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Vocational instructor vs technical instructor

The differences between vocational instructors and technical 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 technical instructor. Additionally, a technical instructor has an average salary of $68,086, 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 technical instructor are kids, professional development, and curriculum development.

Vocational instructor vs technical instructor overview

Vocational InstructorTechnical Instructor
Yearly salary$41,610$68,086
Hourly rate$20.00$32.73
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs37,084103,399
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

What does a vocational instructor do?

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.

What does a technical instructor do?

Technical instructor or trainer assists the training managers in educating and training technical employees to become competent and technically skilled workers. This job requires strong verbal communication, good teaching skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate learners since it involves skills assessments to track the progress of trainees individually. Also, a technical instructor regularly attends educational workshops and reviews publications to maintain his/her /her technical knowledge and quality service and to be able to design computer training manuals more effectively.

Vocational instructor vs technical instructor salary

Vocational instructors and technical instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Vocational InstructorTechnical Instructor
Average salary$41,610$68,086
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $55,000Between $43,000 And $106,000
Highest paying CitySpringfield, MABerkeley, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaAlaska
Best paying companyNew York State Restaurant AssociationPace University
Best paying industryUtilitiesEnergy

Differences between vocational instructor and technical instructor education

There are a few differences between a vocational instructor and a technical instructor in terms of educational background:

Vocational InstructorTechnical Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Vocational instructor vs technical instructor demographics

Here are the differences between vocational instructors' and technical instructors' demographics:

Vocational InstructorTechnical Instructor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 49.4% Female, 50.6%Male, 68.2% Female, 31.8%
Race ratioBlack 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, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 11.2% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between vocational instructor and technical instructor duties and responsibilities

Vocational instructor example responsibilities.

  • Accomplish creating new work processes for the students to follow; successfully bringing the required ASHP and the PTCB require standards.
  • Utilize blackboard management system to encourage online discussions and manage grades.
  • Teach all requirements necessary to prepare for the certification exam: proper aseptic sterile product technique for compounding and iv preparation.
  • Provide yearly first aid and CPR training for students and faculty.
  • Provide pertinent information and opinions for ISP and IEP team meetings.
  • Develop new products, jigs, fixtures, and production processes.
  • Show more

Technical instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage bank deposits, employee and vendor payments, invoices and receipts, and keep quickbooks update.
  • Manage a host multi-server Linux operating environment in support of those systems.
  • Create a quality learning environment where kids can thrive and advance their knowledge.
  • Establish advanced high school computer classes such as desktop publishing, computer applications.
  • Solve and troubleshoot problems relate to desktop computers, laptops and different types of computers.
  • Develop training materials with PowerPoint.
  • Show more

Vocational instructor vs technical instructor skills

Common vocational instructor skills
  • Plumbing, 24%
  • Course Objectives, 23%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 6%
  • Vocational Training, 5%
  • Safety Standards, 4%
  • Curriculum Development, 4%
Common technical instructor skills
  • Kids, 14%
  • Professional Development, 11%
  • Curriculum Development, 4%
  • Technical Training, 4%
  • Course Content, 3%
  • PowerPoint, 3%

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