Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School land at $66,270 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: career/technical education teachers, secondary school programs typically require bachelor's degree, while elementary school teachers, except special education programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School is Washington ($101,180); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School earn more nationally. The median is $66,270 for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School has the better 10-year outlook at -1.8% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School typically requires bachelor's degree. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School at $101,180/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School earn $101,180 vs. $102,350 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.