Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and career and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Postsecondary teachers work in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, junior or community colleges, and career and technical schools. Outside of class time, their schedules are generally flexible, and they may spend that time in administrative, student advising, and research activities.

Educational requirements vary by subject and the type of educational institution. Most commonly, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges. In career and technical schools, work experience may be important for getting a postsecondary teaching job.

Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as enrollments at postsecondary institutions continue to rise, although it will be at a slower rate than it has been in the past. Many jobs are expected to be for part time faculty.

This occupation supported 1,267,599 jobs in 2012 and 1,313,100 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 3.6%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 18.6% in 2022 to 1,503,899 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 1,314,800, compared with an observed value of 1,313,100, 0.1% lower than expected. This indicates current employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 13.9% in 2024 to 1,489,699 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 1,551,100 jobs for 2024, 4.1% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.