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Job outlook for life skills instructors in the United States
Life skills instructor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected life skills instructor job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 57,800 new jobs for life skills instructors are projected over the next decade.
Life skills instructor salaries have increased 6% for life skills instructors in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,728 life skills instructors currently employed in the United States.
There are 64,039 active life skills instructor job openings in the US.
The average life skills instructor salary is $30,844.
Are life skills instructor jobs in demand?
Life skills instructor job and salary trends over time
Life skills instructor jobs over time
Life skills instructor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,728 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,129 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 17,227 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 16,326 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 14,823 | 0.00% |
Average life skills instructor salary over time
Life skills instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $30,844 | $14.83 | +0.3% |
| 2025 | $30,752 | $14.78 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $30,318 | $14.58 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $29,854 | $14.35 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $29,055 | $13.97 | +5.5% |
Life skills instructor jobs by state
Most common states for life skills instructors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,349 | 20% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 809 | 15% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 142 | 15% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 104 | 14% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 963 | 11% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 112 | 11% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 81 | 11% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 585 | 10% |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,137 | 9% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 901 | 9% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 797 | 9% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 288 | 9% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 94 | 9% |
| 14 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 52 | 9% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 522 | 8% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 457 | 8% |
| 17 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 399 | 8% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 312 | 8% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 109 | 8% |
| 20 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,410 | 7% |
Most common cities for life skills instructors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anderson | 3 | 5% | $24,087 |
| 2 | Carmel | 3 | 3% | $24,036 |
| 3 | Noblesville | 1 | 2% | $24,051 |
| 4 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $24,019 |
| 5 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $30,597 |
| 6 | Santa Ana | 1 | 0% | $30,542 |
Life Skills Instructor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of life skills instructor experts
Adelphi University
Hope College
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
University of Virginia
The George Washington University
George Fox University
University of Indianapolis
Columbia International University
Lancaster Bible College
Carolina Christian College
Sodexo North America
Montana State University – Bozeman
American University
University of West Georgia
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Ohio University
Vanguard University
Rider University
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What Life Skills Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: Given the complexities of the world today, emerging counseling professionals must be flexible in their treatment approach, inclusive in their understanding of diverse cultures and sub-cultures, and mature professionally through humility, self-reflection, and self-care.
What soft skills should all Life Skills 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.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What soft skills should all Life Skills Instructors possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Life Skills Instructors?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.
Department ChairUniversity of Virginia
Department of Communication Studies
What skills will help Life Skills Instructors earn the most?
M. Rachel Tighe Ph.D.: -Online teaching skills
What type of skills will young Life Skills Instructors need?
Dr. Mary DeRaedt: The job of a school counselor is ever changing and evolving, but the importance of responsive and proactive mental health intervention has been and will continue to be of increasing importance in school environments as we discover a new normal as a culture, post-COVID. As I mentioned previously, graduates will need a solid foundation in technological knowledge, stress management and adaptability in order to meet the needs of schools.
Beyond those core skills, graduates entering the workforce in the coming years will need to be skilled in understanding and articulating the importance of trauma informed schools. The changing nature of our workforce also creates a need for school counselors to be knowledgeable about career counseling and the importance of understanding and addressing issues of discrimination, inequality and antiracism as they apply to the lived experience and future career options of students.
What experience really stands out on Life Skills Instructor resumes?
Dr. Jennie Harrop Ph.D.: A diversity of experience is important, demonstrating to a future employee an individual's willingness to try new things, take risks, and experience life fully. Humility demands a willingness to embrace lower-level jobs as well as higher-level, and servant leadership is evidenced in a readiness to have an impact on one's community, regardless of the reward. The best resumes will demonstrate a variety of experiences and a sampling of volunteer work, as well as any memberships or awards that demonstrate commitment and follow-through.
Dr. Charla Davis
Assistant Professor & Director of Clinical TrainingUniversity of Indianapolis
College of Applied Behavioral Sciences-Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology
What experience really stands out on Life Skills Instructor resumes?
Dr. Charla Davis: All practicum experiences really stand out and will tell a future employer the exact experiences the student has had and that is why it is important to keep a well-documented curriculum vitae rather than a resume.
What general advice would you give to a Life Skills Instructor?
Dr. Seth Scott Ph.D.: Start by eating the vegetables, which means doing the hardest stuff first. Stretch yourself at the beginning of your career where struggle and failure are expected and you have the support and guidance you need to learn and grow beyond what you think is your capacity. By starting with the hardest stuff, you increase your confidence in your capacity and competence, allowing you to build the muscles of self-awareness and job skill you will need to choose your career path in the future.
Melissa Boas
Director of Professional School Counseling, Assistant ProfessorLancaster Bible College
Counseling & Social Work Department
What Life Skills Instructor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Melissa Boas: I believe the most important skill to enhance if taking a gap year is self-awareness. Understanding oneself and why and how self-awareness directly relates to future career decision making is instrumental in ensuring the right decisions are made. Self-awareness is extremely beneficial in all areas of life not just in choosing a career pathway.
What type of skills will young Life Skills Instructors need?
Dr. Andrew Wood: For Biblical Studies, it is vital that graduates have a genuine relationship with Jesus, that they are people of humility and integrity, desire to be lifelong learners, and have open minds to new things they learn that may challenge their original assumptions. They need to have a strong work ethic, organizational, and time management skills to work on their own productively and with integrity.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Life Skills Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Andrew Wood: Many of the smaller churches across the country need part-time pastors. Our graduates could potentially find opportunities to pastor more than one rural church at the same time or to work part-time at a church as a "tentmaker," supporting themselves with a second job, as some of our missionaries and urban ministers do. Some larger churches and colleges are eager to diversify their staff, creating some unique opportunities for people of color from Carolina Christian College to minister in a way that bridges ethnic divides.
What type of skills will young Life Skills Instructors need?
Michelle Robinson: In order to succeed in the workforce in the coming years, young graduates will need a combination of skills. They will need to be service-oriented and possess a willingness to do what it takes in order to meet customer expectations attitude. Cultural intelligence/awareness to be able to relate to customers from different cultures will be critical, as will the ability to communicate clearly.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Life Skills Instructors to find work opportunities?
Michelle Robinson: Graduates should consider looking at nontraditional roles outside of just restaurants and hotels. For example, Sodexo's Senior Living segment manages very upscale retirement communities that rival many five star resorts with their dining selections and amenities.
How do you envision technology impacting Life Skills Instructors in the next 5 years?
Michelle Robinson: Technology will continue to have a major impact in the hospitality field within the next five years. Current trends that were unimaginable a few years ago, such as table kiosks, online ordering, and even using chatbots, will be just the tip of the iceberg. In order to keep up with consumer demands, the industry must continue to adapt and flex to new and changing technologies.
Dr. Mark Nelson
Professor and Program LeaderMontana State University – Bozeman
Department of Health and Human Development; Graduate Program – School Counseling
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Life Skills Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mark Nelson: Rocky Mountain and western states seem to have many opportunities. This may be due to the westward migration in the U.S. population.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Life Skills Instructors in the next 5 years?
Dr. Michelle Newton-Francis Ph.D.: The upheaval of the pandemic sees graduates entering the worst job market in more than a decade. Still, some forecasters say it is slowly getting better. I encourage graduates to remain flexible in their thinking and search strategies. For example, many companies will expand their remote positions, opening opportunities for jobs they may not have previously considered due to geographic location. Pandemic or not, graduates may not obtain their "dream job" right away and should also consider opportunities that build transferable skills. Pandemic or not, job searching should always be treated like a full-time job. It is just more challenging and competitive right now. Networking is vital and remains one of the most viable ways to get a job. To create networks, students should take advantage of virtual or socially distanced internships, which build contacts and skills. Students and alumni often overlook their college career centers, which offer invaluable services (and connections), including virtual career fairs and meetings with potential employers.
How do you envision technology impacting Life Skills Instructors in the next 5 years?
Ye Chen Ph.D.: Technology is an integral part of this field. Technology advances will no doubt bring in new exciting research opportunities and practice innovations. As people better leverage new important technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, innovative research, and practices will emerge in personalized and immersive e-learning. The black swan event, the COVID 19 pandemic, will further accelerate this trend by placing an urgent call for improving people's e-learning experience.
What type of skills will young Life Skills Instructors need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Life Skills Instructors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Graduates will have the opportunity to shape the future and help solve problems. Numerous organizations are attempting to solve social issues and environmental challenges. The world needs, and subsequently, employment is available for passionate graduates ready to invest their energy into solving problems.
How do you envision technology impacting Life Skills Instructors in the next 5 years?
Christine Suniti Bhat: The pandemic has already altered the way in which school counselors are engaging with their students. The importance of learning management systems and dynamic tools to interact with students online will continue to grow. School counselors will have to be prepared to deliver individual services as well as group and class interventions using technologies such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This is something that we would not have anticipated five years ago. School counselors may also have to address issues related to isolation, loneliness, and excessive screen time, along with some of the issues that are related to the misuse of technology such as cyberbullying and sexting. Prevention (before problems arise) and intervention (addressing issues after they arise) are both important. Overall, health and wellness in relation to the use of technology will become more important.
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVanguard University
Religion, Undergraduate Religion
What general advice would you give to a Life Skills Instructor?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.: Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.
Acting Assistant ProfessorRider University
Department of Graduate Education, Leadership, and Counseling
What general advice would you give to a Life Skills Instructor?
Aubrey Daniels Ph.D.: Those who are beginning their career with a degree in mental and social health services and allied professions should aim to get as much experience as possible! Apply for positions where you are allowed to work with others, whether through one-on-one counseling, groups, or consulting. Also, take this time to learn about the business component of the profession, too.
Other ways to gain more experience is by partaking in a variety of training, online webinars, and conferences. There are many free online instructions you can partake in to gain more knowledge about topics of interest, whether it is a specific type of therapeutic approach or more information about a mental health disorder.
Also, be open! You never know which population you enjoy serving most, until you get the most experience possible. Lastly, a more diverse caseload will provide you with a better idea about how to help a wide range of individuals. It will also assist you in learning more about the different ways people view the world, which will widen your view of the world.