Education is a crucial component of every society and plays a vital role in shaping future generations and the community. Education is one of the world’s most coveted and respected industries, where interested candidates can pursue various lucrative career options.
It is a massive sector in the United States that employs millions of professionals, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. These numbers suggest an increasing demand for education services due to population growth and a rising emphasis on lifelong learning.
These degrees equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in various fields, such as teaching, school administration, and curriculum development.
The following are some of the most lucrative career options in education. Read on to learn more.
1. School Principal
School principals are crucial in ensuring that schools run smoothly and effectively. They oversee the school’s daily operations, manage budgets, and ensure the delivery of quality education. They also play a crucial role in hiring and evaluating teachers, developing policies and procedures, and working with parents and community members.
There are various online education programs available for candidates keen on pursuing the role of a school principal. Moreover, you will also need teaching experience, communication, leadership, and organizational skills to be successful in this role.
According to the BLS, the median annual pay for school principals was $98,420 in 2021. The job outlook for this profession is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 5% from 2021 to 2031, with 14,200 new job openings.
2. School Counselor
School counselors provide guidance and support to students in academic and personal matters. They help students develop social and emotional skills, deal with behavioral problems, and plan for their future careers.
School counselors must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
The BLS claims the median annual wage for school career counselors was $60,510 in 2021. With an hourly rate of $29.09, a growth rate of 10% is expected from 2021 to 2031.
This could also mean more than 32,400 vacancies advertised from 2021 to 2031. However, you would need a master’s in education and expertise in career guidance to secure higher positions.
3. Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing educational curricula and teaching standards. They collaborate with teachers and administrators to ensure students receive a quality education meeting state and national standards.
Once developed, they work towards maintaining and updating its content, assessing its effectiveness, and changing if necessary.
Their job can involve selecting the right textbooks according to the class level, assessing their content, selecting the right educational technology, and using the right tools to measure student performance.
Instructional coordinators must possess excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with a deep understanding of educational practices and theories. They also require a master’s in education to hold this position.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for instructional coordinators was $63,740 in 2021, with an hourly rate of $30.64.
4. Postsecondary Education Administrator
Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges and universities and manage academic programs, student services, and other administrative tasks. They work closely with faculty and other staff members to ensure students receive a quality education and access the resources they need to succeed.
They must hone excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills and a deep understanding of higher education policies and practices to be effective in their job.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators was $96,910 in 2021, with an hourly rate of $46.59. The job outlook for this profession is also positive, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2021 to 2031.
You can also expect an employment change with 15,500 new job openings every year until 2031.
However, you need a master’s in education to qualify for this role. Employers typically prefer someone with experience in college or university administrative offices, such as registrars and deans.
5. Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers are vital in working with students with disabilities and special needs. They develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and guide to help students achieve their academic and personal goals.
They must have excellent communication and teaching skills and the ability to work with students with various disabilities.
They are responsible for creating individualized learning programs for students with disabilities and must provide the necessary resources, support, and guidance. It requires a keen understanding of special learning needs and coordination with parents and teachers to ensure the student’s education.
You can get a master’s degree in special education and a certificate in teaching special education before pursuing this role. You can also complete both requirements online. However, it may differ from state to state.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,820 in 2021, with a job growth rate of 4%. You can also expect around 20,600 available positions until 2031.
Conclusion
Earning a degree in education opens up many lucrative career options in the United States. From teaching and counseling to administration and curriculum development, education graduates can pursue fulfilling and well-paying careers in various fields.
The BLS projects a positive job outlook for education occupations, with a faster-than-average growth rate from 2021 to 2031.
School principals, counselors, instructional coordinators, postsecondary education administrators, and special education teachers are just a few examples of the many rewarding careers individuals with an education degree can pursue.
With excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and teaching skills, education graduates can make a difference in students’ lives and contribute to society’s growth and development.