As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Trade Instructor in the United States is $62,845 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Trade Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Trade 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 Trade 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 Trade Instructor | $59,458 |
| Intermediate Level Trade Instructor | $59,709 |
| Senior Level Trade Instructor | $62,845 |
| Specialist Level Trade Instructor | $66,340 |
| Expert Level Trade Instructor | $66,590 |
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 Trade Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 10.84% |
| Tutoring | 2.37% |
| Visual Arts | 1.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching Others
|
$70,386 |
12%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$69,129 |
10%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$65,987 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$65,987 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$65,987 |
5%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$65,987 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Trade 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 Trade Instructor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,632 and $61,934).
Trade Instructor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 17.1% |
| Associates | 2.9% |
| Bachelors | 17.1% |
| Masters | 71.4% |
| Doctorate | 8.6% |
Understanding how a Trade 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Trade Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,185 in 2023 to around $55,235 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Trade Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $57,185 |
| 2024 | $56,454 |
| 2025 | $55,235 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Trade Instructor and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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