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Job outlook for family educators in the United States
Are family educator jobs in demand?
Family educator job and salary trends over time
Family educator jobs over time
Family educator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,567 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,477 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,473 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,417 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,312 | 0.00% |
Average family educator salary over time
Family educator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,404 | $17.02 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $34,644 | $16.66 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $33,825 | $16.26 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $32,444 | $15.60 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $31,617 | $15.20 | +2.1% |
Family educator jobs by state
Most common states for family educators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 106 | 8% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 105 | 8% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 49 | 8% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 50 | 7% |
| 5 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 377 | 5% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 303 | 5% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 49 | 5% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 40 | 5% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 293 | 4% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 270 | 4% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 249 | 4% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 203 | 4% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 158 | 4% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 150 | 4% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 131 | 4% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 109 | 4% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 84 | 4% |
| 18 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 26 | 4% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 22 | 4% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 198 | 3% |
Most common cities for family educators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $42,688 |
| 2 | Fresno | 1 | 0% | $45,117 |
| 3 | Wichita | 1 | 0% | $37,791 |
Family Educator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of family educator experts
University of Maine
Texas Tech University
Georgia College and State University
Auburn University Main Campus
Adelphi University
Saginaw Valley State University
The University of Vermont
King's College
Aultman College
Arizona State University
Bethel University
Cedar Crest College
Cabrini University
Ashland University
Seattle University
East Tennessee State University
The College of New Jersey
Boston University
The University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. William Nichols Ph.D.
Professor, Literacy, Language and CultureUniversity of Maine
Education
What will help Family Educators increase their earning potential?
Dr. William Nichols Ph.D.: Future graduating education majors can expect to immediately enter the 'survival phase of teaching.' Up to this point, they have had university faculty, university mentors, collaborating teacher mentors, and their peer candidates all supporting their development into excellent professionals in the field of education. However, upon the first minute of the first day of teaching, they will enter the survival phase and, in many cases, they will fight for personal and professional existence.
What will help Family Educators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Valerie Paton Ph.D.: There are many different types of learning leadership roles across the business sectors in the U.S. and globally. Depending upon the nature of the role, different types of skill sets are needed. If the employee is leading the learning enterprise in a global corporation and the students are employees who need specific training and professional development to achieve their goals, then the 'educator' is using teaching, facilitation, and collaboration skills to support the delivery and application of specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes. While we most often think of 'Educators' as serving as K-12 teachers, the learning leadership needs of all economic sectors are creating increased numbers of employment opportunities for education of adult learners.
What Family Educator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bailey McAlister PhD: I would advise anyone starting a new career in academia to stay humble. Gain comprehensive awareness of the systems and structures around you. Notice opportunities for professional development. Think of things as experiences rather than tasks. Ask questions. Learn people’s stories. Really listen. Practice rhetorical listening.
Andrew Pendola Ph.D.
Associate Professor | Program CoordinatorAuburn University Main Campus
Education
What general advice would you give to a Family Educator?
Andrew Pendola Ph.D.: Hi Andrew. Just following up. Would you, or can you recommend a professor from Auburn University Main Campus, to provide answers for our expert panel on starting a career with a degree in Education? We need someone who can give insights into what it's like entering the workforce this year.
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What general advice would you give to a Family Educator?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: In the next few years, counselors will benefit from developing skills in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and how such technology is being used by clients through various social media applications that might lead to clinical concerns (.e.g., dating, gambling, pornography). Integrating some of these new technologies into therapeutically sound interventions will be one way to address these concerns both in traditional therapy settings, as well as virtually (e.g., avatar therapy).
What Family Educator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: Given the complexities of the world today, emerging counseling professionals must be flexible in their treatment approach, inclusive in their understanding of diverse cultures and sub-cultures, and mature professionally through humility, self-reflection, and self-care.
What will help Family Educators increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Dr. Deborah Smith
Professor of Teacher EducationSaginaw Valley State University
Department of Teacher Education - Middle/Secondary Education
What skills stand out on Family Educator resumes?
Dr. Deborah Smith: Actual classroom experience stands out, as do other interactions with students related to the position sought. So, for example, working with Special Olympics helps those seeking a SPED position. Coaching experience helps, especially if it's with students the same age as will be taught. Tutoring stands out, as do technological skills that can be highlighted with the portfolio submitted for the position.
Ellen Baker
Director of Educator Licensure ProgramsThe University of Vermont
Education Department
What soft skills should all Family Educators possess?
Ellen Baker: There are many soft skills that we encourage and measure through our Professional Attributes and Dispositions assessment. These are skills like communication (ability to articulate their teaching philosophy and experiences), initiative, collaborative skills, and independence. They also look for candidates who truly enjoy working with ALL students and have a growth mindset and a strengths-based perspective. They believe that all students can learn if the instruction is appropriate to the needs of the students. These often come through in interviews.
Dara Soljaga Ph.D.
Associate Dean of EducationKing's College
Education Department
What skills stand out on Family Educator resumes?
Dara Soljaga Ph.D.: I find compassion, communication, collaboration, and accountability stand out the most for me on educator resumes.
What soft skills should all Family Educators possess?
Dara Soljaga Ph.D.: In addition to those stand-out skills, I value leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and a growth mindset as other important soft skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Family Educators?
Dara Soljaga Ph.D.: Important hard or technical skills, complementing the aforementioned repertoire, include proficiencies in supporting learning through the creation of authentic and meaningful learning experiences and assessments, the ability to facilitate engaging discussions, and the wherewithal to employ these skills in both face-to-face and online learning environments.
What soft skills should all Family Educators possess?
Jo Ann Donnenwirth: Soft skills are important in every professional career. The soft skills that I find most important and look for are enthusiasm to keep listeners' attention, approachability to help answer questions, confidence, and integrity in their work.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Family Educators?
Jo Ann Donnenwirth: Basic management skills such as organization, time management, communication skills, as well as technical skills on various platforms, and the willingness to learn new technology are important. In the current educational environment, these skills are the most important.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Family Educators?
Beverly Johnson: Organization skills, lesson planning, and presentation skills.
What skills will help Family Educators earn the most?
Beverly Johnson: Increased education and certifications, along with time in the profession, will help increase salary potential. Some positions, such as Special Education or administrative positions within education, may pay more.
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.
Associate Provost - Innovation and Partnerships, Program Director/Professor, Ed.D. Leadership in Higher EducationBethel University
Education Leadership
What experience really stands out on Family Educator resumes?
Jessica Tangen Daniels Ph.D.: Resume advice can be challenging because a resume review and hiring committee evaluation can be so subjective. Experience in grant writing is always considered valuable, as is (evidenced) ability to analyze data and research and develop data-driven recommendations critically. However, documenting this experience in a compelling and interpretable way is also necessary, which reiterates the importance of researching the hiring organization, role, stakeholders, and perhaps even the search committee members - so that the applicant is best able to translate their experiences into a relevant context.
Further, stand-out experiences will significantly differ, based on their role and context. For example, Dr. Ayrn Baxter, a professor in our program and also an administrator from the University of Idaho and Arizona State University, reminds us about the importance of understanding the shared challenges and contributions/potential synergies between domestic equity and diversity work in higher education and the creation of international educators facilitating internationalization and global engagement.
Melissa Kamyab
Assistant Professor, Director of Graduate ProgramCedar Crest College
Education Department
What soft skills should all Family Educators possess?
Melissa Kamyab: Now more than ever, it is important for our teachers to demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to what feels like an ever-changing landscape in education. The pandemic has taught us that we can deliver quality learning experiences to our students. It may have felt hard and imperfect, but the stick-to-it-ness and grit that developed because of this are hallmarks of effective educators and stand the test of time. In combination with a student-centered focus, this is the philosophical underpinnings of the soft skills we consider important: patience, flexibility, and the ability to monitor and adjust.
Amber Gentile
Graduate Secondary Education Program Coordinator, Middle Level Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Teacher EducationCabrini University
Teacher Education Program
What experience really stands out on Family Educator resumes?
Amber Gentile: Experience working with children stands out due to the experience itself and that it reflects an interest in working with youth. It also helps if teacher candidates have experience working in an urban setting or an underperforming school to appreciate the challenges that may exist in the field. It allows candidates to speak of personal experiences in an interview that highlights the challenges they have witnessed/experienced and how they worked to overcome them. Educators need to be in it for the kids.
The experience that shows leadership capabilities and active involvement in projects is a stand out as well. We need teacher leaders and educators who get involved and make active contributions to the betterment of the community.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Family Educators in the next 3-5 years?
Amber Gentile: Due to the current need to pivot instructional modalities and the subsequent awareness of inequities, teaching may be changing considerably. There is research being done on lessons learned from these recent experiences that can guide our next steps. There will need to be more of a balance between targeted academic instruction and explicit support for kids' social and emotional needs.
It will and should continue to be data-driven. However, schools will most likely be redeveloping instructional practices to maximize learning in various data-driven modalities in person, or through a virtual, online platform. For example, teachers may be frontloading lessons into pre-recorded videos, using online tools to further their students' learning, differentiating more effectively and continuing to explore ways to meet every child's individual, holistic needs. Increasing one's awareness of, and skill set in, the use of instructional technologies will be a must!
Someone starting a career in elementary education will need to be confident in creating engaging, productive lessons regardless of the modality (face to face, hybrid, online, etc). Given the recent need to pivot to virtual instruction, it has become a necessity that teachers are knowledgeable with online modalities, platforms, instructional techniques, and best practices for virtual learning including pedagogy and classroom management. Ultimately, having a skillset that utilizes technology in making meaningful and engaging lessons while addressing social and emotional needs is a must...regardless of instructional modality.
Dr. Peter G. Ghazarian
Assistant Professor of Leadership StudiesAshland University
Dwight Schar College of Education
What soft skills should all Family Educators possess?
Dr. Peter G. Ghazarian: Communication skills are the key soft skills for educators. The ability to communicate ensures that ideas and information are effectively presented during instruction. It also helps regulate the social tone of the learning environment and resolve classroom management issues. Of increasing importance is the ability of educators to effectively engage with their students' families. They need to demonstrate that they are ready and able to initiate contact, establish good relationships, and build trust.
What skills will help Family Educators earn the most?
Dr. Peter G. Ghazarian: Educator earnings vary by district, sector, and role. Most educators' salaries are governed by union contracts, and these contracts differ in each district. For insight into what skills or qualifications are valued in a particular district, it is necessary to refer to that district's contract. Private education organizations vary even more dramatically than public institutions, with some paying significantly less or more than their public school counterparts. Finally, educators who move into an administrative role within their organization are likely to see a significant increase in their earnings. An educator must cultivate strong time management, organizational, and leadership skills to move into an administrative role.
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.
Professor of History, Director, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ProgramSeattle University
History Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Family Educators?
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.: As a historian of the European Middle Ages, I'm struck by how students this past year have acquired something scarce: historical empathy. The past can seem so remote, so very different from our lived experiences today, and this can make history seem irrelevant. But this fall, I was teaching a section on the bubonic plague, which historians of medicine now know was a global pandemic, not just an epidemic in Europe. Usually, students are fascinated by the gruesome medical details, but not this group.
They did not need or want to look death in the eyes. They wanted to know how did people react? How did they get back to normal? When we ticked off the list of reactions--fear, distrust of science (such as it was in 1348), xenophobia, scapegoating, economic collapse, hoarding supplies, turn to religion, gallows humor about worms crawling about corpses--they got it. When we talked about the aftermath--eat, drink, be merry, and protest the inequality--they got it. That is historical empathy, and I'm sad that this was how it had to be learned, but it will give them broader compassion that can encompass people alive today.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Family Educators?
Dr. Frederick Gordon Ph.D.: Graduate students will need to refocus on the changing institutional role, being both remote and in-person, and impacting agency goals and performance.
Janet Gray Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairThe College of New Jersey
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Family Educators in the next 3-5 years?
Janet Gray Ph.D.: WGSS graduates enter every employment sector, so technological trends for our graduates will follow various sectors' directions. Among the most common careers for WGSS graduates are law, social work, and education. The capacity to work remotely, and do so effectively--may depend more on having access to sound technology and good training, and devising more effective ways to use the tools available, than on any new technology becoming available.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Family Educators to find work opportunities?
John Marston: Private contractor companies are operating in the consulting space, termed "Cultural Resource Management."
Dr. Kimberly Hill Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorThe University of Texas at Dallas
School of Arts and Humanities
What experience really stands out on Family Educator resumes?
Dr. Kimberly Hill Ph.D.: During an economic downturn, the experiences that show professional breadth and flexibility stand out on resumes. The likelihood of layoffs or partial closures makes it essential for staff and administrators to understand other company roles beyond their own. The team will need to adjust by combining their skills in ways that may be unforeseen. Liberal arts, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies help students prepare for that kind of flexibility.