In the United States, teachers often receive low pay, which can discourage individuals from choosing education as a profession.

Nevertheless, there are other career paths within education for those who aim to earn a higher salary.

YSL News investigated education careers that yield salaries exceeding those of elementary, middle, and high school teachers, based on information from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These positions typically require at least a master’s degree and sometimes prior teaching experience, making them suitable for individuals seeking to advance beyond classroom roles.

Those interested in non-teaching roles within education should be aware that more qualified positions are less common, with opportunities often filling up with existing teachers, noted Melissa Arnold Lyon, an assistant professor of public policy at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, SUNY Albany.

“If individuals are discouraged by low salaries and lack of respect, they might want to consider these more prestigious roles that offer higher pay,” Lyon remarked to YSL News.

Principals of schools

According to federal labor statistics, school principals earned a median salary of $103,460 in 2023.

Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee staff, monitor teacher performance, develop and implement curriculum, manage budgets, and handle student counseling and discipline, per the federal labor statistics website. They are also responsible for setting academic objectives that meet state standards.

To qualify as a school principal, individuals typically need a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, along with teaching experience in many cases, based on Bureau data.

Pedro Noguera, dean at the University of California Rossier School of Education, suggests that becoming a principal is ideal for teachers seeking a leadership role who want to make a broader impact on their school community.

While teaching experience isn’t always mandatory to become a principal, in most districts, hiring committees prefer to select candidates with a strong teaching background, as noted by Noguera.

The workload for principals is considerably higher than that of teachers; they do not have summers off and are usually expected to work after hours, says Nora Hyland, associate dean and faculty director of teacher education at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education.

“Therefore, options like taking a summer job or traveling during that time are generally off the table,” she explained. “The schedule is less flexible.”

Educational coordinators

In May 2023, instructional coordinators had a median salary of $74,260. This role involves overseeing school curricula and training teachers in instructional methods. Specialized knowledge in specific subjects or grade levels is common among coordinators.

Instructional coordinators assess the effectiveness of curricula and instructional strategies mandated by school boards, states, or federal regulations. They observe teaching practices, evaluate student performance on tests, and discuss curricular matters with staff according to the labor statistics bureau.

To pursue a career as an instructional coordinator, candidates typically need a master’s degree, relevant teaching or school leadership experience, and sometimes a state-issued license.

According to Hyland from Rutgers, individuals who have a passion for continuous learning and enjoy being within the school environment will thrive in this position, which requires ongoing learning of new skills and curricula.

This role allows professionals to focus on their areas of interest, as there is a demand for instructional coaches in reading, math, and various other subjects, she noted.

Similar to principals, instructional coordinators often work on a full-year basis rather than sticking to the school year schedule.

College instructors

Postsecondary educators, also known as college professors, earned a median annual salary of $84,380 in May 2023. Demand for this profession is increasing, as reported by federal agencies.

Like high school educators, postsecondary teachers typically focus on a specific academic field. Their responsibilities involve lesson planning, grading assignments, creating instructional strategies, and advising students according to labor statistics.

Typically, to be a full-time university professor, you need a PhD. However, if you’re aiming to be an adjunct or teach at a community college, a master’s degree will suffice.

According to Noguera, the dean at the Rossier School of Education, pursuing a career as a professor is often a lengthy and costly journey.

Hyland from Rutgers noted that the tenure track, which offers job security by preventing dismissal without just cause, demands a more stringent process.

Nonetheless, if you’re ready to meet the requirements, a professorship can be a rewarding path, allowing for a balance of teaching responsibilities, Hyland commented.

Most faculty members must juggle research, teaching, and administrative duties within their departments or schools, she added.

“Certainly, being a college professor is well-suited for those who enjoy writing, thinking, and conducting research,” Hyland explained.