Find a Job You Really Want In
While many individuals pursuing a master’s in education primarily aim to become teachers, this degree opens the door to a variety of career paths beyond the traditional classroom. With an education-focused master’s degree, you can explore numerous roles in training, development, and educational administration. Depending on your undergraduate background, you can also venture into diverse fields that value educational expertise.
Moreover, teaching extends beyond conventional schools; businesses and organizations require training and development specialists to equip employees with essential skills. An education degree also allows for opportunities to work with children in various settings, including non-profit organizations, educational technology firms, and community programs.
Key Takeaways:
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A master’s in education provides access to roles in teaching, training, educational administration, and social services.
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Generally, careers within the education sector may not offer high salaries, though certain roles can be lucrative. Thus, if financial compensation is your primary motivation, consider other options.
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Most careers associated with an education degree are people-centered, requiring strong interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and patience.
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Working in education is both rewarding and challenging, with ongoing discussions about educator retention and attrition rates, which may shape your career decisions in this field.
10 Best-Paying Jobs for People with a Master’s in Education
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Average Annual Salary: $77,000
Training specialists develop and implement training programs for new employees in various sectors. They design training materials and assess the effectiveness of training initiatives, ensuring that employees acquire necessary competencies. Staying informed about the latest training methodologies is crucial in this role.
Required Skills: Excellent communication, analytical skills, and the ability to simplify complex topics.
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Average Annual Salary: $83,000
Adjunct faculty members, often employed on a contract basis, typically teach introductory courses in their areas of expertise. Responsibilities include lesson planning and student engagement. Flexibility and adaptability are essential in this role.
Required Skills: Time management, instructional ability, and strong communication skills.
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Average Annual Salary: $53,000
Curriculum developers design educational programs and materials, ensuring alignment with current educational standards. Collaboration with teachers and stakeholders is essential to adapt and enhance curricula effectively.
Required Skills: In-depth knowledge of the education system, strong communication, and organizational skills.
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Average Annual Salary: $76,000
Clinical nurse educators provide training and education to nursing staff, requiring both teaching skills and clinical experience. They assess the knowledge of nursing staff and develop training programs to enhance their skills.
Required Skills: Strong communication, empathy, and observational skills.
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Average Annual Salary: $75,000
Epic credentialed trainers educate healthcare personnel on using the Epic electronic health record system. This role requires trainers to have healthcare experience and complete a certification process.
Required Skills: Computer literacy, communication, and patience.
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Average Annual Salary: $80,000
Human resources managers oversee essential HR functions, from recruitment to employee relations. This role requires strong people skills and an understanding of employment laws.
Required Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and confidentiality.
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Average Annual Salary: $104,000
Marketing managers lead branding efforts, ensuring alignment across various marketing channels. They collaborate with teams to develop and execute marketing campaigns.
Required Skills: Strong communication, attention to detail, and creativity.
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Average Annual Salary: $55,000
Therapists provide support to clients facing various challenges. While a bachelor’s degree is typically required, a master’s in education can be beneficial for those specializing in educational counseling.
Required Skills: Strong communication, empathy, and confidentiality.
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Average Annual Salary: $50,000
Executive assistants manage schedules, correspondence, and administrative tasks for executives, requiring strong organization and communication skills.
Required Skills: Organization, communication, and familiarity with executive operations.
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Average Annual Salary: $62,000
Speech language pathologists assess and treat communication disorders in clients of all ages. This rewarding career requires strong analytical skills and creativity in developing treatment plans.
Required Skills: Analytical, observational, and communication skills.
10 Entry-Level Jobs for People with a Master’s in Education
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
Preschool teachers engage with children under five, focusing on foundational skills like literacy and social interaction. This role is vital for early childhood development and providing quality care for working parents.
Required Skills: Patience, communication skills, and familiarity with child development.
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Average Annual Salary: $48,000
Guidance counselors support students in their academic and personal development, addressing mental health and educational needs.
Required Skills: Empathy, communication skills, and knowledge of educational pathways.
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Average Annual Salary: $35,000
School secretaries manage administrative tasks, including maintaining records and assisting with communication between staff, students, and parents.
Required Skills: Organizational skills and customer service.
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Average Annual Salary: $29,000
Teacher’s aides assist educators in classroom activities and lesson preparation, providing vital support for both teachers and students.
Required Skills: Communication, empathy, and knowledge of child development.
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Average Annual Salary: $36,000
Youths counselors support at-risk youth, helping them navigate personal challenges and providing resources for improvement.
Required Skills: Empathy, patience, and communication skills.
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Average Annual Salary: $50,000
Social workers assist clients in accessing resources and support, addressing a variety of challenges across different environments.
Required Skills: Communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
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Average Annual Salary: $52,000
Elementary school teachers facilitate learning for students from kindergarten through fifth grade, focusing on both academic and social development.
Required Skills: Patience, interpersonal skills, and communication abilities.
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Average Annual Salary: $44,000
Facilitators manage educational programs, ensuring seamless execution and collaboration among participants.
Required Skills: Organizational skills, communication, and time management.
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Average Annual Salary: $33,000
Tutors provide additional academic support to students, helping them excel in areas requiring improvement.
Required Skills: Time management, communication, and subject knowledge.
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Average Annual Salary: $55,000
Reading teachers specialize in literacy skills, supporting students at various levels, including those with learning challenges.
Required Skills: Patience, empathy, and instructional skills.
Education Master’s Degree Options
While teaching is the most recognized career associated with a master’s in education, numerous other pathways exist within the education sector. From administration to curriculum design, various roles are crucial for the effective functioning of educational institutions. Here are some options to consider:
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Educational Administration: Ideal for individuals interested in managing schools and districts rather than teaching.
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Student Counseling: This leads to roles such as guidance counselor or youth counselor, focusing on student well-being and academic success.
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Developmental Psychology: This field explores child development and can apply to educational contexts.
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Curriculum and Instruction: Focus on developing effective curricula and instructional methods.
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Multilingual Education: Supports language acquisition and cultural diversity in educational settings.
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Educational Assessment: Evaluates the effectiveness of curricula and teaching strategies.
Master’s in Education Jobs FAQ
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What can you do with a master’s degree in education?
While teaching is the most common role, a master’s in education opens doors to various positions in educational administration, training, and even marketing and HR roles.
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What skills do you need for education jobs?
Soft skills such as communication, empathy, and organizational abilities are essential for success in education-related careers. Leadership skills are also vital for those pursuing teaching roles.
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Do employees with a master’s in education get paid more?
Generally, salaries in education are modest; thus, those with a master’s degree may not necessarily earn significantly more than their peers with a bachelor’s degree. If compensation is a primary concern, consider other fields.
Author
Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.
