Careers In Education

If the thought of shaping and contributing to the next generation excites you, consider a career in education. Pursuing a career in education offers you a unique opportunity to make a positive, long-lasting impact on the lives of students and shape the future of society.

Embarking on a career in education is not only a profession but also a calling to make a difference in the lives of others. The world of Education encompasses a wide range of roles, including teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff.

Educational Requirements

 The requirements for a career in education vary depending on the specific role. Regardless, if you want to be a teacher, you must obtain a teaching license or certification, which typically involves completing a teacher preparation program and passing state-specific exams. For higher-level positions, such as Postsecondary Sociology Teacher, a master's degree in education or a related field is often required.

How Much Can You Make

Salaries in the field of education vary, which is common for any industry. The median annual wage for Middle School Teachers is $67,790 - $100,570, while Special Education Teachers earn a median annual wage of $74,310 - $121,850

Best Personality for Education Careers

Though the field of education is diverse, certain traits are particularly well-suited for success in this field. According to CareerFitter, these personality characteristics will help your career in education excel.

  • Patient and Empathetic: Education professionals must be patient and empathic to understand and support their students' unique needs.
  • Passionate and Enthusiastic: A genuine passion for teaching and learning can inspire students and create an engaging classroom environment.
  • Organized and Detail-Oriented: Effective educators are often highly organized, managing lesson plans, grading, and student records efficiently.
  • Adaptable and Flexible: Education careers require adaptability to meet the evolving needs of students and navigate unexpected challenges.
  • Strong Communicators: Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively conveying information to students, parents, and colleagues.

Do you have the right personality strengths to work in Education?

Whether you want to have a classroom of your very own one day or pursue ESL, understanding the educational requirements, salary averages, and ideal personality traits can help you make an informed decision about pursuing a career in education. Remember, the impact you make as an educator can be immeasurable and long-lasting. Curious if education is a good fit for you?

Take the leading personality assessment test to discover your work personality and best-fitting careers.  


Careers In Education

No Degree to Associate Degree

Tutors
No Degree
$44,820 - $73,400

Tutors provide personalized academic assistance to students, either one-on-one or in small groups. They help students understand concepts, improve study skills, and prepare for exams across various subjects and grade levels.

Teaching Assistants - Special Education 
No Education
$34,000

Teaching assistants in special education support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive classrooms. They work under the guidance of special education teachers, providing individualized support, assisting with classroom activities, and reinforcing learning objectives.

Teaching Assistants - Preschool, Middle and Secondary 
No Education
$34,000

Teaching assistants in these settings provide support to classroom teachers by assisting with lesson preparation, supervising students, and providing individualized attention to help students succeed academically and socially.

Self-Enrichment Teachers 
High School Diploma
$50,320 - $81,340

Self-enrichment teachers offer classes and workshops in a wide range of subjects outside the traditional academic curriculum. They may teach skills such as arts and crafts, music, cooking, or fitness to individuals or small groups.

Preschool Teacher 
Associates Degree
$38,640 - $58,580

Preschool teachers create nurturing environments where young children can learn and grow. They plan and implement age-appropriate activities, promote social and emotional development, and prepare children for kindergarten. 

Bachelor's Degree

Teaching Assistants - Post Secondary 
Bachelor's Degree
$41,900 - $63,630

Teaching assistants in postsecondary institutions support professors in delivering course materials, grading assignments, and providing additional assistance to students. They may also lead discussion groups or lab sessions.

Substitute Teachers - Short-Term 
Bachelor's Degree
$42,680 - $61,190 

Substitute teachers step in for regular classroom teachers when they are absent. They follow lesson plans provided by the absent teacher, maintain classroom discipline, and ensure continuity in the learning process.

Special Education - Secondary School 
Bachelor's Degree
$71,290 - $102,850 

Special education teachers in secondary schools provide instruction tailored to the individual needs of students with disabilities. They develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapt curriculum materials, and collaborate with other professionals to support students' academic and social development.

Special Education Teachers - Preschool 
Bachelor's Degree
$69,620 - $113,700

Special education teachers in preschool settings work with young children with disabilities to promote their development and prepare them for kindergarten. They create inclusive learning environments, implement specialized instructional strategies, and collaborate with families and other professionals.

Special Education - Middle School 
Bachelor's Degree
$69,530 - $100,560

Special education teachers in middle schools support students with disabilities during a critical transitional period. They provide academic instruction, teach social skills, and help students develop self-advocacy skills to prepare them for high school and beyond.

Special Education Teachers - Elementary School 
Bachelor's Degree
$62,950 - $80,720

Special education teachers in elementary schools work with students with disabilities to ensure their academic success and social development. They collaborate with general education teachers, provide individualized instruction, and monitor students' progress.

Special Education Teachers - All Other
Bachelor's Degree
$74,310 - $121,850


This category encompasses special education teachers who work with specific populations or in specialized settings not covered by other classifications, such as working with students with severe disabilities or in alternative education programs.

High School Teacher 
Bachelor's Degree
$69.480 - $101,710 

High school teachers instruct students in specific subject areas, preparing them for college, careers, and adulthood. They develop lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide guidance and support to help students achieve their academic goals.

Middle School Teacher 
Bachelor's Degree
$67,790 - $100,570
 

Middle school teachers educate students in grades six through eight, helping them navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence. They teach multiple subjects, foster social-emotional development, and prepare students for high school.

Kindergarten or Elementry School Teachers 
Bachelor's Degree
$48,730 - $61,620

Elementary school teachers educate students in kindergarten through grade five, covering a range of subjects and fostering a love of learning. They create supportive classroom environments, differentiate instruction to meet diverse needs and collaborate with families and colleagues.

Adult Basic, Secondary Education or ESL Teacher
Bachelor's Degree
$63,130 - $97,010

These teachers provide instruction to adult learners seeking to improve their basic literacy skills, obtain a high school equivalency diploma, or learn English as a second language. They assess learners' needs, develop lesson plans, and facilitate skill development in a supportive environment.

Professional Degree - Doctorate

Postsecondary Teacher 
Professional Degree or Doctoral
$80,840 - $155,040

Postsecondary teachers instruct students beyond the high school level in various academic and vocational subjects. They conduct research, develop curriculum, deliver lectures, and assess student learning. Specializations include a wide range of disciplines.

Postsecondary Teaching Disciplines 

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 
$96,650 - $150,550

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary 
$98,940 - $167,180

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary 
$104,370 - $171,40

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 
$92,980 - $162,440 

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 
$93,440 - $167,610 

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 
$107,540 - $178,740 

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$97,800 - $166,750 

Business Teachers, Postsecondary 
$108,060 - $206,630 

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 
$95,250 - $163,180

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 
$84,700 - $133,720

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$98,610 - $165,880 

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 
$78,980 - $129,640

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 
$122,750 -  $213,80

Education Teachers, Postsecondary 
$78,540 - $129,570

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 
$114,470 - $178,740 

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 
$83,130 - $133,220

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$91,450 - $141,190 

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 
$91,450 - $141,190 

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 
$83,300 - $130,250 

Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$98,160 - $138,310

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary 
$87,880 - $133,030 

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 
$127,640 - $167,120

History Teachers, Postsecondary 
$88,640 - $134,420 

Law Teachers, Postsecondary 
$133,950 - $176,900

Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$81,720 - $121,230 

Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$90,110 - $159,730 

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 
$84,180 - $127,290 

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 
$87,100 - $132,600 

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary 
$100,810 - $166,570 

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 
$98,420 - $164,370 

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 
$88,470 - $136,680 

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 
$82,020 - $133,490

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 
$89,350 - $166,340 

Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary 
$75,330 - $109,610 

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 
$90,200 - $155,040