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The differences between vocational instructors and laboratory instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a vocational instructor and a laboratory instructor. Additionally, a laboratory instructor has an average salary of $49,931, which is higher than the $41,610 average annual salary of a vocational instructor.
The top three skills for a vocational instructor include plumbing, course objectives and developmental disabilities. The most important skills for a laboratory instructor are lab procedures, molecular biology, and patient care.
| Vocational Instructor | Laboratory Instructor | |
| Yearly salary | $41,610 | $49,931 |
| Hourly rate | $20.00 | $24.01 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 37,084 | 63,100 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Depending on their field of specialization, a vocational instructor is usually found working in secondary schools, technical schools, or other training institutions. Their major duty is to teach students a specific trade or occupation. Their responsibility is to teach a particular subject that can immediately be applied to a specific field or job. They are also expected to provide guidance to students and assist them with placement, aside from teaching them in the classroom.
A Laboratory Instructor works closely with students and faculty in laboratories. They set up and prepare the laboratory for experiments, and organize and maintain equipment and supplies. They also teach students how to properly use laboratory equipment, tools, and machines. Laboratory Instructors are responsible for maintaining the routine preventative maintenance of all laboratory equipment. Other duties include reinforcing laboratory housekeeping and safety protocol, coordinating with other engineering departments, and receiving, installing, and maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment.
Vocational instructors and laboratory instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Vocational Instructor | Laboratory Instructor | |
| Average salary | $41,610 | $49,931 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $55,000 | Between $31,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Springfield, MA | Springfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | New York State Restaurant Association | Hutchinson Community College |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Education |
There are a few differences between a vocational instructor and a laboratory instructor in terms of educational background:
| Vocational Instructor | Laboratory Instructor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 49% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Business | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between vocational instructors' and laboratory instructors' demographics:
| Vocational Instructor | Laboratory Instructor | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.4% Female, 50.6% | Male, 51.3% Female, 48.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.3% Asian, 11.2% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 6.9% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.8% Asian, 15.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |