Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET 25-1072.00 · SOC 25-1072
Nursing Instructor is a strong career choice. Median pay is $80k a year with +17.1% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 8,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach nursing theory, pharmacology, and patient care techniques
- →Supervise nursing students during hospital or clinical site rotations
- →Demonstrate proper procedures for medication administration and wound care
- →Evaluate student competency using simulation lab scenarios
- →Develop curriculum aligned with nursing accreditation standards
Education & How to Get In
Nursing Instructor roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Nursing Instructor involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Nursing Instructor?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Nursing Instructor Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to grow 17.1% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Nursing Instructor make?
The median Nursing Instructor earns $80k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Nursing Instructor jobs?
Our model puts Nursing Instructor at 15 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Nursing Instructor a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 17.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 8,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Nursing Instructor?
Nursing Instructor roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Nursing Instructor?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Nursing Instructor career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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