Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Education 2024 (Inc Salaries)

“Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions.” 

This quote sums up the important work that teachers do. As an educator, you have the responsibility and power to create real change in your students' lives and positively impact their future.

In addition to being personally fulfilling, a career in education is also professionally rewarding because it comes with what most of us dream of—job security.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the educational instruction and library occupations sector will have about 857,600 job openings yearly in the next few years.

The best part is that the professionals in this sector receive a median annual wage of about USD 54,700 which is higher than most occupations. 

These figures can even go as high as USD 137,300 per year when you land any of the highest paying jobs in Education. Discover what these professions are below.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Education (Inc Salaries)

1. Chief Academic Officer

Also called Directors of Education, Chief Academic Offices are critical to the higher education administration.

Their main role is to look after an institution’s academic programs and provide students with the highest quality of Education and optimal learning experience within the institution’s established budget.

They set and maintain the university's academic standards by developing the curriculum and ensuring it complies with the state and federal regulations.

Job Outlook

BLS categorizes this position under the role of postsecondary education administrators. According to their projection, its demand will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than most teaching occupations.

Educational Requirements

BLS categorizes this position under the role of postsecondary education administrators. According to their projection, its demand will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than most teaching occupations.

You need a master's degree in Education, administration, or other related fields to apply for this position. However, a college or university may require a higher degree like an EdD. 

Since this position comes with, budgeting and managerial functions, having a BBA or MBA degree can make your application more appealing to employers. 

Salary Information

A Chief Academic Office makes an average salary of USD 137,300 per year. 

2. Academic Dean 

Like Chief Academic Officers, Academic Deans are also considered postsecondary education administrators who play leadership roles critical to maintaining the education system. 

However, their roles come with one key difference.

The Chief Academic Officer oversees the educational program, while the Dean ensures that the academic staff is properly trained to meet the institution's academic goals. 

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for postsecondary education administrators will increase by 5% for the next few years, which is impressive growth compared to other professions.

Educational Requirements

Most colleges and universities seek Academic Dean candidates with a doctorate degree. In addition to that, having a business or marketing degree can make your resume more well-rounded and show potential employers that you have a diversified skill set.

Salary Information

On average, an Academic Dean earns an annual salary of USD 128,800.

3. University or College Professor

Also known as postsecondary teachers, professors teach programs based on their specialized area of research or expertise at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Professors also contribute to the academic community by conducting and publishing industry-related research studies. 

Educational Requirements

A master's degree paired with long years of teaching experience is enough to land you a professor role in community colleges.

However, a PhD is the minimum educational requirement for being a professor in bigger universities.

Since professors are expected to be industry experts, some institutions may only hire educators with work experience in their chosen field.

Job Outlook

The need for professors will grow by 8% by 2032. This growth is equivalent to about 118,800 new job openings every year for almost a decade.

Salary Information

University or College Professors make an annual median wage of USD 115,900.

4. Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal

A school principal is in charge of planning, directing, and managing school operations, student activities, and the academic staff at a primary or secondary education level.

Their goal is to help students enjoy a safe, productive, and conducive learning environment and an engaging school experience.

They are also responsible for setting the school's academic goals and ensuring that the educators have the resources to meet such goals.

Job Outlook

There will be about 20, 200 job openings for principal roles every year, which will remain more or less the same until 2032.

Educational Requirements

After getting a bachelor's degree in Education, you'll also need to secure a teaching certificate, a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration, and a few years of teaching experience.

Some schools or states require a School Administration license for this position, so it's important to check out the requirements in your area before applying.

Lastly, an MBA degree is also valuable to your resume since it will teach you relevant skills, including budgeting, leadership, and staff management.

Salary Information

A School Principal earns an average of around USD 103,300 per year. 

5. Speech Pathologist

A speech pathologist works with clients of all ages with communication, speech, and swallowing disorders.

They offer many therapies to help people boost their reading, writing, and spelling skills. Not only that, but they also provide activities that can enhance memory, organization, critical thinking skills, and attention.  

Moreover, they also help people improve how their voice sounds and how loud they talk.

In addition to speech disorders, they also deal with sucking, chewing, and swallowing issues.

Job Outlook

The need for speech pathologists is currently high and is expected to grow by 19% in the next few years. This massive growth equals 13,200 annual job openings in the next decade.

Educational Requirements

In addition to a bachelor's degree in Education, you'll also need a master's degree in speech-language pathology.

After that, you'll also need certification from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) to qualify for a speech pathologist position.

Salary Information

Speech pathologists in the US make an average annual salary of USD 91,000. 

6. Preschool or Childcare Facility Director

The main responsibility of a Childcare Facility Director is to oversee the preschool and childcare center’s overall operations to uphold the highest quality of early childhood education.

To do this, they supervise the training and monitor the performance of the teaching staff, curate and plan the education programs, implement proper curriculum and budgeting plans, and ensure that the center complies with all state regulations.

Job Outlook

Employment for this role is expected to decline by 3% in the next few years.

Despite the decline, this sector will still have about 4,600 job openings annually until 2032. 

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements to being a Childcare Facility director vary from one state to another. Still, it typically includes a Bachelor's or postgraduate degree, preferably in Early Childhood Education Administration.

Additionally, some states require state licensure and additional training.

Salary Information

A Childcare Facility Director earns an average annual salary of USD 84,400.

7. Education Policy Analyst

The role of an Education Policy Analyst is to oversee the current educational system, evaluate how it affects the students and society, and find ways to revolutionize and improve Education.

They analyze the existing educational policies and make research-based recommendations on adjusting them accordingly.

They are also responsible for developing and assessing new policies, implementing, and evaluating their outcomes. 

Job Outlook

According to BLS, the demand for policymaking occupations will grow 7% until 2032.

This growth rate means that this sector will have at least 600 job openings yearly for the next few years.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Education, education policy, political science, or other social sciences.

In addition to that, you may also need to have at least two years of work experience in a school or an educational non-government organization.

An MBA or BBA degree is also relevant since it will teach you the economic side of policymaking.

Salary Information

The estimated average pay for an Education Policy Analyst is about USD 84,300 per year.

8. Secondary Education or High School Teacher

High School Teachers are the main educators in secondary schools. They teach and guide the students through grades 9 to 12 to equip them with the skills they need to enter college.

Beyond teaching duties, they are responsible for curriculum development, student assessment and grading, classroom management, and communicating with parents.

Job Outlook

BLS expects little to no change in the demand for a high school teacher until 2032.

Despite the limited growth, the secondary education industry will still have about 67,100 job openings yearly. 

Educational Requirements

You need a bachelor's degree in education or education studies. Aside from this, you'd also have to obtain licensure by taking a general teaching certification test.

To make sure your resume stands out, you must also hold a master's degree in Education. 

Salary Information

The annual media average of a High School Teacher is about USD 61, 400.

9. Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teachers work closely with students who have different types of learning disorders, physical disabilities, and special mental and emotional needs.

This teaching role is focused on giving the right support and ensuring that the learning environment and experience will meet the student's special needs.

They would need to work alongside other support-based professionals like a speech therapist or pathologist, occupational therapist, or school psychologist to provide these.

Job Outlook

The overall employment for special education teachers is projected to have little to no change in the coming years.

But even with the limited growth potential, this sector will still have about 33,500 job openings yearly until 2032.

Educational Requirements

You need a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education to teach students in this sector. This single requirement is sufficient for a teaching job in private schools.

On the other hand, public schools would ask for additional requirements like state licensure, background checks, and Praxis II teaching exam results.

Salary Information

Special Education Teachers typically earn a median wage of USD 66,100 per year.

10. Instructional Coordinator

Also known as Curriculum Designers, Instructional Coordinators are responsible for designing, evaluating, and implementing school curriculums and teaching standards.

Their main goal is to ensure student success by providing them with developmentally appropriate teaching materials and methods.

Their daily activities include designing curriculums and selecting educational materials based on student data and performance.

They are also in charge of teacher training to ensure their teaching methods meet established academic goals.

Lastly, they develop and implement tools to assess existing or new curriculums.

Job Outlook

The need for Instructional Coordinators is projected to grow at least 2%, meaning it will have 19, 200 job openings yearly until 2032.

Educational Requirements

To become an Instructional Coordinator, you need a master's degree and work experience teaching or in a school administration position.

If you plan to work in a public school, you must also secure licensure by passing a state-issued examination.

Salary Information

Instructional Coordinators make an average earning of USD 54,000 every year.

Conclusion

Being in the education sector places you in the best position to make a significant impact in the future, not just on the students but also on society and this country.

The best part is that it also offers job security because the teaching industry is here to stay as long as there are students to teach.

However, education jobs currently face limited growth rates, so finding jobs will be more competitive and challenging now than ever.

To stay on top of the game, you need to show future employers that you can bring value to their organizations, and earning an MBA or BBA degree is one way to do that.

If you're ready to advance your education career, check out what Nexford offers. They are a US-accredited distance learning education institution determined to provide you with a next-level learning experience in the comforts of your own home.

FAQs

What will be the highest-paying job in education in 2024?

The highest paying job in education in 2024 will be a chief academic officer. According to Glassdoor, professionals in this sector can earn an annual salary of USD 117,000 up to USD 209,000, with an average of USD 137, 300.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what's the outlook for educational jobs in 2024 and beyond?

The demand growth for education jobs in 2024 and beyond is not as high as all the other occupations.

The highest projected growth rate is about 8% (Professors), while the lowest is -3 % (Childcare Facility Director).

On the other hand, most teaching professions will show little to no change in the upcoming years.

Despite this less-than-average growth potential, the education sector will continue to churn tens of thousands of jobs in the next few years.

Is Education a good career path?

With its limited growth opportunities, majoring in Education can take much work.

However, it’s a challenge worth taking if you’re passionate about shaping the future of society and making a difference in other people’s lives.

Here are some reasons why taking Education is still a good idea:

1. Continuous Growth 

Lifelong learning is an essential part of the education sector since teachers need to be good role models to their students and adapt to the never-ending innovations in the industry. 

2. Numerous Career Options

Aside from teaching and administrative functions, an educational degree also opens the door to different career pathways.

This degree can be your stepping stone to other social science-related occupations like clinical psychologists, admissions specialists, juvenile corrections workers, and many more.

3. Job Security

Even though the demand growth for this sector is not as fast as other occupations, the need for teaching is here to stay.

The education industry is expected to generate as many as 109,000 job openings (for Kindergarten teachers alone) annually.

4. High Job Satisfaction

Getting a front seat in shaping the future of the next generation makes Education a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying jobs in Education?

Here are the top soft skills needed to excel in the field of education:

• Leadership

• Communication Skills

• Problem-solving

• Conflict Resolution

• Social and Emotional Intelligence

• Cultural Competence

• Critical Thinking

On the other hand, you should also be an expert in the following hard skills:

• Subject Area Proficiency

• Classroom Management

• Lesson Planning

• Curriculum Development

• Educational Software Skills

To know if you have the necessary skills to start and build a lucrative career in education, download our free report here. 

What qualifications are required for high-paying educator jobs?

The qualifications for these high-paying education jobs vary according to state and profession, but these typically include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Education

• Industry-specific Master's program

• Work experience

• Teacher Certification and State Licensure

Administrative positions, such as Chief Academic Officer and Academic Dean, require a doctoral degree. 

Why is it beneficial for educators to gain a BBA/MBA degree?

A bachelor’s and master’s will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to land a teaching position.

But if you want to land the highest-paying jobs, you also need to be well-versed in the administrative, economic, and business side of the education industry, and you can only attain those through an MBA or BBA degree.

With a BBA degree, you can cultivate must-have education soft skills like cultural competence, communication skills, and critical thinking.

On the other hand, an MBA degree can provide you with the business and administrative know-how to navigate organizational and policymaking positions.