Key Takeaways
- There are many employment options in the education sector, from support and non-teaching professions to teaching and leadership roles.
- Among the leadership roles that are essential to running schools and enhancing education are principals, superintendents, and educational consultants.
- Non-teaching roles that support the management and improvement of the educational process include corporate training professionals, education policy analysts, and researchers.
Careers in education are essential for the development of both individuals and society as a whole. Teachers and administrators not only help students learn, grow, and prepare for the future but also contribute to building stronger communities. Whether through teaching, policymaking, or groundbreaking research, education offers a fulfilling and impactful career path—one that allows professionals to make a real difference in people’s lives.
In this article, we will explore some of the top careers in education, from teaching roles to leadership and research positions, helping you find the best path to pursue.
Top Careers in Education
There are many employment options in the education sector, from support and non-teaching professions to teaching and leadership roles. Whether you like working directly with students or influencing policies behind the scenes, there is a position in education that fits your skills and interests.
Teaching careers
Teaching is often considered one of the most important and meaningful careers in education. Teachers help shape the minds and futures of their students by sharing knowledge, building skills, and encouraging confidence. They inspire curiosity and creativity while helping students grow and succeed.
Below, we’ll examine various teaching positions, such as those in elementary and secondary education, special education, and subject-specific fields like science and math.
Elementary and secondary school teachers
Elementary and secondary school teachers play a big role in helping students learn and grow. While elementary school teachers teach young children basic subjects like reading, writing, and math, secondary school teachers work with older students, focusing on specific subjects to deepen their knowledge and prepare them for college or jobs.
Average salary: $52,101 per year (Elementary school teachers)
Average salary: $57,056 per year (High school teachers)
Special education teachers
Special education teachers support children with learning, emotional, physical, or developmental disabilities. They focus on creating personalized lesson plans, adjusting teaching methods to suit each student, and collaborating with parents and other teachers to help students succeed. Often, they provide one-on-one or small-group lessons to give students the extra help they need to excel in school and life.
Average salary: $61,098 per year
Subject-specific teachers (math, science, etc.)
Subject-specific teachers focus on teaching students at different grade levels in a single subject, like science, math, or history. Their main duties include lesson planning, teaching, and evaluating students’ understanding and development. From preschool to high school, these educators work with students of all ages and often help them prepare for tests or college.
Average salary: $46,590 per year
Educational leadership and administration
In the following paragraphs, we will explore key leadership positions in education, including school principals, superintendents, and educational consultants. These roles allow professionals to shape education by guiding school operations, improving learning environments, and providing essential support to both teachers and students.
School principal
A school principal is in charge of running the day-to-day operations of a school, making sure students get a good education in a safe and positive environment. Their main duties include managing teachers and staff, creating class schedules, enforcing school rules, and working with parents and the community to help the school reach its goals.
Principals are also responsible for budgeting, handling student discipline, and making sure the school follows state and federal rules.
Average salary: $96,525 per year
Educational consultant
Schools, districts, or organizations can enhance their programs, teaching strategies, and general quality of education by working with an educational consultant. Their main duties include reviewing current teaching practices, offering advice to make learning better, training teachers, and helping schools adopt new tools or technologies for education. Consultants may also assist with accreditation or guide schools through changes in education policies.
Average salary: $94,974 per year
Superintendent
A superintendent is the leader of a school district and is responsible for overseeing all the schools within that district. Their main duties include managing school operations, setting educational goals, making budget decisions, hiring staff, and ensuring the schools follow state and federal rules.
Superintendents also work with school boards, community members, and other important groups to create plans for improving education.
Average salary: $95,168 per year
Support and counseling roles
Support and counseling roles are essential for meeting students’ professional, emotional, and academic needs. These professionals help students overcome challenges, give them guidance for their personal growth, and make sure they have the support they need to succeed.
They play a crucial role in helping students develop their sense of self, solve problems, and plan for the future. Such roles include school counselors, career advisors, and special education coordinators.
School counselors
School counselors are crucial in helping kids with their emotional, social, and intellectual well-being. Their primary responsibilities include counseling students to help them deal with personal problems, helping them navigate academic challenges, and giving them career guidance.
They also engage with parents and teachers to meet students’ needs, try to improve children’s behavior, and often host events promoting mental health and wellness.
Average salary: $60,409 per year
Career advisors
Career advisors provide guidance on college options, job selection, and job hunting to assist students in making plans for their future careers. Their main duties include giving career tests, helping students explore different jobs, assisting with resume writing and interview skills, and guiding them to internships or job-shadowing opportunities. Career advisors also keep up with job market trends to give students the best advice for getting a job.
Average salary: $51,320 per year
Special education coordinators
Special education coordinators manage and organize special education programs in schools or districts. Their main tasks include making sure students with disabilities get the right services and that individualized education plans (IEPs) are followed.
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They also work closely with teachers, staff, and parents to meet the student’s needs. In addition, special education coordinators often train staff and help find resources to improve special education programs.
Average salary: $67,760 per year
Non-teaching careers in education
Non-teaching careers are important for helping improve, analyze, and manage educational systems. These roles focus on creating policies, conducting research, and developing strategies that help schools run better and meet the needs of students. Even though they don’t teach in the classroom, these professionals make a big difference in shaping education.
Some key non-teaching roles include education policy analysts, education researchers, and corporate education and training specialists.
Education policy analyst
An education policy analyst studies and evaluates policies that impact education. Their responsibilities include looking at current education policies, collecting data, and offering suggestions to improve schools and learning outcomes. They may focus on areas like school funding, teaching methods, or student success.
Education policy analysts can work for think tanks, government agencies, universities, or private companies that focus on education.
Average salary: $100,949 per year
Education researcher
An education researcher studies different parts of education to understand how to improve it. Their main duties include designing research projects, collecting and analyzing data, and sharing their findings to help improve teaching and learning.
Education researchers may look into areas like teaching methods, how students learn, or the use of technology in schools. They can work at universities, research organizations, think tanks, or companies that focus on education.
Average salary: $113,102 per year
Corporate education and training specialist
A corporate education and training specialist creates and runs training programs to help employees improve their skills. They are usually tasked with figuring out what training is needed, making learning materials, leading classes or workshops, and checking if the training is working well. They often focus on areas like leadership, teamwork, or specific job skills. These specialists can work in companies, government offices, or consulting firms that offer training services.
Average salary: $69,910 per year
How to Choose the Right Career Path in Education
Finding the right career in education starts with thinking about what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. Do you love teaching and working directly with students, or are you more interested in improving education through policies, research, or curriculum design? Understanding what excites you about education can help you choose a path that feels rewarding.
It’s also important to look at the skills and qualifications needed for different jobs. Teachers usually need a degree in education and a state teaching license, while jobs in school leadership or education policy might require additional training or experience. Some roles focus on hands-on teaching, while others involve planning, organizing, or making decisions that shape the education system.
Lastly, think about where you’d like to work. Many educators teach in classrooms, but others work in offices, corporate training programs, or education-related organizations. Some careers involve working with students every day, while others focus on improving education in different ways.
The Bottom Line
A career in education offers the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, whether you’re teaching, leading, or supporting students. With roles ranging from classroom teaching to school leadership and specialized positions, education provides opportunities to impact individuals and communities.
If you’re interested in exploring a career in education, take a moment to check out Potomac’s Education MA program and Doctor of Education program to learn more about the possibilities that await.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifications do I need to start a career in education?
To start a career in education, you typically need a degree in education or a specific subject area, along with certification or licensure, depending on your role and location.
Are there education careers that allow remote work?
Yes, some education careers, such as online teaching, tutoring, and educational consulting, offer remote work opportunities.
