You can take a number of different career paths in education, including teaching, administrative positions, and supporting roles. Finding out more about the various types of education jobs that are available is a good first step in determining which type of position is best suited to your skills and career objectives if you are interested in teaching and supporting students in their academic careers.
This article examines education-related careers and the projected job growth rate for these occupations.
One of the most satisfying ways to make a difference in the lives of others is to pursue a career in education. The first and most important step in becoming a teacher is obtaining a degree in education. However, an education degree can serve as a stepping stone to a wide range of careers in education, including education administration, school counseling, and even social work, even if you do not intend to teach in a traditional classroom setting.
Why should you pursue career in education?
Here are few of the reasons why you should pursue career in education:
- Job security
- Benefits of teaching
- Teaching with passion and love
Job security:
Almost every educational field is anticipated to expand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After graduation, teaching jobs are easy to find, and teachers are in high demand in all fields. Simply put, school administrators and teachers will always be in demand.
Benefits of teaching:
Pensions and insurance for teachers and their families are provided. Teachers can also take advantage of tenure and preexisting plans for salary increases as they gain experience. Additionally, teachers frequently receive paid holidays, such as winter and spring breaks.
Teaching with passion and love:
Teachers have the opportunity to teach subjects about which they truly have a passion and to inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers to make a difference in the world. Every day, teachers have the opportunity to share their interests with young minds and learn new aspects of them.
Types of careers in education
The most common career paths in education, from preschool teaching to administration and library science, are listed below. The primary duties associated with each of these occupations, as well as the median annual salary offered, are detailed in addition. For each of these fields, job growth is also projected to occur within the next ten years.
Here are the common types of careers in education:
- Art Teacher
- Biology Teacher.
- College Professor
- Elementary School Teacher
- English Teacher
- ESL Teacher
- High School Teacher
- History Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Middle School Teacher
- Montessori Teacher
- Music Teacher
- P.E. Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
- Principal
- School Administrator
- School Counselor
- School Librarian
- School Secretary
- Science Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Substitute Teacher
- Superintendent
- Teaching Assistant
- Vice Principal
Before we find out what are the careers in education let us first understand the basics of education when it comes to teaching, administration, counseling, and school social works as they are considered as the building blocks of any education system.
What is teaching?
If you enjoy working with children or adults in a classroom setting, teaching is probably the most well-known career option for students with a degree in education. Students are educated and prepared for the world by teachers.
Their subject matter varies depending on the age of the students they are instructing, ranging from the fundamentals of math and reading to higher education-level specialty courses. Additionally, teachers are able to work in a variety of settings; primarily conventional schools, as well as online alternatives.
What are the teacher responsibilities?
Depending on the age and level of the students, teachers create lesson plans and tests to teach specific subjects to them. Teachers are also responsible for analyzing progress and reporting it to parents, as well as for establishing and enforcing classroom rules.
The responsibilities of a teacher includes: plans, designs, and implements educational programs, lesson plans, and curriculum for student audiences in areas of expertise. advises, tests, and teaches a variety of academic subjects to students. demonstrates and reinforces concepts learned in a particular subject or subject area.
Here are few of the responsibilities of a teacher:
- Plans, designs, and implements educational programs, lesson plans, and curriculum for student audiences in areas of expertise.
- Advises, tests, and teaches a variety of academic subjects to students. demonstrates and reinforces concepts learned in a particular subject or subject area.
- Uses catalogues, written course descriptions, and other appropriate sources to respond to questions from students and resolve issues pertaining to the curriculum and prerequisites of the course.
- Develops, oversees, and plans community outreach activities for specific student populations. makes connections with schools and community organizations in the area to promote programs and recruit students.
- Assembles the necessary documentation and reports regarding student progress and programs.
- Supervises and recruits tutors and teachers for the adult basic education programs.
- Manages the coordination of retention activities like tutoring, advising, study skills workshops, and student mentor programs; develops, organizes, and plans special events.
- May oversee academic and scholarship/financial aid counseling.
- Conforms to the Clery Act’s definition of Campus Security Authority.
- As assigned, performs various job-related tasks.
What are the job options of a teacher?
Special education, early childhood education, or secondary education are all options for specialization for a teacher. A dual degree in secondary education and a subject like history, science, or math is another option. You have options if you want to teach but don’t want to teach in a traditional classroom.
You could teach literacy or other education-related non-profit programs, online, or in a residential setting. In most cases, you will need at least a master’s degree to work as a teacher at a college or university. You will undoubtedly make a real and lasting impact on the lives of others, no matter what path you take in the teaching profession.
What is education administration?
An advanced degree can lead to a career as an educational administrator for some teachers who want to advance within their school community. A master’s degree in education administration, for instance, can prepare you to design standalone programs like a school safety program and assist other teachers in aligning their lesson plans with district, state, and federal materials and requirements.
Between now and 2024, the field of education administration is expected to expand by 6%, or about at the average rate for all occupations. The median annual salary for elementary, middle, and high school principals in 2017 is also $94,390, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary for school administrators who are not principals is $88,240. The pay and job growth in the field of education administration vary across the country, just like the average salary for teachers.
What are the education administration responsibilities?
Budgets, schedules, disciplinary actions, and event planning are just a few of the administrative responsibilities that fall under the purview of an education administrator at a school. An important skill for an education administrator to possess is a keen attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for connecting with students and teachers.
Here are the education administration job responsibilities:
- Planning and coordinating educational programs
- Coordinating examination and assessment processes
- Interacting with academic deans, department heads and teachers
- Interacting with the faculty members to provide support and ensure quality in services of the organization
- Handling budgetary/financial dealings of the organization
- Communicating with partner institutions, other institutions, external agencies
- Dealing with queries and complaints procedures
- Purchasing goods and equipment for the organizations
What are the education administration job options?
The process of integrating the appropriate human and material resources that are made available and made effective for achieving the objectives of a program of an educational institution is referred to as educational administration.
Principal, vice principal, and dean are all possible positions for an education administrator, as are advanced curriculum planning, professional development, and instructional guidance for other teachers. Apart from this, the other job options for education administration are: public relations coordinator, school administrator, director of admissions, chief academic officer, and school superintendents, etc.
What is school counseling?
Socially, academically, and emotionally, school counselors support students as they prepare for college or the workforce. A master’s degree in school counseling is a good first step toward getting a state-issued license, which you will probably need before working as a school counselor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that licensed school counselors earned an average salary of $55,410 in 2017.
What are the school counseling responsibilities?
You will have a significant impact on the growth of students and assist them in realizing their full potential outside of school as a school counselor. The duties of a school counselor include listening to a student’s academic and emotional concerns, assisting the student in processing problems, developing strategies for resolving them, and assisting the student in finding employment or college opportunities that will help them succeed in life.
Here are the school counseling job responsibilities:
- Develop and implement an all-encompassing educational and counseling plan with modern methods of teaching and mentoring
- Foster equal opportunity practices and encourage students’ association
- Pay attention to cultural or societal differences in dealing with the students
- Conduct group or individual counseling sessions to assist students with problems or concerns
- Assess students’ attributes (KSAOs) and help them realize their strengths
- Evaluate the progress of students and reinforce the sense of accomplishment
- Identify behavioral problems or at-risk students and act appropriately
- Cooperate with parents and teachers as well as other interested parties
- Complete assessments and tests, analyze results and provide feedback
- Study and update student records
- Prepare and present reviews on progress
What are the school counseling job options?
A school counselor can assist students in a variety of grades, typically K-12, and can work in an office or a classroom.
Because they assist students with behavioral issues and ultimately contribute to their educational success, school social workers are an essential component of the educational system. Additionally, data from the government indicate a rising demand for social workers. The occupation is expected to expand at a rate of 16% between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Students’ behavioral issues that could result in aggressive behavior, bullying, or absences are identified by social workers in collaboration with educators and school administrators. After that, they collaborate with the students and their families to identify the underlying cause of the issue and devise solutions to enhance the social and academic growth of the students.
- Listen to students’ issues when they come looking for help, and provide support and discuss solutions with them
- Talk with students who exhibit concerning behaviors to understand their issues
- Identify problems in the school setting, such as bullying or aggressive behavior
- Review students’ medical and mental health history
- Interview parents and teachers of students who face problems to update their records
- Create individualized plans for students who face hardships at school or at home
- Monitor and report on students’ progress
- Refer students and families to mental health services or psychiatric help
- Research new ways to improve children’s wellbeing
- Provide guidance to teachers of high-risk children
- Support parents in facilitating students’ progress
- Report to the proper authorities in cases of physical, mental, or emotional abuse
A school social worker typically works with students of all ages in an office setting within a school.
38+ list of careers in education and jobs to pursue
Jobs in education typically lead to teaching in some way, but there are also options for positions in consulting, administration, and school board membership. In fact, the field of education is so diverse that a degree in education can lead to hundreds of different careers in education. These jobs can be found online, in classrooms, other countries, centers, or even in homes.
The most obvious choice when considering a career in education is to become a teacher. There are a lot of options even in teaching because the subject areas and age groups are so diverse. When starting out in the field of education, the following are a few options for finding work and becoming an educator.
If you are passionate about nurturing and assisting the leaders and thinkers of the future, teaching is a wonderful and exciting profession for you. You’ve come to the right place if you want to work in education. In addition to teaching in the classroom, a career in education can also involve providing students with psychological counseling, managing a school, or even assisting in the provision of access to resources like libraries and counseling.
38 teaching and classroom careers
Consider one of the following positions if you want to interact with students directly in the classroom:
1. Teacher’s aide
National average salary: $18,187 per year
Primary duties: A teacher’s aide, also known as a teacher’s assistant, helps keep an eye on students in class and at other school events. They might also be of assistance in grading, proctoring tests, giving one-on-one attention, arranging lessons, and setting up equipment.
2. Daycare teacher
National average salary: $33,197 per year
Primary duties: A daycare teacher is employed in a childcare facility to care for infants through elementary school-age children. They might lead brief lessons, play games, feed the kids, and work on toilet training with toddlers, depending on the daycare.
3. Sports coach
National average salary: $41,487 per year
Primary duties: These professionals in education lead student sports teams by directing practice, instructing them about the sport, inspiring them during practice, and encouraging physical health, a love of physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Coaches may coach one team or multiple teams at different levels in a single sport, depending on the school, or they may coach multiple teams at different levels and in different sports.
4. Preschool teacher
National average salary: $46,204 per year
Primary duties: In a preschool, a preschool teacher works with students of a specific age, such as infants, toddlers, and pre-kindergarten. These professionals may teach life skills, provide toilet training, coach language skills, lead age-appropriate lessons, use games and storytelling to instruct, and teach life skills depending on the age group they teach.
Children under the age of five are taught and cared for by preschool teachers. Young children’s language, motor, and social skills are the primary focus. Techniques like play and social interaction are used.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $30,520
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: 2% (13,500 jobs)
- Educational Requirements: In public schools, preschool teachers are generally required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. An associates degree is required at minimum almost everywhere.
5. Elementary school teacher
National average salary: $48,992 per year
Primary duties: Between kindergarten and fourth grade, this teacher typically works with one or a few grade levels. To share teaching responsibilities with other educators, elementary school teachers may teach all or most subjects to their classes before specializing in a single subject.
Fundamental subjects like English, science, and basic math are taught by elementary school teachers. Kindergarten and the first through fifth or sixth grades make up elementary school, but in some districts, the seventh and eighth grades may also be included. They encourage students to persevere with difficult tasks and prepare them for subsequent grades.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $59,420 per year
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: 4% (56,100 jobs)
- Education Requirements: Usually requires a bachelor’s degree in education. Public school teachers
6. Physical education teacher
National average salary: $51,420 per year
Primary duties: This educator, who is also known as a PE teacher, teaches sports and exercise techniques, promotes wellness, and leads groups of students through physical exercise classes. PE instructors are employed in elementary, middle, and high schools. One or more of the school’s sports teams may also be coached by some PE teachers.
Physical education teachers work with students of all ages to improve their physical abilities and development. Depending on the student’s age, a PE teacher must instruct students in basic sports skills and ensure their safety during these activities. It is also expected of gym instructors to encourage students to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Physical education teachers are also expected to collaborate with other teachers, administrators, parents, and students to improve students’ grades and abilities at every grade level and age.
7. Mathematics teacher
National average salary: $51,505 per year
Primary duties: Depending on the grade level—elementary school, middle school, or high school—this teacher teaches students both fundamental and advanced math concepts. By guiding students through math problems, assigning and grading homework, and proctoring tests, they encourage analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Math skills are taught to students of all levels by a mathematics teacher. Middle schools and high schools will most likely have teachers who only teach math. This is one subject that can be taught at any grade level, depending on what kind of mathematics the teacher wants to teach.
Certification in a particular area of mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, or statistics, is probably necessary for higher-level teaching. It is required of teachers to teach both fundamental and advanced concepts in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable for the group to which they are assigned. To assist students in succeeding, math teachers must teach, plan, test, evaluate, and encourage on a daily basis.
8. English teacher
National average salary: $51,549 per year
Primary duties: A middle school or high school English teacher typically teaches writing, reading comprehension, language arts, and literature.
You are required to instruct and inform students in written, verbal, and spoken language as an English teacher. It is essential to have a solid understanding of writing, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and visual literacy. English teachers teach at all levels, but the majority of them teach only English from sixth grade to college.
An English educator is expected to hold a Four year certification or higher in many states. Testing, grading, student supervision, meetings with parents and peers, and possibly tasks related to curriculum development are likely to be among the responsibilities. Salaries vary greatly depending on education level and state.
9. Art teacher
National average salary: $52,656 per year
Primary duties: A teacher of art can work with students in any grade level. Depending on the grades they teach, they may teach students a variety of techniques, assign projects, encourage peers to give and receive constructive criticism, teach lessons on art history and art appreciation, and accompany students on field trips to art museums and other locations.
A person who teaches art to students is known as an art teacher. In most cases, this entails creating art in a classroom setting. Some art teachers will teach students of all ages in a community center or another setting, while others will work in schools.
In some cases, art teachers may also offer private lessons. An art teacher might teach fundamental techniques in the school system, while at higher levels, they might concentrate primarily on art history. Art teachers can work wherever there is a demand for their services.
10. Special education teacher
National average salary: $54,219 per year
Primary duties: Nearly every grade level has a special education teacher who works with students who have different learning difficulties and abilities. They are accountable for providing these students with customized instruction, specialized lesson plans, and additional academic support as required. They might be in charge of their own class, host various groups of students throughout the day, assist students with exam monitoring, or collaborate with general education teachers to share instruction responsibilities.
Students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities are taught by special education teachers. They might modify standard lessons to accommodate special needs. Activities and lessons for students in special education must be tailored to each student’s abilities and needs. The duties of special education teachers vary depending on the disabilities of their students and their own areas of expertise. Special education teachers are employed at every educational level, from preschool to high school, due to their potential for multiple specializations.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $61,030
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: 3% (14,300 jobs)
- Required Education: Special education teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license.
11. School librarian
National average salary: $55,398 per year
Primary duties: This teacher works in the school library and makes sure that students have access to books, magazines, and resources for research that are appropriate for their age. They might also use storytelling to lead lessons and demonstrate to students how to conduct research in an effective manner.
Students are aided in their research and information gathering by school librarians. Additionally, they are accountable for the organization and upkeep of databases and actual library materials. Additionally, they may assist in program planning, such as literacy programs or story time for children.
- 2019 Salary (Median): $59,500
- Job Growth 2019–2029: 5% (7,300)
- Education Requirements: Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). School librarians and library media specialists typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, along with a teaching certificate; requirements vary by state.
12. English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher
National average salary: $57,006 per year
Primary duties: An English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher can instruct students of all levels, including adult learners, and can work independently, in a community facility, or in a school. In addition to assigning language practice homework and projects, they may lead lessons on English grammar, vocabulary, speech, and writing in larger classrooms, small groups, or individually.
Students learn to read, write, and speak English with the help of ESL teachers. They often concentrate on teaching useful words and phrases that are necessary for everyday and professional conversation.
Additionally, they may assist students with citizenship and ESL exams. Students from a wide range of countries and cultures are typically present in an ESL classroom. Students in ESL classes typically come from a variety of skill levels. To meet the needs of an entire class or just one student, various methods are employed.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $54,350
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: -10% (-6,200 jobs)
- Education Requirements: ESL teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license.
13. Science teacher
National average salary: $63,487 per year
Primary duties: A science teacher can instruct nearly any grade level and lead lessons in a variety of life and earth sciences. In elementary and some middle schools, science teachers may be in charge of teaching general science, which includes many specializations. Those who work in other middle schools and high schools typically concentrate on a single branch of science, such as earth science, chemistry, or biology.
Most science teachers work in middle schools, high schools, or colleges. It is the responsibility of science teachers to disseminate information about science in general or in particular fields like biology, chemistry, or life sciences. Experiments that are age-appropriate for the classroom are frequently required of science teachers.
Some science teachers might teach advanced placement classes that require students to take a more rigorous course of study. Science teachers at the college level tend to be much more specialized. At the middle and high school levels, some science teachers are educated in a science field first and then trained as educators.
14. Music teacher
National average salary: $69,432 per year
Primary duties: Along with teaching students how to play instruments and read music, a music teacher also teaches music appreciation and history. They might also serve as band or choir directors in some schools.
A music educator is an instructor who shows the rudiments of music hypothesis and capacity in different age gatherings. At the elementary level, music teachers typically instruct a variety of age groups and provide instruction in key singing, music reading, and instrument appreciation.
A music teacher may actually be a choir director or band leader at the middle school level; however, additional training or classes beyond a bachelor’s degree may be required. The same holds true for high school, though additional music theory may be taught. A music teacher typically teaches both general music appreciation classes and instrument or voice-specific skill classes at the college level.
15. College professor
National average salary: $57,563 per year
At a private, public, or online school, a college professor teaches mostly young adults in a particular subject area. In addition to assisting students in completing their degrees, a college professor is responsible for teaching the subject matter in which they have been trained.
Additionally, professors frequently write letters of recommendation for jobs, higher education programs, and even scholarships. A professor is obligated to devise tests, projects, and assignments that enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter and to award grades for each. Club and organization advisors may also be provided by professors.
16. Biology teacher
National average salary: $62,980 per year or $30.28 per hour
The majority of biology teachers work at the college or high school levels. This kind of teacher can create curriculum that meets current educational standards in a private, public, charter, or online school. This typically entails conducting fundamental experiments, teaching, and assisting students in scientific investigations.
In addition, high school biology teachers may be required to administer standardized tests, collaborate with parents on student performance, and implement approved disciplinary measures when necessary to alter student behavior. Before and after school, many teachers also serve as club and other organization advisors.
17. High school teacher
National average salary: $61,820 per year
The majority of high school teachers instruct students in the ninth through twelfth grades and aid in preparing them for life after graduation, whether in the workplace or in higher education. Some specialize in a single subject, like English or science, while others specialize in electives, like music or physical education.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $61,660 per year
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: 4% (40,200 jobs)
- Education Requirements: High school teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Public school teachers must also have a state-issued certification or license to teach their chosen subject.
18. History teacher
National average salary: $48,042 per year
Teachers of history or social studies typically work in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. It is a requirement for a history teacher to teach about various historical eras and events. State history, foreign history, or specific time periods and eras are examples of specific histories that are required at some levels.
The performance of students, meetings with parents, peers, and administrators, testing, and occasionally extracurricular activities are all responsibilities of a history teacher. At the college level, a history teacher may be required to teach in a particular subject while also providing students with larger-scale guidance and supervision.
19. Kindergarten teacher
National average salary: $59,814 per year
A kindergarten teacher typically instructs students as young as five or six years old. Students in kindergarten must be taught the fundamental skills that will serve as the foundation for all subsequent education, as well as supervised, evaluated, and tested.
In addition to assisting students in their emotional, physical, and mental development, a kindergarten teacher is required to teach fundamental math and literacy skills. In addition to activities that take place outside of regular school hours or during lunch or recess, kindergarten teachers are frequently required to assist with other activities. To work with this age group, kindergarten teachers must be active and engaging.
20. Middle school teacher
National average salary: $61,320 per year
Unlike elementary school teachers, middle school teachers specialize and teach a single subject. The sixth through eighth grades are typically included in middle school, which is also known as junior high in some districts and includes grades seven through nine. Assignment grading, lesson planning, and communication with parents and coworkers are examples of non-teaching duties.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $59,660 per year
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: 4% (22,500 jobs)
- Required Education: Middle school teachers typically must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Public school teachers must also have a state-issued certification or license.
21. Montessori teacher
National average salary: $44,862 per year
When most people think of educational settings, they usually think of traditional teachers. A Montessori teacher is not like that. A Montessori teacher does not “teach,” but rather offers students direction in a prepared setting. Students can develop their own knowledge over time thanks to this.
Children of all ages are given the opportunity to learn about their own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses by Montessori teachers, who guide them through hands-on, practical lessons. This might entail actually cooking, peeling, chopping, etc., for a meal. as opposed to reading a book about meal preparation. Even though Montessori teachers can be found at all levels, the youngest students are most likely to receive this type of instruction.
22. Substitute teacher
National average salary: $39,130 per year
When regular classroom teachers are required to take personal days or call in sick, substitute teachers step in as temporary replacements. Although some may have a say in the classes or grade levels they agree to cover in some schools and districts, they typically use the lesson plans established by the teacher. They typically receive hourly pay.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $28,790
- Career Growth Average and Estimates for 2019–2029: 3% (15,900 jobs)
- Education Requirements: Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree.
23. Teaching assistant
National average salary: $30,843 per year
Teachers’ assistants—also known as instructional aides, paraprofessionals, or teacher aides—work alongside or under the direction of a licensed teacher. They assist in progress monitoring and offer teachers support and feedback. Some teacher assistants only deal with students in special education.
- 2019 Yearly Salary (Median): $27,920
- Career Growth Rate for 2019–2029: 4% (50,500 jobs)
- Required Education: Teacher assistants in public schools need at least 2 years of college coursework or an associate’s degree, or pass a state or local assessment.
8 school administration careers in education
Many administrative positions require years of classroom or other educational experience. Consider one of the following positions if you are interested in advancing your career or customizing your career path to administration:
24. Preschool director
National average salary: $47,269 per year
Primary duties: All preschool staff, including teachers and teacher’s aides, are hired, trained, and monitored by a preschool director. In addition, they may be accountable for setting academic standards, accepting students, enforcing regulations mandated by the state, and budget management at the facility.
25. Dean of students
National average salary: $65,721 per year
Primary duties: In a university or college, this position of higher education administrator is in charge of all aspects of student success programs. They manage admission enrollment, plan support programs, and implement student-related policies as leaders of teams that set admission standards.
26. Assistant principal
National average salary: $80,106 per year
Primary duties: In managing enrollment, student activities, policies and rules, curriculum development, academic assessment and standards, staffing, and other school leadership, an assistant principal assists the principal, superintendent, members of the school board, and other school leadership. They might act as a middleman between staff members and other school leaders in some schools.
27. Superintendent
National average salary: $92,386 per year
Primary duties: This school leader can manage administrative responsibilities like budgeting, staffing, and state- and federally mandated academic standards for any size school or school district. They also create programs to assist staff and students in achieving these objectives and are committed to ensuring the academic success of the school or district.
Superintendents are accountable for the management and administration of a school district or a number of public schools. In a district, school principals report to the superintendent, who receives direction from the school board and must take into account the needs of students, parents, teachers, and community organizations.
- 2019 Salary (Median): Not available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Job Growth 2019–2029: Not available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Education Requirements: varies by state, but a minimum of a master’s degree is generally required. Some districts require classroom experience, while others do not.
28. School principal
National average salary: $110,818 per year
Primary duties: The community leader of a single school, the school principal is in charge of overseeing all of the school’s administrative responsibilities, including staffing, training, academic programming, student enrollment, student policies and rules, and budgeting.
Staff and all school activities are overseen by principals. Curriculum development and upkeep, school finances, supplies, and upkeep are all managed by them. They also serve as their school’s public face, listening to parents’ and community groups’ concerns. A superintendent supervises them.
- 2019 Salary (Median): $96,400 per year
- Job Growth 2019–2029: 4% (11,100 jobs)
- Required Education: Most schools require a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration. A minimum number of years of classroom teaching, varying by state, is generally
29. School administrator
National average salary: $50,392 per year
Principals, vice principals, instructional specialists, coordinators, and other positions fall under the umbrella of school administrator. They oversee the school’s day-to-day operations with teachers and other staff members. At the elementary, middle, and high school levels, administrators are needed.
A school administrator is obligated to regularly assess a school’s progress toward district-set objectives. This could involve issues with the budget, curriculum, or hiring teachers and staff. When compared to teaching staff, administrators frequently have to work longer hours and for a longer period of time. For this kind of position, you need a Masters or higher.
30. School secretary
National average salary: $40,616 per year
A school secretary frequently serves as the institution’s beating heart. Most of the time, a school secretary is needed to keep track of attendance, deal with students who come and go from the school, handle parent volunteers, and answer phones.
In addition, important information is shared throughout the school and counts are kept, teacher attendance is monitored, and substitutes are needed. The school secretary often has a lot on her plate from the beginning to the end of the day, and she usually works hours that are similar to teachers’. The majority of secretaries have at least a Bachelor’s degree, though it is not always required.
31. Vice principal
National average salary: $67,938 per year
If the principal is on leave, vice principals serve as interim principals. They assist the principal with administrative tasks, supervise logistics like lunch and bus schedules, and are involved in student discipline and inventory.
- 2019 Salary and Growth: Bureau of Labor Statistics does not separate this data from that of principals: $96,400.
- Job Growth 2019–2029: 4% (11,100 jobs) (BLS does not separate this data from that of school principals)
- Required Education: Most districts require that assistant principals have, or are working towards, a master’s degree in education administration or leadership. As with principals, most states also require a minimum number of years in a classroom.
7 student support careers in education
These educators frequently provide students with additional instruction, guidance, and support outside of the classroom or in specialized learning environments:
32. Academic adviser
National average salary: $43,364 per year
Primary duties: Students collaborate with an academic adviser to select the most beneficial classes and other educational opportunities that will assist them in achieving their career objectives. They may also be referred to as guidance counselors in a high school setting. Their responsibilities include providing guidance on academic plans for graduation, information on programs for vocational or higher education, resources for pre-college testing, and more. An academic adviser’s job in higher education is to help students choose a major and plan courses that fit that major.
33. Intervention specialist
National average salary: $46,702 per year
Primary duties: Special education professionals who help students adjust socially and academically in the classroom are known as intervention specialists. It is the responsibility of these educators to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) that assess, monitor, and provide solutions to each student’s classroom challenges and ensure that they work toward attaining state- and national-mandated academic objectives. In order to develop the most efficient plan, they might work with counselors, behavioral therapists, special education teachers, and other professionals.
34. Tutor
National average salary: $53,785 per year
Primary duties: Most of the time, a tutor works outside of the classroom, working one-on-one with students in their homes, at a tutoring center, the library, or another community facility. These teachers help students of all ages, grades, and levels of education, including children, teens, and adults. They may assist students with test preparation, a single subject, or a variety of subjects.
35. School psychologist
National average salary: $54,383 per year
Primary duties: These professionals in education work both inside and outside the classroom to assist teachers and students with mental health, social development, learning styles, and behavior issues and solutions. In addition to meeting with students and/or their parents to assess, guide, and provide resources to improve a student’s mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being inside and outside of the classroom, they may also assist teachers in creating lessons and programs and addressing student issues.
36. Curriculum manager
National average salary: $56,681 per year
Primary duties: For a school, district, or local jurisdiction’s education department, this learning and education development professional creates, evaluates, and enforces education programs and standards outside of the classroom. They may also help teachers learn about best practices for curriculum and lesson planning, and they often look into new approaches by analyzing how students learn.
37. School counselor
National average salary: $57,570 per year
Primary duties: These educators assist students with social development, academic success, and professional development both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to facilitating partnerships with external resources for career development, higher education, and technical education, they may be in charge of the creation and implementation of support programs, the establishment of programs for healthy habits, emotional wellness, and other related areas.
Students’ social and psychological needs are addressed by school counselors. They accomplish this by conducting psychological tests, interpreting the results, making diagnoses, and working with students’ teachers and parents to facilitate access to resources that a student may require. Additionally, they keep confidential records, such as special education reports, behavioral information, and student records.
- 2019 Annual Median Salary: $78,200
- Projected job growth (2019-2029): 3% to 4% (10,500 jobs)
- Education Requirements: Depending on state, school counselors/psychologists usually require a master’s or doctoral degree and a license.
38. Speech therapist
National average salary: $100,361 per year
Primary duties: A speech therapist, also known as a speech-language pathologist, can evaluate students’ language abilities, communicative disorders, feeding disorders, and other cognitive-communication abilities in a school, community facility, or specialized speech therapy practice. Then, they come up with individual plans to help students get better at articulation, speech, writing, reading comprehension, and other important mouth and throat activities.
What are the options to growing careers in education?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that opportunities in education are getting more and more in demand, especially in some specialties of education. Some of the most promising careers in education are outlined below:
- Postsecondary teacher
- Postsecondary education administrator
- Curriculum developer
- Schools counselor
- Special education teacher
What do teachers do?
Teachers strive to assist students in developing the lifelong learning tools they will need to succeed in the future in addition to teaching specific subjects to them in the classroom. Students can improve their problem-solving abilities in math, their communication abilities in group projects, and their appreciation of other cultures in history classes.
However, returning to the classroom, the following are typical day-to-day tasks performed by teachers:
- Prepare lessons that will engage and challenge students
- Create assignments that will connect lessons to a bigger concept
- Vary teaching style to keep students’ attention and meet their needs
- Participate in after-school clubs or tutoring
- Meet with parents to discuss a student’s progress
- Become involved in professional organizations
- Grade student assignments and offer feedback that will enhance their understanding of the subject matter
Is teaching a good career in education?
The Learning Policy Institute has discovered some factors that contribute to the teacher shortage in the United States, including an increase in the number of children of school age and students enrolled in teacher preparation programs, despite the fact that teacher shortages vary by subject and geographic location.
Between 2009 and 2014, the most recent year for which data are available, enrollment in teacher preparation programs decreased by 35%, as stated by The Learning Policy Institute. According to US News, the areas of special education, mathematics, science, and bilingual education have the greatest gaps in the number of qualified professionals.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of children expected to enter kindergarten through 12th grade in the United States is expected to reach 56.5 million students by 2025, up from 55.4 in the fall of 2013.
Between 2014 and 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be an increase of 1.9 million teaching jobs in preschool through postsecondary education. The average demand for all teaching positions is anticipated to increase by 6%, although demand will vary based on age and taught subject.
When you look at all the above data there is a huge demand for teachers in various education areas. In the upcoming years the teaching field will be having more demand and the ones who loves to teach is going to be a great opportunity. Not only in terms of their careers but also in terms of salaries too.
Job outlook for education careers
The following is a comparison of the projected employment growth rates for ten careers in education, as determined by data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Education job title
Employment change (2021-2031)
Jobs
Elementary school teacher
4%
60,200
High school teacher
5%
48,700
Instructional coordinator
7%
15,000
Middle school teacher
4%
25,000
Librarian/library media specialist
6%
8,000
Postsecondary teacher
12%
159,400
Preschool teacher
15%
72,900
Principal
5%
14,200
Special education teacher
4%
20,600
Teacher assistant
5%
62,100
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