Explore This Path
Adult Education Instructor
💰 Earn $69K-$125K
📚 Bachelor Degree
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 -13.9% Job Growth
- Inspire lifelong learning by teaching adults essential skills and knowledge.
- Empower individuals to achieve personal and professional growth through education.
- Unique chance to shape diverse learners' futures and unlock their potential.
What Adult Education Instructors DoTeach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.
- Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
- Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs, abilities, and interests.
- Prepare students for further education by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Adult Education Instructors Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings3,800 Annually
Median earnings
California Median
$102,030
Most earn within this range
median ▾
$69K25th percentile
$125K75th percentile
National Median
$61,540
Most earn within this range
median ▾
$49K25th percentile
$78K75th percentile
Real Talk Reel
We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Being creative or artistic
- Influencing or leading others
- Relating with or serving others
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Personal relationships
you are skilled in
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Instructing
Go Deeper: Adult Education Instructors Explained
Adult Education InstructorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Professional UpskillingProfessional upskilling typically results in acquiring new or enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to a participant's current job or desired career path, leading to improved job performance, opportunities for career advancement, and greater employability.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 1 week - 3 months
Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in Less than a year
find training near you
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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