In This Guide
What Does an Education Degree Cover?
An education degree prepares students to understand how people learn, how to design effective instruction, and how to assess learning outcomes. The National Center for Education Statistics reports approximately 90,000 bachelor's degrees in education conferred annually. Education graduates develop communication, curriculum design, and assessment skills that transfer to dozens of industries.
Classroom Teaching Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 70,000–80,000 teaching openings annually through 2032.
Elementary Education
Elementary teachers earn a median salary of approximately $61,690 per year. The role requires state certification and typically a bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Secondary Education
Middle and high school teachers specialize in a subject area. Median salaries range from $61,000 to $65,000. Math and science teachers are in particularly high demand.
Special Education
Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities or other special needs. The median salary is approximately $62,950, and demand exceeds supply in nearly every state.
High-Paying Careers Beyond the Classroom
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create training programs and e-learning modules for corporations and universities. Median salary is approximately $74,000, with senior roles at large companies earning $95,000–$120,000+.
Corporate Trainer
Training specialists design professional development programs within companies. Median salary is $63,080. The Association for Talent Development notes companies spend an average of $1,280 per employee annually on training.
School Administrator
Elementary and secondary school principals earn a median salary of $101,320, making this one of the highest-paying education paths.
Educational Technology
The EdTech industry has grown dramatically. Education graduates who understand pedagogy and technology earn $60,000–$130,000 depending on role.
School Counselor
School counselors earn a median salary of $60,140 with 5% projected growth through 2032.
Salary Comparison Table
| Career Path | Median Salary | Education Required | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Teacher | $61,690 | Bachelor's + Cert | 1% |
| Special Ed Teacher | $62,950 | Bachelor's + Cert | 2% |
| Instructional Designer | $74,000 | Bachelor's/Master's | 7% |
| Corporate Trainer | $63,080 | Bachelor's | 6% |
| School Counselor | $60,140 | Master's | 5% |
| School Principal | $101,320 | Master's + Exp | 1% |
| Training Manager | $120,000 | Bachelor's/Master's | 6% |
Education Degree Specializations
Early Childhood Education focuses on birth through age eight. Secondary Education with Subject Endorsement combines education with a content area. Special Education offers strong job security with additional compensation incentives. Educational Technology is the specialization most aligned with corporate and EdTech careers.
Transferable Skills
Education graduates develop remarkably portable skills. Communication and presentation translates to sales, marketing, and management. Curriculum design parallels training program development. Assessment and data analysis is valued in HR, consulting, and project management. The NACE ranks these among the most sought-after employer attributes. For related degrees, see our psychology degree guide and communications degree guide.
Job Outlook Through 2032
The BLS projects 70,000–80,000 teaching openings annually. States with the most severe shortages include Arizona, Nevada, and Oklahoma, according to the Learning Policy Institute. Outside teaching, corporate training and EdTech roles are growing 5–7% annually. For career comparisons, see our best careers to start in 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make good money with an education degree?
Yes, particularly beyond classroom teaching. Instructional designers earn $74,000+, training managers earn $120,000+, and school principals earn over $101,000.
What is the highest-paying career with an education degree?
Training and development managers earn a median of $120,000, and school administrators can earn $101,000–$150,000+.
Is an education degree worth it if I do not want to teach?
Absolutely. Education degrees develop highly transferable skills in communication, program design, and leadership valued across corporate training, EdTech, and nonprofit management.
What can I do with an education degree besides teaching?
Options include instructional design, corporate training, school administration, EdTech, curriculum development, school counseling, and educational policy.
Do I need a masters degree to work in education?
A bachelors plus state certification is sufficient for classroom teaching. Administration, counseling, and coordination roles typically require a masters.
What states have the highest demand for teachers?
Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Florida, and several rural states have the most severe teacher shortages, often offering financial incentives to attract teachers.
Sources & References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Salary data and job outlook for education careers
- NCES — Federal data on education degree conferrals
- Association for Talent Development — Research on corporate training spending
- Learning Policy Institute — Research on teacher shortages
- NACE — Employer surveys on valued skills
- Federal Student Aid — Teacher loan forgiveness information