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The differences between mathematics instructors and math teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a mathematics instructor, becoming a math teacher takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a mathematics instructor has an average salary of $51,311, which is higher than the $51,088 average annual salary of a math teacher.
The top three skills for a mathematics instructor include math, classroom management and learning environment. The most important skills for a math teacher are math, classroom management, and student learning.
| Mathematics Instructor | Math Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $51,311 | $51,088 |
| Hourly rate | $24.67 | $24.56 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 39,866 | 59,347 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A mathematics instructor is responsible for improving the students' numerical and analytical skills by teaching mathematical disciplines, processes, as well as its nature and history. Mathematics instructors create engaging lesson plans and ensure class coordination by planning group activities, observing the students' group cooperation, and assessing their social behavior. They adhere to the curriculum guidelines, identify every student's learning challenges, and develop strategic plans to address those difficulties. A mathematics instructor must have excellent communication skills, especially on implementing a smart teaching approach to maximize students' potential and prepare them for an advanced level.
A math teacher is responsible for instilling analytical and statistical knowledge to the learners. The duties of a math teacher include the development of a student's problem-solving skills, practical application of formulas and logical reasoning, utilization of visual materials and other learning equipment for better comprehension, and evaluation of the students' learning progress by conducting series of tests and activities. A math teacher should also support and encourage students and build their self-confidence by providing regular coachings, managing their learning challenges, and keeping engaging lesson plans.
Mathematics instructors and math teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mathematics Instructor | Math Teacher | |
| Average salary | $51,311 | $51,088 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $80,000 | Between $37,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Salinas, CA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | California | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Cathedral High Sch | California State University |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Education |
There are a few differences between a mathematics instructor and a math teacher in terms of educational background:
| Mathematics Instructor | Math Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Most common college | Columbia University in the City of New York | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between mathematics instructors' and math teachers' demographics:
| Mathematics Instructor | Math Teacher | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.0% Female, 44.0% | Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 13.1% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 12% |