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Job outlook for assistant professors of education in the United States
Assistant professor of education job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected assistant professor of education job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 159,400 new jobs for assistant professors of education are projected over the next decade.
Assistant professor of education salaries have increased 5% for assistant professors of education in the last 5 years.
There are over 59,294 assistant professors of education currently employed in the United States.
There are 45,071 active assistant professor of education job openings in the US.
The average assistant professor of education salary is $60,188.
Are assistant professor of education jobs in demand?
Assistant professor of education job and salary trends over time
Assistant professor of education jobs over time
Assistant professor of education job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59,294 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 60,550 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 62,217 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 61,592 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 60,452 | 0.02% |
Average assistant professor of education salary over time
Assistant professor of education salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,188 | $28.94 | --0.1% |
| 2024 | $60,252 | $28.97 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $59,581 | $28.64 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $58,882 | $28.31 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $57,502 | $27.65 | +1.6% |
Assistant professor of education jobs by state
Most common states for assistant professors of education
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 273 | 39% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 114 | 15% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 96 | 15% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 772 | 14% |
| 5 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 132 | 13% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 196 | 11% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 875 | 10% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 673 | 10% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 441 | 10% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 397 | 10% |
| 11 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,719 | 9% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 803 | 9% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 492 | 9% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 270 | 9% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 169 | 9% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 529 | 8% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 295 | 8% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 112 | 8% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 103 | 8% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 81 | 8% |
Most common cities for assistant professors of education
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 2 | 6% | $65,953 |
| 2 | North Andover | 1 | 4% | $65,775 |
| 3 | Amherst | 1 | 3% | $66,205 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $70,405 |
| 5 | Coral Gables | 1 | 2% | $64,375 |
| 6 | Fairfield | 1 | 2% | $66,498 |
| 7 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $65,195 |
| 8 | Gainesville | 1 | 1% | $63,113 |
| 9 | Lawrence | 1 | 1% | $59,374 |
| 10 | Portland | 1 | 1% | $59,338 |
| 11 | Pueblo | 1 | 1% | $53,606 |
| 12 | Detroit | 2 | 0% | $63,570 |
| 13 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0% | $59,043 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $63,501 |
| 15 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $65,921 |
| 16 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $53,254 |
| 17 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $60,154 |
| 18 | Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $69,215 |
Assistant Professor Of Education job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of assistant professor of education experts
Tiffin University
Kean University
North Carolina State University
College of the Marshall Islands
Skidmore College
University of South Florida
Graduate Theological Union
Freed-Hardeman University
College of Charleston
Franklin and Marshall College
AGWA - American Grant Writers' Association, Inc.
Texas State University
University of Mount Union
Kent State University
Northwestern University
Seattle University
Boise State University
Linfield University
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
Alex Holte PhD: My advice for someone new to the field of academia is to learn time management skills early and learn what type of service work you find interesting and would like to contribute to. From there, learn how to say “no” to opportunities that may not align with your goals as well. I feel a lot of new professors tend to find the need to be involved in everything, which can result in burning out later in their career.
What Assistant Professor Of Education skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alex Holte PhD: I would say being able to work with AI may be something that is more important in the next 3-5 years. Right now it’s a new technology and people are just now learning how to integrate it in the workplace, but I feel it is possible the future workforce of tomorrow will necessitate some form of being able to use AI technology.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Education increase their earning potential?
Alex Holte PhD: When you are starting out at any career, it is important to negotiate your salary. Many candidates feel that they have to accept their first offer, but in reality, at many jobs, there is some room for negotiation. Be mindful however, to not request a salary that is much higher than what is being offered as they may feel like a compromise would not be possible and move on to the next candidate.
Dr. Stephanie Opfer
Associate Professor of English, Assistant Dean of the School of Creative and Media ArtsTiffin University
Visual And Performing Arts
What will help Assistant Professors Of Education increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Opfer: Unfortunately, teaching as an adjunct does not pay well. Students should keep their full-time jobs and teach part-time until they find a full-time job at a college or university. That part-time teaching provides them valuable experience and connections that make them more competitive candidates for full-time positions because they'd also be competing with candidates who have PhDs. So adjunct work is more of a long-term investment rather than an immediate return. Also, even full-time teaching jobs don't pay particularly well, so they'll really need to love teaching if they want to do it full-time. If they don't like teaching as an adjunct, they won't like doing it full-time.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
Mia Fiore Ph.D.: First, I would tell all students that it is VERY different from teaching k-12. Unlike K-12, you are not placed in a school with a teaching job upon graduation; teaching in higher education is one of the most competitive fields, period. The next difference is that you are expected to be an expert/ master of your field. If you're also willing to accept that you will likely have to work as an adjunct professor (for low pay) first, then go for it! Teaching in higher education is the most rewarding job, especially for people who love learning.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
Justin Whitehill Ph.D.: Perseverance pays off. Its worth it to pursue the career you want and not settle and be unhappy.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Education increase their earning potential?
Justin Whitehill Ph.D.: I wouldn’t know, I’m a professor.
Jane Kuandre
Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
Jane Kuandre: My advice for someone looking to pursue a career in academia would be to focus on building a strong publication record, developing a network of collaborators, and continuously seeking opportunities for professional development.
What Assistant Professor Of Education skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jane Kuandre: Some essential skills for success in academia include critical thinking, effective communication, time management, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Education increase their earning potential?
Jane Kuandre: Networking is crucial for career advancement in academia as it allows individuals to establish collaborations, gain access to resources, and stay updated on the latest research trends.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
Alexander Velasquez: My general advice to any graduate beginning their career in their field is to continue to learn and be a student of your craft. Be open to learning new things because you never know how they will improve your skills and qualifications. For example, I am currently learning video editing. I never thought I would bother to learn video editing, but it makes me a more versatile instructor being able to give students the option of doing video projects, combining and editing them, and having a digital record of what students have learned in the classroom. And given the rise of online learning, it's important nowadays to be an effective instructor both in the traditional in-person format and within the digital landscape.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Education increase their earning potential?
Alexander Velasquez: I think everyone should look into their career fields and find out what it is that makes you more valuable in that field. Are there any certifications that you can get? What is it that you need to know or learn that companies will find valuable? Much can be learned online, so pick up as many of those skills as you can, and make sure they're on your resume or CV. I believe all those things could maximize salary potential, especially when starting out.
Aurelie Matheron
Assistant Professor of FrenchSkidmore College
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
Aurelie Matheron: Present yourself as a professional in your cover letter and interviews. The people who interview you will look at you as a future colleague and not a student. Use the past “I” to show what the future “I” will do. Meaning: in your interviews, say “I have developed X courses/projects and I have acquired X skills useful for a collaborative project at your institution. For instance, one project I will develop is XYZ.” You show your experience/expertise and how you will be using your skills. Don’t dwell too much on the “past I” and, I’d say, don’t use the past “we” => “at my former institution, we would do X or Z.” => this shows that you still view yourself as part of that community and don’t project yourself at your new institution. Once you have the job: observe the dynamics of your new work place. Meet with colleagues who also recently got a job at your institution. They will help you navigate the first year.
What Assistant Professor Of Education skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aurelie Matheron: Leadership: you will be in positions of leading a program/department. Learn from current chairs by observing their own skills during meetings and moments of decision. Collaboration: develop interpersonal and interprofessional relationships that will allow you to build collaborative projects (interdepartmental courses, for instance).
What will help Assistant Professors Of Education increase their earning potential?
Aurelie Matheron: Do some research online about how much someone earns at your stage of the career. If there is a significant gap, point out (diplomatically) that, because of your extensive experience in XYZ, you would like to get a X% increase in your salary. Be reasonable: if you want a 3% increase, ask for 5% (not 10% or more). Justify your negotiation: why should they pay me more? What experience can I show them to justify my request? If you have a higher offer from another place, you can say that “I have received another generous offer and would like to know about the possibility for matching that offer.” Salary is not the only thing you can negotiate: office space, computer/laptop, sabbaticals, course release, etc. Again, be reasonable: if you think you are entitled to XYZ requests, you also have to show why.
What skills stand out on Assistant Professor Of Education resumes?
Lee Braver: Colleges and universities fall into different categories which value different skills and accomplishments. The most obvious division is between schools that emphasize research and those that pride themselves on their teaching. Research institutions are looking for scholars who can publish a lot in exclusive journals and presses, thereby enhancing their reputation. They are looking for evidence of research skills: publications, awards, letters of recommendation that praise the candidate's writing and thinking. Teaching schools, on the other hand, are looking for excellent teachers. In the buyer's market we now have, they can require high research ability as well, but some will actually be scared off by too much research. They will worry that the candidate will focus on their research instead of their teaching and that they will seek to leave as soon as they can. These schools are typically looking for teaching experience, high student evaluations, and letters that single out these qualities for praise, whereas research schools typically don't care a lot about these sorts of things. Thus, the qualities one type of institution values, the other can be apathetic towards or even avoid. Teaching schools far outnumber research schools, so there are far more jobs in the former than in the latter.
What skills will help Assistant Professors Of Education earn the most?
Lee Braver: Let's see-an M.B.A., the ability to pick winning lottery numbers, being repelled by the humanities so that one goes into business-those would be pretty useful for making money. No one should go into academia for the money, not just not for wealth but even for a comfortable living, which is becoming more difficult to achieve in America in general. It is nearly impossible to make a living as an adjunct professor, which is where the profession is heading. There are many good-paying jobs, but those tend to congregate at the elite schools, the ones that emphasize research the most, and these are the fewest and hardest to get. Worse-paying jobs are also hard to come by, and the competition is just getting stiffer as more Ph.D.'s get dumped into the market each year which is itself accreting all those who did not land jobs in the previous years. At many institutions, raises are minimal since jobs are so hard to come by, and there's little else that rewards a humanities Ph.D. The only way to get a substantial raise is to get a credible offer from another institution and hope that yours wants to keep you enough to overbid them; otherwise, you're stuck, especially after getting tenure, and they know it. That's why tenure is called "golden handcuffs," though I think a better name might be something like velvet handcuffs, given gold's connotation of wealth.
What soft skills should all Assistant Professors Of Education possess?
Lee Braver: Soft skills are most important to working once one has gotten a job rather than important to getting a job since those are quite difficult to discern from applications and brief interviews. That is one of the reasons schools can be wary of hiring with tenure; a person could look great on paper but be a nightmare to work with, and you're stuck with them.
I believe that tenacity, organizational skills and time management, and the ability to work long hours are crucial to getting tenure and succeeding in academia more broadly, in some ways more important than raw intelligence (if such a notion is coherent). Failure and rejection are endemic to the job; anyone who gets discouraged easily will do so. One must persevere in the face of sometimes harsh criticism and hostile conditions (especially now that much of the country has turned against higher education and the humanities in particular), and one must be able to juggle multiple responsibilities that make considerable time demands. In this, the tenure track resembles other early-career positions, such as medical residency or working towards partnership in a law firm. The untenured often must do the scut work that no one else wants to do, made more difficult by the fact that they are frantically trying to learn on the job with little to no guidance. It is not at all unusual for early-career professors to teach 4 classes per semester, at least some of which are new and/or large, do all the grading for them, serve on multiple committees, and write for elusive publications, all at once.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Assistant Professors Of Education?
Lee Braver: Well, a Ph.D. is necessary, although one can sometimes be hired within striking distance of it. The ability to teach so as to bring students to the major and get high student evaluations are often requirements at teaching schools while writing well enough to publish, often in journals with single-digit acceptance rates, is crucial to research schools. Comfort with technology is becoming more and more important.
Sangyil Sam Park Ph.D.
Professor of PreachingGraduate Theological Union
Berkeley school of theology (bst)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Assistant Professor Of Education job market given the pandemic?
Sangyil Sam Park Ph.D.: I think that this pandemic situation will reset the job market in such a way that we have never expected-new jobs will be created and some of the traditional jobs will either be slashed or adjusted to meet the need of the new reality we have experienced for the past 12 months.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Assistant Professor Of Education job market given the pandemic?
Kevin Moore Ph.D.: Until the pandemic subsides, churches will probably be less likely to make changes in their ministerial staff, and ministers less likely to leave their current positions to seek employment elsewhere. Technology proficiency has become almost indispensable.
What experience really stands out on Assistant Professor Of Education resumes?
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice: The experience that most stands out on resumés, to my mind, is definitely internships or anything where the applicant has had to show initiative and exercise independent thought.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Education?
David McMahan Ph.D.: Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Assistant Professors Of Education, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
David McMahan Ph.D.: Graduates in Religious Studies don't necessarily go into careers in religion. The standard career path for those involved is going to graduate school, spending several years getting a Ph.D., and facing a tough job market. Starting salaries can vary widely depending on the college or university.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Assistant Professor Of Education job market given the pandemic?
John Porter Ph.D.: This will depend on what happens in the next six months or so. If the economy stays open and business can operate as it did a year ago, the trend will be more positive. When the economy is working, people are more financially secure. They have money to donate to foundations, and corporations have more profits to put into their funding resources.
If the economic shutdown increases where both businesses and individuals earn less money, there will be less money available for grant funding. The majority of grant funding comes from donations by everyday individuals.
If the economic shutdown is prolonged, then there will be an increase in government grant programs. The government gets its financial resources for things like grants by taxation. So individual taxes will likely increase.
Another line to balance is the excessive taxation of the rich. Nearly all very wealthy people have established a foundation where they give some of their wealth to grant awards to community non-profit organizations. When the government increases the taxes on this group, the excess money goes to the government to spend rather than local non-profits.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Assistant Professors Of Education to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rodney Rohde Ph.D.: There are large vacancy rates all over the country. This is a good news/bad news issue. However, with a degree in medical laboratory science (also known as a clinical laboratory science) AND certification, one can find employment anywhere in the U.S. One of the great things about this career is that graduates honestly can decide where they "fit best" with regard to geography and employer (urban, rural, large, or small).
Dr. Jerome Miksell
Professor (Musicianship, Technology, Viola), Department ChairUniversity of Mount Union
Music Department
What Assistant Professor Of Education skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jerome Miksell: An aspiring performer should be practicing and looking for performance opportunities. I would also recommend travel that might enhance understanding of a particular style of music.
Those interested in business opportunities could consider finding a part-time job in a music store.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Assistant Professors Of Education to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jay Dorfman: There are certainly some states with teacher shortages, but that is often because those states' political or economic climates make them less desirable as a place for teachers to work. If teachers' teaching conditions and salaries were improved, there would be more people interested in entering the profession. That said, I typically tell students that the broader their search for a job can be, the more likely they are to find a good fit.
What Assistant Professor Of Education skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Helen Callus: A gap year is a terrific way to build a resume. By looking at where there might be a lack of experience like competitions, teaching, administration, summer festival interns, assistantships - they can focus their time and build their resumes well. I also think being creative in these current times, showing that you have experience teaching remotely, making a studio, creating a website, writing an article, and doing research that could be helpful later on. You could also spend the time preparing repertoire to teach or take auditions and make your first recording and video YouTube performance.
Alexander Mouton
Chair, Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Art, Art History & Design
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Assistant Professors Of Education?
Alexander Mouton: It is hard to tell how the coronavirus pandemic will affect graduates. Some I know are joining the workforce or doing creative work, which is a good sign. How this will play out will be interesting to see, though it's a little hard for me to judge from the classroom!
How do you envision technology impacting Assistant Professors Of Education in the next 5 years?
Alexander Mouton: The next five years will most likely find design going ever more into screen-based media, UI/UX design, app development, etc. We hope that there will also be a new wave of more conscientious students/employees who move the needle in terms of how we relate to social media, how companies take responsibility for their products, etc.
Dr. Lori Gray
Associate Professor: Director of Music EducationBoise State University
Department of Music Education
What type of skills will young Assistant Professors Of Education need?
Dr. Lori Gray: For the past several years, it has been clear that employers are seeking graduates with 21st Century Learning Skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration). The four Cs of 21st Century Learning frequently come up during reference calls on my end and interviews for our recent graduates.
I would add that graduates need a strong work ethic, an understanding of professionalism and respect in the workplace, and self-awareness and an understanding of personal needs and limitations both at work and in their personal lives. In these current living conditions during a global pandemic (COVID-19), graduates also need resilience, perseverance, adaptability, and flexibility. These are all skills I would want for our Music Education majors to cultivate, as the climate in K-12 Education is ever-changing. However, I believe these are all skills that would be useful in any new career path.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Assistant Professors Of Education to find work opportunities?
Dr. Lori Gray: The unfortunate reality is that there is a teacher shortage across the United States. However, this can be positive for graduates seeking jobs in Education. Even with a teacher shortage, graduates need to maintain a realistic view of the job market and be flexible in where they are willing to live. The job search process will be quite challenging if graduates limit themselves to one town or a particular job type. I urge our Music Education majors to be open-minded about the kinds of jobs they are willing to consider and explore a few locations.
How do you envision technology impacting Assistant Professors Of Education in the next 5 years?
Dr. Carrie Kondor: I believe that teachers will be more intentional and comfortable with technology. Technology will continue to be used to target specific learning needs. It provides opportunities for kinesthetic, auditory, and visual supports to pedagogy, while also opening up opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning in meaningful and creative ways. Perhaps another important note is that this pandemic has shown us that technology cannot take our teacher's place. Effective and responsive teachers are the key to student success.