communication Skills Instructor is basically a skills coach. You need to walk alongside your students/clients to help them grow their communication skill set. You need to be able to assess where their skills are currently, set a plan in place, and put that plan into action - while encouraging your student/client every step of the way.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Instructors?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: One growing area within the profession is teaching students/clients how to communicate effectively using technology. Presenting live and pre-recorded webinars and leading effective online meetings requires technical skills and knowledge of computers and software. As a Communication Skills Instructor, you need to teach the soft skills of presenting effectively online, but you also need to teach the technical skills of using the equipment and software and how to troubleshoot when problems with technology arise.
What skills will help Communications Instructors earn the most?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: You will earn the most if you have experience, expertise, or a background in a specific field, for example, health care or computer programming, and combine that expertise with teaching communication skills. Communication skills instructors who work as corporate trainers specializing in teaching communication skills within a particular field have the greatest earning potential. Many organizations, especially in highly specialized or technical fields, find that their employees need specific training in developing strong communication skills in group and interpersonal settings. Businesses are willing to hire internal or external communication skills instructors to teach those skills through corporate training seminars and private coaching sessions.
What skills stand out on Communications Instructor resumes?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: When I look at a resume, I am not just looking for a list of skills. I am looking for the application of skills. I am looking for internship experiences or past job experiences that demonstrate hard and soft skill development and application. I believe that the best predictor of future performance is past performance. If you want to be a Communication Skills Instructor, I would recommend starting as an intern – which will help build your skillset under the guidance of someone already working in the profession.
What soft skills should all Communications Instructors possess?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: The most important soft skill that a Communication Skills Instructor can possess is the skill of coaching. A Communication Skills Instructor is basically a skills coach. You need to walk alongside your students/clients to help them grow their communication skill set. You need to be able to assess where their skills are currently, set a plan in place, and put that plan into action – while encouraging your student/client every step of the way.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Instructors?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: One growing area within the profession is teaching students/clients how to communicate effectively using technology. Presenting live and pre-recorded webinars and leading effective online meetings requires technical skills and knowledge of computers and software. As a Communication Skills Instructor, you need to teach the soft skills of presenting effectively online, but you also need to teach the technical skills of using the equipment and software and how to troubleshoot when problems with technology arise.
What skills will help Communications Instructors earn the most?
Dawn DeWitt-Brinks: You will earn the most if you have experience, expertise, or a background in a specific field, for example, health care or computer programming, and combine that expertise with teaching communication skills. Communication skills instructors who work as corporate trainers specializing in teaching communication skills within a particular field have the greatest earning potential. Many organizations, especially in highly specialized or technical fields, find that their employees need specific training in developing strong communication skills in group and interpersonal settings. Businesses are willing to hire internal or external communication skills instructors to teach those skills through corporate training seminars and private coaching sessions.
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.
Department ChairUniversity of Virginia
Department of Communication Studies
What skills stand out on Communications Instructor resumes?
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.: -Teaching experience
-Generalist knowledge - public speaking, interpersonal, business and professional, argumentation
What hard/technical skills are most important for Communications Instructors?
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.: -Ability to use an online platform (Moodle, Google Classroom, etc.
-Ability to use video for virtual instruction
What soft skills should all Communications Instructors possess?
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.: -Interest in working with undergraduates
-Willing to be available to students
-Positive student evaluations
What skills will help Communications Instructors earn the most?
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.: -Online teaching skills
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Communications Instructor job market given the pandemic?
Sam Strasner: The New York Times reported, early in the pandemic, that 36,000 journalism jobs had been lost in the United States. Poynter observed that later in summer 2020, that figure does not account for freelancers and others who count on their journalism skills supplement their regular income. The rate at which those jobs return and the quality of the opportunities will most likely reflect the pandemic's overall economic recovery. A more robust economy will allow for more advertising expenditures by companies and more subscriptions by consumers. Through it all, the quality will remain paramount. Those who can tell compelling and accurate stories that resonate with an audience will gain access to the best career options.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Communications Instructors in the next 5 years?
Sam Strasner: I think it depends upon how one defines the field. The data says we are in the middle of a 10-year period that will see a 10.1 percent decline in journalism jobs. I noticed that trend early in my career and pivoted to public relations. Our society needs journalists. It is essential that we have people who are willing to, and have the skills necessary to, do real reporting. I believe there will always be a need for that. The question is how prevalent that need will be. As a result, my recommendation to someone pursuing a journalism degree today would be to focus their electives in some combination of digital marketing, public relations, or another closely related field based on communication. That subtle diversification in skills could be the key to a new graduate getting that first job and beginning a career journey toward whatever their ultimate dream might be.
What general advice would you give to a Communications Instructor?
David McMahan Ph.D.: Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Communications Instructors?
John Porter Ph.D.: Grant writing is a very consistent business. It does not matter if the market is up or down or which party is in office. If the economy is down and money is tight, business tends to turn towards grant funding to supplement revenue. If the economy is strong, the company has a little extra cash and is willing to explore grant funding.
When unemployment rises and it isn't easy to find employment, more people will start their own business. If that business is a non-profit, it could receive grant funding for their programs and activities.
Grant writing is an excellent full-time, and part-time opportunity. Many, mostly non-profit organizations, seek Certified Grant Writers to help compensate for the lack of revenue, which has occurred from the recent economic shutdown. Independent Grant Consultants have a lot of control over the number and type of clients they work with, from a few each month to as many as there is time to do.
Certified Grant Writers are in high demand to compensate for issues like the recovery from the economic shutdown, rising taxes, and other financial strains,
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Communications Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rodney Rohde Ph.D.: There are large vacancy rates all over the country. This is a good news/bad news issue. However, with a degree in medical laboratory science (also known as a clinical laboratory science) AND certification, one can find employment anywhere in the U.S. One of the great things about this career is that graduates honestly can decide where they "fit best" with regard to geography and employer (urban, rural, large, or small).
What Communications Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Helen Callus: A gap year is a terrific way to build a resume. By looking at where there might be a lack of experience like competitions, teaching, administration, summer festival interns, assistantships - they can focus their time and build their resumes well. I also think being creative in these current times, showing that you have experience teaching remotely, making a studio, creating a website, writing an article, and doing research that could be helpful later on. You could also spend the time preparing repertoire to teach or take auditions and make your first recording and video YouTube performance.
Marlene McCarty
Clinical Professor of Visual ArtsNew York University
Department of Art and Art Professions
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Communications Instructors to find work opportunities?
Marlene McCarty: Large universalized geographic hubs of creativity (such as NYC used to be) will not play the same importance as in the past. Anywhere that is local will offer opportunities, if someone is imaginative enough to see them. Participatory placemaking requires critical and holistic thought concerning the world around us. Communities of friends, acquaintances, and cross-disciplinary associates, some formed online - some in person, will be more important than actual geographical areas.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Communications Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Carrie Kondor: Still, I can say that I believe graduates will find more job possibilities than before, given the broader continuum of teaching environments that this pandemic has opened up!