The education field can be pretty diverse, and you’ve got a lot of options when pursuing jobs after college. Fortunately, we’ve got the lowdown on what it takes to succeed — whether you’re looking to become a teacher, school counselor, librarian, or instructional assistant.
In this article, we’ll break down the top 10 jobs for education majors and give you some insight into who’s hiring.
Should you pursue a career in education?
If you’re considering a career in education, there are a few skills and personal attributes that can help you succeed.
You should have excellent communication skills — written and verbal — to convey information to students, colleagues, and parents. You should also be passionate about helping others and have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
A career in education requires continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest teaching methods, technology, and other industry advancements. Being adaptable, patient, and empathetic is also crucial, as you may work with learners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Education, training, and library jobs are expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031. So, whether you’re interested in teaching K-12, pursuing a career in higher education, or working with students with disabilities, there are full-time, part-time, and even contract-based opportunities.
Best degrees for education jobs
Here are some of the best bachelor’s degrees for education jobs:
- Education. This degree is for people wanting to work in public or charter schools as teachers, counselors, or administrators.
- English. This degree can lead to jobs as an English or Language Arts teacher, curriculum developer, or educational service representative.
- History. This degree can lead to jobs as a history teacher, museum educator, or historical society director.
- Math. This degree can lead to jobs as a math teacher, data analyst, or educational technology specialist.
- Early childhood education. This degree is great for pursuing work with young children in day care, preschool, or kindergarten. It can lead to jobs as a child care center director, early childhood educator, or family support specialist.
- Psychology. This degree can lead to jobs as a school counselor, intervention specialist, or human resources (HR) coordinator.
- Elementary education. This degree is for teaching grades K-6 in public or private schools. It can lead to jobs as an elementary school teacher, instructional coach, or curriculum developer. You can work in suburban or city schools, which typically follow a traditional school year.
- Secondary education. This degree is for people wanting to teach grades 7-12 in public or private schools. It can lead to jobs as a high school teacher, subject matter specialist, or academic adviser.
With a degree in education or any of the above fields, you can land a job in various settings, such as public schools, charter schools, and educational service organizations like the Board of Education or the Department of Education.
Industries where you can build an education career
Building a career in education doesn’t necessarily mean having to stay in the education industry. Many other industries hire individuals with backgrounds in education, providing a range of opportunities to gain valuable experience and skills.
- Nonprofits. Nonprofits may need education professionals to design and implement educational programs for the communities they serve.
- Government. Government agencies require education experts to develop policies and programs that impact the educational system.
- EdTech. Education technology, or EdTech, companies are on the rise and need individuals with expertise in education and technology. These companies develop and offer educational products and services that incorporate the latest advancements in technology to enhance teaching and learning.
- Publishing. Publishing companies often require education professionals to help develop educational materials, including textbooks, workbooks, and other teaching aids. They may also need individuals with experience in educational research to help develop and evaluate their materials.
- Health care. Health care organizations may require individuals with backgrounds in health education to help develop and implement health education programs and initiatives for their patients or community.
- Museums and cultural institutions. Museums and cultural institutions may require individuals with educational backgrounds to develop and implement educational programs for visitors.
So, whether you’re looking for a change of pace or want to gain experience outside the education sector, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Scroll down for a list of companies hiring on Handshake.
Who’s hiring in education on Handshake?
Top 10 entry-level jobs in education
Before starting your job search and signing up for ALL the job alerts, let’s look at some entry-level education jobs and dive into their qualifications, skills, and pay.
1. Early childhood educator
Early childhood educators work with young children, typically from birth to age 5, in day care learning centers, preschools, and head start programs. They’re responsible for creating a safe and stimulating learning environment, developing lesson plans, and monitoring and assessing children’s progress.
Median salary: $30,210 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field
- State certification or licensure
- Child development associate (CDA) credential
Skills:
- Patience and empathy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of child development and early childhood education
- Creativity and adaptability in developing lesson plans and classroom activities
2. Elementary school teacher
Elementary school teachers work with children in grades K-5 or K-6, depending on the school district. They create lesson plans and instruct students in subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
Median salary: $61,350 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
- State certification or licensure
Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Patience and adaptability working with diverse learners
- Ability to create engaging lesson plans
- Knowledge of subject matters and teaching strategies
3. Middle school teacher
Middle school teachers work with children in grades 6-8. They create lesson plans, instruct students, and provide feedback to parents and caregivers. Middle school teachers often specialize in a subject area, such as math, science, English, or social studies, and work with multiple classes of students throughout the day.
Median salary: $61,320 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
- State certification or licensure
- Specialization in subject area, if applicable
Skills:
- Strong subject matter knowledge and teaching strategies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to create engaging lesson plans
- Patience and adaptability
- Strong organizational and time management skills
4. High school teacher
High school teachers work with students in grades 9-12, providing instruction in subjects like English, math, science, social studies, and electives. They create lesson plans, assess students’ progress, and provide feedback to parents and caregivers. High school teachers often specialize in a particular subject area.
Median salary: $61,820 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
- State certification or licensure
- Specialization in a particular subject area, if applicable
Skills:
- Strong subject matter knowledge and teaching strategies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to create engaging lesson plans
- Patience and adaptability working with diverse learners
- Strong organizational and time management skills
5. Tutor
Tutors provide one-on-one or small-group instruction to students. They work in public and private schools, community centers, and online tutoring services. Tutors help students develop study skills, review subject matter, and provide feedback on assignments and exams.
Median salary: $36,470 per year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED
- More advanced or specialized tutoring positions may require additional education and experience
Skills:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong subject matter knowledge and teaching strategies
- Patience and adaptability
6. Special education teacher
Special education teachers work with students with disabilities, whether physical, mental, or emotional, and with learning disabilities or developmental delays. They create individualized education plans (IEPs) to help students reach their full potential and collaborate with other educators and service providers to ensure the best outcomes for their students.
Median salary: $61,820 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
- State certification or licensure
- Completion of a teacher preparation program with a focus on special education
Skills:
- Strong understanding of various disabilities and how they impact student learning
- Ability to create and implement IEPs
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Patience and adaptability
7. Library technician
Library technicians manage and organize library materials and resources, such as books, periodicals, electronic media, and digital archives. They may shelve books, maintain records, check materials in and out, and assist visitors.
Median salary: $34,050 per year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate degree in library science or related field, or completion of a library technician training program
Skills:
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
- Basic technology skills
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with library systems, including classification and cataloging methods
8. Substitute teacher
Substitute teachers fill in for classroom teachers when they’re absent due to illness or personal leave. They deliver instruction and maintain classroom management in the absence of the regular teacher, following lesson plans and policies set by the school.
Median salary: $30,100 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- State certification or licensure
Skills:
- Flexibility and adaptability working with different age groups and subjects
- Strong classroom management and interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow lesson plans and policies
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Availability and willingness to work on short notice, sometimes with limited information or preparation time
9. Paraprofessional
Paraprofessionals — called teacher assistants or instructional aides — work under the direction of teachers to provide instructional and administrative support to students. They may help with grading, classroom management, and providing assistance to students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
Median salary: $29,360 per year
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a paraprofessional training program
- Additional education or training, such as an associate degree or coursework in child development
Skills:
- Patience and empathy working with students of all ages and backgrounds
- Basic knowledge of classroom management and teaching strategies
- Ability to follow directions and work with teachers and other school staff
10. ESL instructor
English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors teach nonnative English speakers to communicate in English. They may work with adults in community colleges or children in private or public schools. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and evaluate student progress.
Median salary: $59,720 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or related field
- State certification or licensure
- Specialization in ESL or bilingual education
Skills:
- Knowledge of language acquisition theory and teaching strategies
- Patience and adaptability
- Deep understanding of English and the second language
Want a job in education? Let Handshake help
A career in education can be rewarding because you can make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to the growth and development of future generations.
To learn more about the education job titles in this article and more, check out Handshake, where you can apply for education jobs and other positions. View details about the job descriptions to see if they’re a good fit.
Let Handshake help you find your dream job!
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253041.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/library-technicians-and-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253031.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/adult-literacy-and-ged-teachers.htm