Education majors have a deep passion for teaching and learning. In college, they strive to develop the skills they need to pass down knowledge to younger generations of learners in the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Although the vast majority of education majors become teachers, a degree in education can lead to a wide range of jobs, including positions in administration, journalism, and more.
Here is a list of 12 possible jobs for education majors:
Most Common Jobs for Education Majors
1. High School Teacher
Being a high school teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, as high school teachers get to inspire and educate potential future leaders. But it isn’t a simple task. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in education, those who aspire to teach at the high school level have to complete an internship in a school classroom, pass the state-required test for teachers, and receive a teaching certificate/license.
Median annual wage: $59,170
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching certificate
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0.8%
2. Middle/Elementary School Teacher
Middle and elementary school teachers have a unique opportunity to make a lasting memory in the minds of every student they teach. In addition to teaching academic subjects, they are there to instill early-life lessons into developing brains.
But to teach at the middle or elementary school levels, students have to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, complete an internship in a school classroom, pass the state-required test for teachers, and receive a teaching certificate/license.
Median annual wage: $57,350
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching certificate
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0.4%
3. Substitute Teacher
Substituting is a perfect gig for those who enjoy teaching, but don’t have the desire or availability to work full-time. Substitute teachers’ time off could be used to spend time with family or pursue other interests, such as writing a book or freelance writing for newspapers and magazines, among other activities.
To be a substitute teacher, you must first apply for a substitute teaching license, which vary by state. Once you’ve passed all of the mandatory tests for your licensure, you can begin to apply to schools and/or school districts to be called in for substitute teaching jobs.
Median annual wage: $28,270
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & substitute teaching license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: N/A
Additional Jobs for Education Majors
4. Education Administrator
Education administrators generally work in educational environments, but not as teachers. Broadly, they are the people in charge of overseeing administrative tasks within a school. They could be principals, but job titles may vary.
Aspiring education administrators must go on to earn their teaching license, work for a few years as a teacher, complete a master’s degree in education administration and, typically, pass a state test to receive an administrator’s license.
Median annual wage: $88,890
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & administrator’s license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0.5%
5. School Counselor
School counselors can have a wide range of requirements, depending on the school. But generally, they help students overcome personal and emotional problems, help students set and achieve academic and personal goals, and sometimes even help students with the college application process. To earn a job, aspiring school counselors must earn a master’s degree in school counseling or a similar subject, complete a school counseling internship and earn a state license.
Median annual wage: $55,410
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0.5%
6. College Professor
After years of teaching lower-level students, some education majors have a desire to move to postsecondary teaching. But to do so, a master’s degree (and sometimes a doctorate degree), is required. To be a good teacher at any level, including college, patience, enthusiasm, communication and organization skills are key. In addition to teaching, some college professors are required to conduct research and write scholarly articles.
Median annual wage: $64,480
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 3%
Non-Traditional Jobs for Education Majors
7. Librarian
Teachers share a campus and a lunch room with school librarians, so they get to know the ins and outs of their job. And, occasionally, some decide to make the switch. An education degree can serve as a good foundation to a career as a librarian, but to earn a job, a master’s degree in library science is often needed.
Broadly, librarians may be responsible for curating the books, online databases and additional educational materials that make up a library. They can work at various institutions, including schools, public libraries, museums, law firms, non-profit organizations and others.
Median annual wage: $58,520
Common entry-level degree: Master’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 65%
8. Education Reporter
After years of working in the education system, some education majors decide to step away from the classroom and into the newsroom. Technically, there is no required degree to become a reporter, but you will have a hard time finding a job without one. Skilled reporters are master storytellers with strong writing and grammar skills. To learn the essential skills, most aspiring reporters study journalism in college. However, education majors develop an understanding of the workings of the education system that can translate well to reporting on education.
Median annual wage: $40,910
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 11%
9. Daycare Administrator
Daycare administrators are in charge of running the operations within a childcare facility. Broadly, they hire employees, develop education programs and make the financial decisions, among other tasks. Since they are on the administrative side, they don’t often work directly with the children attending their facility. However, they can still find gratification in the fact that they are contributing to the expansion and development of many young minds. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in education, early childhood education or a related field, aspiring daycare administrators may be required to have a state license.
Median annual wage: $46,890
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 1.5%
Other Potential Jobs for Education Majors
10. GED Instructor
General education development (GED) instructors prepare adult students to take the high school equivalency exam. While the academic subjects may be similar to those in traditional high schools, the classes are taught much differently. GED teachers are instructing full-grown adults who likely work during the day and choose to commit their evenings to earning their general education diploma. GED instructors don’t have to worry about handing out detentions or motivating their students to do better academically.
In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in education, those who aspire to teach GED courses will likely be required to have previous teaching experience and a teaching license. However, rules vary by state.
Median annual wage: $52,100
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 19%
11. Physical Education Teacher
Physical education (P.E. or gym) teachers instruct students at the elementary, middle and high school levels in exercise and nutrition. Typically, P.E. teachers share an interest in both education and athletics. And for those who eventually wish to transition to coaching full-time, a foundation in youth coaching and physical education instruction is beneficial. But to earn a job as a P.E. teacher, a bachelor’s degree in education, exercise science or a related subject, and a state-issued license is often required.
Median annual wage: $57,350 – $59,170
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0.8%
12. Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers serve as a caretaker and educator for children under the age of five. When it isn’t naptime, preschool teachers help young children develop socially and intellectually by encouraging them to build, create and interact with each other. Although it can be stressful, it is a very rewarding job, as preschool teachers help mold developing minds. But to earn a job, aspiring preschool teachers have to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, early childhood education or a related field, and pass a state certification test.
Median annual wage: $33,540
Common entry-level degree: Bachelor’s degree & teaching license
Likelihood that robots will take your job: 0.7%
10 Famous People Who Studied Education
- Daniel Kahikina Akaka
- Krista Allen
- Kurt Angle
- Judy Blume
- Lois Capps
- Reba McEntire
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Michael Savage
- Gene Simmons
- Lowell Thomas
To explore options for other majors, click here.
