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Science instructor vs social studies teacher

The differences between science instructors and social studies teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a science instructor and a social studies teacher. Additionally, a social studies teacher has an average salary of $49,725, which is higher than the $48,925 average annual salary of a science instructor.

The top three skills for a science instructor include classroom management, kids and professional development. The most important skills for a social studies teacher are classroom management, world history, and curriculum development.

Science instructor vs social studies teacher overview

Science InstructorSocial Studies Teacher
Yearly salary$48,925$49,725
Hourly rate$23.52$23.91
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs40,93694,087
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4343
Years of experience22

What does a science instructor do?

A Science Instructor guides the student in understanding important concepts in science, which may include problem-solving and gathering evidence in supporting concepts or ideas. Their responsibilities include presenting science demonstrations, checking assignments, grading tests, and writing lesson plans. Instructors also need to evaluate each student's performance. They are also required to be excellent in written and verbal skills and communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.

What does a social studies teacher do?

Teachers that specialize in human society are called social studies teachers. Usually, they are found at a high school and secondary school level. They teach concepts of history, geography, government, economics, and civic ideals. Their duties include assigning and grading homework, writing, and grading tests and essays as well as engaging students with lectures and relevant activities. Skills needed for the job include an analytical mind, service-oriented, and organized. They must also be highly knowledgeable about social sciences and has a field related degree to social study.

Science instructor vs social studies teacher salary

Science instructors and social studies teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Science InstructorSocial Studies Teacher
Average salary$48,925$49,725
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $78,000Between $36,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkWashington
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictBoston Public Schools
Best paying industryEducationProfessional

Differences between science instructor and social studies teacher education

There are a few differences between a science instructor and a social studies teacher in terms of educational background:

Science InstructorSocial Studies Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBiologyHistory
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Science instructor vs social studies teacher demographics

Here are the differences between science instructors' and social studies teachers' demographics:

Science InstructorSocial Studies Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 50.8% Female, 49.2%Male, 51.6% Female, 48.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between science instructor and social studies teacher duties and responsibilities

Science instructor example responsibilities.

  • Course content ranges from medical applications to specific topics in physiology.
  • Work collaboratively with program instructors to design anatomy and physiology courses to augment their curriculum.
  • Plan and oversee extensive daily chemistry and biology laboratory experiments (and tasks similar to above )
  • Conduct experiments ranging from general biology, chemistry, physics, geology, microbiology, genetics, microbiology, and anatomy
  • Assist students to do electrophoresis lab in which they extract DNA from various fruit.
  • Assist students in homework and give one on one tutoring in math, English, social studies and science.
  • Show more

Social studies teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead co-taught classes with another teacher.
  • Develop and continue to manage a collaborative after-school tutoring program for middle school mathematics students.
  • Develop curricula for, and teach all , 7th & 8th grade language arts and social studies classes.
  • Prepare students for the AICE college level exam.
  • Teach theory and attitudes of leadership to the students.
  • Instruct students at various levels and abilities in civics and law.
  • Show more

Science instructor vs social studies teacher skills

Common science instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 13%
  • Kids, 11%
  • Professional Development, 11%
  • Chemistry, 6%
  • Mathematics, 5%
  • Learning Styles, 4%
Common social studies teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 16%
  • World History, 7%
  • Curriculum Development, 6%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Classroom Environment, 4%

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