Classrooms are the typical workplaces of history teachers.
Postsecondary history teachers instruct students about how human society has progressed over the years. A tenure-track position at a four-year university is the ultimate goal of most such teachers. This allows them almost complete freedom in teaching whatever they want without fear of being terminated. They can also advance to managerial positions as the head of history departments.
Work
History teachers work in an environment that is intellectually stimulating, since they are surrounded by staff and students who share the same interests. They typically work in locations that are pleasant and comfortable for themselves and their students. Most were a typical academic year lasting only nine months, allowing them to pursue other interests, travel or work other jobs during the rest of the time. They earned a median $63,419 annually, with the lowest 10 percent making $35,510, and the highest 10 percent earning $110,570. This information is as of May 2009 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Employers
The biggest employers of history teachers are colleges, universities and professional schools, with 72 percent of the available 21,810 positions. They are also the highest paying employers, with compensation at a mean $71,220 per year. The next biggest employers are junior colleges with 27 percent of the jobs. They pay a mean $64,460 annually.
Locations
The states with the highest-paying employers for history teachers is Rhode Island with compensation at a mean $96,960 per year, but with only 150 jobs. Next on this list is California with lower wages at a mean$85,770 annually, but with 1,910 jobs. As for cities, Rochester, New York, has the highest pay at a mean $107,330 per year, and with 120 jobs. Next is Riverside, California, with compensation at a mean $106,820 annually, and with 150 jobs.
Outlook
The BLS sees employment for all postsecondary teachers growing at 15 percent from 2008 two 2018, which is faster than average for all jobs. Most of this growth will be due to the increasing population of 18- to 24-year-olds, who comprise the bulk of college students. Many adults are also returning to college to polish up their career skills. Competition will be keen for tenure-track positions at four-year universities. Opportunities will be better for part-time and temporary positions at community colleges.
