A Public Speaking Teacher helps students build skill and confidence in oral communication — speech delivery, argumentation, audience awareness, and the psychology of standing up in front of people.
Public Speaking Teacher pay typically runs $51K–$83K at this level, and jobs in this field are projected to hold roughly steady through 2034.
A typical day mixes direct instruction, in-class speeches, and one-on-one coaching. You're teaching the mechanics — structure, delivery, vocal variety — and creating the regular practice opportunities that turn knowledge into skill. Watching the same student gain confidence speech by speech is a quiet pleasure of the work.
The harder-than-expected piece tends to be the emotional weight students bring. Public speaking ranks among people's top fears, and you're asking them to face it repeatedly. Coordinating with other communications faculty, debate or forensics coaches, and administrators is common, and supporting students through panic moments is part of the rhythm.
People who tend to thrive bring strong communication chops, empathy for the anxious student, and patience for slow growth. If you need fast feedback or didn't personally find your way through speaking anxiety, teaching others through it can be hard.
It's your career.
Take the wheel.
Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.
Still figuring out what you want to become
when you grow up?
Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
A Public Speaking Teacher helps students build skill and confidence in oral communication — speech delivery, argumentation, audience awareness, and the psychology of standing up in front of people.
Median pay for a Public Speaking Teacher is about $63K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $29K to $160K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).
Core skills for this role include Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Instructing, Active Listening, and Speaking.
Most people in this role hold a master's degree.
Employment in this field is projected to grow about 1.4% through 2034, with roughly 1.4 million people working in it today (BLS).
Closely related roles include Accounting Teacher, Flute Teacher, and High School Science Teacher.
Do one small thing to grow in your career this week. Pick one of these; each comes with the words to use.
More career advice
We believe careers grow through small steps taken often, more than big leaps. So we’ve collected hundreds of them for you to try.
Browse career adviceIt's your career.
Take the wheel.