As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a class instructor in the United States is $53,799 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a class instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A class instructor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a class instructor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level class instructor | $50,637 |
| Intermediate Level class instructor | $50,879 |
| Senior Level class instructor | $53,799 |
| Specialist Level class instructor | $56,609 |
| Expert Level class instructor | $56,809 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract class instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.13% |
| Special Education | 5.55% |
| Physical Education | 2.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$57,027 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$56,489 |
5%
|
|
Physical Education
|
$55,413 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$54,875 |
2%
|
|
Coaching
|
$54,875 |
2%
|
|
Dedication
|
$54,875 |
2%
|
For class instructor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, class instructor positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view class instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $64,559 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $64,559 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $59,179 | $28.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many class instructors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a class instructor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,827 and $60,665).
class instructor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 45.4% |
| Masters | 46.3% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how a class instructor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a class instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,307 in 2023 to around $53,111 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of class instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,307 |
| 2024 | $53,542 |
| 2025 | $53,111 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for class instructor roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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