How to become an Instructor
Firstly, you can develop your interest in teaching and sharing information about a particular subject. Then you can gain a qualification in that subject which allows you to take on a training and instructional role and this will vary depending on the subject area and industry you are interested in. Some will require a degree as an absolute minimum, whereas others will require more vocational knowledge, such as being a driving instructor.
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What skills help Instructors find jobs?
- Adult education
- Algebra
- Bilingual
- Calculus
- Childcare
- Chinese
- Classroom experience
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Contracts
- Curriculum development
Career progression for Instructor
Education levels for Instructors
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 39.2% |
| High school diploma or GED | 23.7% |
| Master's degree | 19.2% |
| Associate's degree | 13.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 4.4% |
| Middle school education | 0.5% |
Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $33,000 |
| 4 - 8 | $36,500 |
| 8 - 12 | $41,300 |
| 12 - 16 | $45,400 |
| 16 - 20 | $47,500 |
| 20 - 24 | $49,600 |
Common qualifications for Instructors
Certified Personal Trainer
CPR Certification
ASE Certification
Certified Supply Chain Professional
PALS Certification
Lifeguard Training
CEH
AHA Certification
FINRA License
Fundamentals of Engineering
Teaching Certification
RN License
Driver's License
Common questions about career advices for an Instructor
Do I need a degree to become an instructor?
It depends on the type of instructor you choose to be—some more academic subjects will require extensive subject knowledge and qualifications, but others will focus more on experience and vocational expertise. Many instructors choose a field that they are already knowledgeable about in which to work, but if you want to become an instructor and don't have a field in mind, you will need to research the specific requirements for that sector.
Will I need other qualifications to become an instructor?
There is a range of industry-specific qualifications that may be required to become an instructor. Some specialist fields will have their own accreditation programs and others will simply require subject knowledge and experience in the field to become an instructor.
What other skills do instructors need?
Excellent communication skills are a must for instructors in any industry as it is important to be able to impart information in an easy-to-understand format and in a way that your subject will be able to absorb it. Instructors in practical subjects, such as driving instructors or gym instructors, will often need to demonstrate the skills they are teaching their students, so a reasonable degree of physical fitness and abilities will be important to instructors in those areas.
