TAFE teachers deliver practical and work-oriented courses at institutes, polytechnics and other training providers.
What is a TAFE teacher?
TAFE teachers teach vocational education training courses (VET) to students. VET courses help students to gain employment, advance their career or prepare for further study.
In this role you can educate and support students to achieve their career goals. Depending on your vocation, you may teach apprentices or trainees.
Find out more about TAFE teachers(opens in a new window) and these related jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway:
- primary school teacher(opens in a new window)
- private tutor or teacher(opens in a new window)
- teachers’ aide(opens in a new window)
- training and development professional(opens in a new window).
Related training courses
Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):
- English language teaching(opens in a new window)
- training and assessment(opens in a new window)
- training design and development(opens in a new window)
- vocational education and training(opens in a new window).
You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.
Median salary
The median weekly earnings for vocational education teachers in Australia is $1,886.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)
Note this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.
Job demand in Victoria
Below are the employment projections for vocational education teacher jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.
‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.
| Region | Workers 2024 | New workers expected by 2027 | New workers expected by 2034 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 9,139 | 1,109 | 4,440 |
| Melbourne – inner metropolitan | 2,093 | 294 | 1,090 |
| Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan | 658 | 67 | 270 |
| Melbourne – southern metropolitan | 687 | 84 | 327 |
| Melbourne – northern metropolitan | 1,073 | 144 | 593 |
| Melbourne – eastern metropolitan | 1,340 | 142 | 597 |
| Melbourne – western metropolitan | 825 | 137 | 527 |
| Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) | 226 | 27 | 103 |
| Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) | 288 | 34 | 122 |
| Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) | 624 | 84 | 339 |
| Gippsland | 401 | 43 | 164 |
| Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) | 54 | <10 | 18 |
| Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) | 168 | <10 | 50 |
| Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) | 183 | 19 | 66 |
| Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) | 362 | 27 | 123 |
| Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) | 158 | <10 | 52 |
Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard
Career stories
Feeding the world: Bec’s passion for training tomorrow’s farmers
“I don’t think people realise just how big agriculture is and how many different pathways there are into it. If I have the opportunity to support our future farmers, what a joy!”
From coffee to classrooms: Brett’s TAFE teaching journey
“If you are passionate about representing your industry and helping others, TAFE teaching can be a great path. I’ve got students who have been a truck driver for 30 years, or an arborist or nurse.“
Flying high: Leif is lifting the aircraft maintenance workforce
“I believe there will be a seismic shift in the next decade of aviation. There are a lot of opportunities across the board, from apprenticeships right through to senior leadership positions.”
Styled for self-image: Paige’s hairdressing impact
“Our apprenticeships are naturally very practical. You’re in the salon getting first-hand experience which opens up windows of opportunity for learning, growth and making connections in the industry.”
The right person for the right job: Tom’s teaching journey
“VET teachers and students are hands-on people – we’re constructors, that’s how we learn. The lessons are so concrete and real. As a young person, to find your place is a beautiful thing.”
Resources to plan your next steps
Visit our education and training services industry profile to find out about:
- what it’s like to work in education and training services, and some of the jobs you could do
- training and skills to work in the industry, and financial assistance to help pay for your course
- help getting a job in education and training services, and industry job projections for Victoria
- other free resources and advice to plan your training and career.
Also visit our working with children and young people industry profile.
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