20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
Mornings often start with class prep: update the syllabus in Google Docs, compile slides in Microsoft PowerPoint, and check email in Microsoft Outlook. Then you teach classes, lead discussions, and run labs on Linux or Windows systems used for instruction.
Afternoons can be filming YouTube lessons, editing video, grading papers and exams, and holding office hours. Evenings may include research, writing journal articles, or preparing grant proposals and departmental reports.
You’ll use Google Docs and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for syllabi, grading spreadsheets, and slide decks. Linux is typical in CS labs and for demo code; Microsoft Outlook handles scheduling and campus mail.
For media work you might use Adobe Photoshop for thumbnails and SketchBook Pro for sketches. Excel is common for gradebooks and budgeting research funds.
Use AI to draft lecture outlines, generate quiz ideas, or transcribe recordings, but always review outputs for accuracy and bias before sharing. Keep student data private: don’t upload grades or identifiable student info into third‑party AI without permission.
For grading, use AI to highlight patterns or suggest feedback, then validate and personalize comments. Cite any AI‑generated material in your video descriptions or course notes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 35,480 people employed in this occupation with a median pay of $96,980 per year. The lowest tenth earn about $49,460 and the top tenth earn about $170,200. These figures are from BLS (2025).
YouTube revenue and consulting can add income, but those vary widely and are not included in the BLS numbers.
Focus on programming and Linux basics first—set up a Linux VM, follow tutorials, and build small projects. Learn to make clear slides in PowerPoint and documents in Google Docs; practice recording short screencast videos.
Start a YouTube channel to explain one small topic per video. Learn basic Photoshop for thumbnails and Excel for simple grade tracking. Take community college CS courses or online certificates to build teaching experience.
A university professor typically spends more time on formal research, publishing in journals, writing grant proposals, and supervising graduate students. They also perform administrative duties like serving as department head and liaising with colleagues.
A tech YouTuber educator spends more time creating public video content, editing media, and managing a channel while still teaching courses, grading, and providing student advising. Both roles can overlap, but the emphasis differs.
The most important technical skill is clear technical communication—explaining code, systems, or concepts so students and viewers understand. You prove it by producing sample materials: a short lecture video, a clear lab assignment, and a graded rubric in Google Docs or PowerPoint.
Complement that with demonstrable CS skills: a GitHub repo with working Linux‑based projects and a simple Excel gradebook or rubric showing you can manage assessments and feedback.