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50 High Paying Career ideas in the Education Field

Do you have passion for impacting knowledge? Do you love to teach, advice or counsel people? If YES, here are 50 high paying career ideas in the education field. Having a career is the next step for any focused individual that is looking to climb up the corporate ladder. Even though not everyone plans on having a career in an industry, those that do are always on the look-out for how they might grow in the industry.

Why Pursue a Career in the Education Field?

The education industry is a big industry that caters to varied professionals, and though the term ‘education’ might limit people into thinking that they can only work in schools, there are a lots of fields that the industry covers that isn’t limited to just schools.

This is why those that are interested in having a career in this industry ought to carry out a proper research into the field they might like to go into. The good thing about the education industry is that it cannot be a stagnant or declining industry, this is an ever growing industry that is on a continual growth regardless of the economy, and so those considering a career in this industry can do so without fear.

Below is a list of 50 career ideas in the education industry for serious and focused career individuals. The list is intended as a guide, and does not cover all the fields in the education industry, individuals should also ensure they carry out a proper research before venturing into any career.

50 High Paying Career ideas in the Education Field

  1. Become an Early Childhood Teacher

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), early childhood is defined as a period through which a child goes through the most rapid phase of growth and development. This is a branch of education theory that focuses on the formal or informal education of infants and toddlers from birth to the age of 8 years.

Those who want to venture into this field will require a teaching certification; which is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree, as well as join professional organizations. Students in this category can either be taught at home, in schools, or any place deemed comfortable enough.

  1. Become an Elementary School Teachers

Elementary Schools Teachers instruct students from kindergarten through the fifth or sixth grade. They teach simple multiple subjects such as, reading, writing, math, English, science and social studies. Their job description includes planning of lessons, delivering instructions, continually assessing students, and carrying out an evaluation on the student’s progress according to the school and state’s standards.

Teachers in this field especially those employed in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree, and be issued a state license or certificate; while teachers in private schools must possess a degree but may not need to be issued a license from the state.

  1. Become a Music Teacher

A music teacher provides instruction on music performance. They can teach in any setting, from one-on-ones to a group of students. They also refine the technique for those who can play, and teach other theoretical subjects like music fundamentals, scales and chords, and more advanced music theories.

Music teachers can work in schools such as elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as teach choir, band or orchestra. Depending on the job setting, a music teacher can work in a music school, school studio, and rented studio or out of their private homes. Music Teachers must hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Music Education.

  1. Become a Reading Specialist

A reading specialist is one who helps individuals improve on their reading and language skills in diverse settings. Reading specialists work hand in hand with classroom teachers, design reading programs, and work with children individually.

Most reading specialists work in schools especially with elementary school children, while few work in middle and high schools, and also with adults in private reading clinics or community centers. A reading specialist requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree- however; a master’s degree is usually required as well. A reading specialist is also required to have a teacher certification as well as a reading specialist certification.

  1. Become a Peace Corps Volunteer

This is usually a program run by the government of a country, and is related to an economic and social plan of the country. A Peace Corps Volunteer is an overseas teacher. They are usually individuals who have volunteered to travel to a specific place for a number of years, usually from 6 months to 2 years.

They provide technical assistance on behalf the government, and help people outside the country to have a better understanding of the volunteer’s host country, or help the citizens of the host country understand the culture of others. This unique type of educationist volunteer work with schools, government, entrepreneur, non-profit organizations, and other such organizations. A Peace Corp Volunteer is expected to own a college degree in any field.

  1. Become a Childbirth Educator

A child birth educator is one who prepares expectant parents by designing programs such as childbirth classes, comforts classes, adoptive parent classes, infant care, and caesarean preparation classes. They also teach those that are related to the expectant parents like the parents’ other children, as well as grandparents.

A childbirth educator can teach in a hospital, health club, birth center, church, physician’s office, an independent practice, or even at the home of the clients. Although there aren’t any certifications or special licenses required, a childbirth educator is expected to own at least a degree of some sorts. Some organizations require certification such as being a nurse.

  1. Become a Humane Educator

A humane educator is one who teaches about human rights, cultural issues, animal protection, environmental stewardship, any related subject that is humane, and how these issues are vital for a peaceful, just, and healthy world. A humane educator can teach in schools, community groups, businesses, arts and sciences, and non-profit organizations. The distinct humane educator is expected to have a Master’s degree in education, arts, and liberal studies.

  1. Become a Health Educator

A health educator instructs people on the importance and development of healthy behaviors, as well as promotes or implements strategies that would improve and optimize the overall health of individuals, families, or in a community. A health educator offers training workshops, and also distributes educational materials on wellness to individuals in a community, region, or state.

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for a health educator but most health educators hold a Master degree. Health educators who want to be certified have to pass an exam that is administered by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) regardless of whatever degree they possess.

  1. Become an Extension Agent

An extension agent is usually an employee of the university who develops as well as delivers educational programs that aims at assisting people with issues in economic, leadership, community development, family, youth activities, agriculture and environment.

An extension agent arouses and persuades people to recognize and take an interest in their problems, so as to be able to overcome these problems, and gain a sense of satisfaction and pride in their achievements. This professional is also required to possess a Bachelor degree, with at least one degree in a discipline related to the subject matter area of specialty.

  1. Become an Adult Education Instructor

An adult education instructor is one who teaches, identifies, trains, and develops the skills of an adult. This is a varied field that can be divided into diverse sub-fields, such as universities and colleges, government agencies, local businesses, community centers, non-profit organizations, elementary and high schools, professional associations, health clubs, gyms, hospitals and healthcare facilities, or in the homes of the client or the instructors themselves.

This means that an instructor can work in a formal or an informal educational setting. An instructor that works in a formal setting would require the same qualifications of an instructor in a college or university setting, specific to the particular area of study; while an instructor in an informal setting might not require a specific credential, but must possess the knowledge and work experience that will be required for the specific field.

  1. Become a Coach

A coach is a person who trains or develops another individual or a group of people using a range of communication skills in ensuring that a specific personal or professional goal is achieved. There are different types of coaches, such as ADHD, business coaches, life coaches, sports, career, Christian, financial, health, homework, and relationship coaches. These different types fall into either a formal or an informal setting.

The informal coaches do not require a specific certification or licensed like the homework and life coach, as there are no stringent rules in becoming one, but formal coaches like sports and ADHD require licenses or certification in order to operate.

  1. Become a Horse Trainer

Horse trainers are also referred to as equine trainers. They work with horses and enable them adapt to wearing bridles and saddles, obeying vital riding commands, as well as overcome behavioral issues relating to animal abuse, and also prepare them for races, riders, and horse shows. They also observe a horse’s nutrition, feeding health and habit, and any other behavior that might be exhibited by the horse.

No formal education is really required here as most horse trainers became one by working from the stables, or as apprentices to horse trainers, but those who would need an added leverage can complete an equine program offered by some colleges.

  1. Become a Dance Teacher

Dance teachers instructs student on how to move their body to basic dance movements depending on the styles of dance such as tap, jazz, ballet, and modern; as well as refine students are good in dancing but not too proficient. These teachers can work in public or private schools, or independently by owning their private studio where students can go to learn.

Due to the nature of their work which involves a great deal of activity, dance teachers have to be in top physical condition always. Dance teachers who want to teach in a public school must complete a teacher education program, and own a dance education degree in Bachelor and Master. Independent dance teachers can also own a bachelor’s degree

  1. Become an Environmental Educator

An environmental educator teaches the public about nature and environmental issues, by giving talks to schools, groups, and the community. They allow individuals explore the environment by engaging in problem solving, as well as taking action that will improve the environment.

While some environmental educators work in schools, nonprofit organizations, oil companies, others work in nature reserves. Environmental educators usually own a bachelor degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, geography, environmental science, ecology, and other such related areas. Environmental educators who want to teach in public schools would require completion in a teacher preparation program certification.

  1. Become a Training Specialist

Training specialists plan, develop and coordinate employee on-boarding training programs and the on-going skills training needed for technological updates or operational changes; as well as training exercises for outside vendors. While some specialists train employees in a classroom setting by instilling the company’s policies and values, others might teach employees physical techniques such as how to work a company’s system or run a machine.

The minimal requirement for people in this profession is a bachelor degree in social sciences, business administration, and behavioral sciences, while a graduate specific course like human resources, labor relations can be taken by the specialist.

  1. Become a Registrar

A registrar is an official who handles the records of students in an academic institution, by maintaining students’ records and implementing the registration process for classes. In the united kingdom for instance, a registrar heads a university’s administration, with the role combined to that of the secretary of the university’s governing bodies.

The job of a registrar requires a high technological proficiency, as the registrar has to work with other administrators to coordinate the time and locations for classes as well as resolve any conflict that might arise due to the schedules. A bachelor or master degree in an accounting field or social work is usually a prerequisite for employment.

  1. Become a Provost

A provost is usually a senior academic administrator and is the equivalent of a pro-vice-chancellor. The provost usually carries out supervision and oversight of circular, instructional, and research affairs. The provost is the second ranking officer in the administrative hierarchy of the university. Provosts are chosen by a search committee from faculty members and are drawn from the tenured faculty or professional administrators with academic credentials either from the university or another university.

  1. Become a Child Care Aide

Child care aides work with children through supervision, discipline, instruction, and other forms of general care. They have to ensure that a safe and nurturing environment for social and academic growth are being provided for the children.

They are also responsible for observing and monitoring the activities of students all the time, no matter where the students are so as to recognize inappropriate behavior that might occur either during learning, or while at play. Child care aides in addition to caring for children also help teachers design and implement lesson activities and plans. The educational requirements for a child care aide usually vary from high school diploma to college training.

  1. Become a Research Technician

Research technicians are also called science technicians and help scientists in the practical aspects of daily research. Since they work with various types of equipment, they usually need to be mechanically inclined. Apart from an aptitude for math and science, research technicians also need to be computer literate since they work closely with numbers and data.

Most research technicians work in research facilities and laboratories, while others work outdoors, and conduct field research in remote locations such as petroleum plants, forests, and nuclear research facilities. There are no specific licenses or certificates required for science technicians, and even though a degree requirement might vary, a bachelor degree in a science related course is a must.

  1. Become a Cafeteria Managers  / Teachers

Cafeteria managers supervise employee and the production of food. They ensure that there is compliance with health and safety standards, and also plan and provide nutritious meals. Managers also work with chefs to plan a healthy and cost-effective menu, handle and resolve customer complaints relating to food quality.

They can work in cafeteria for schools, corporate offices, hospitals, or chain restaurants. The minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma especially for those working in schools and hospitals; while those working in corporate offices, and chain restaurants might require a post secondary education. Experienced cafeteria managers are eligible for a certification.

  1. Become a School Psychologist

School psychologists work with students by assessing them for such things as learning disabilities, social problems, mental and emotional problems. They also work with families, teachers, and school administrators to ensure that students get the best education. Most school psychologists work in all types of schools, including public and private schools, while some work in day care centers, orphanages, and juvenile detention centers.

Aspiring school psychologists would need a bachelor degree in school psychology, educational psychology, general psychology, or counseling psychology. School psychologists also have to complete their Master and Doctoral degrees depending on the state they are practicing in.

  1. Become a Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists work to help prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat social communication, speech language, swallowing disorders, and cognitive-communication in children and adults. They also help in providing aural rehabilitation for individuals who are hard of hearing or completely deaf.

Speech-Language pathologists work in different settings with varying roles such as research (research colleges and universities), education (direct or supervise public school programs, national, state, or local agencies), and health (run clinics or private practices). Those who want to be certified must earn a graduate degree, successfully complete the required clinical experience, and pass a national examination.

  1. Become an Art Therapist

An art therapist usually works with clients and other health professionals, so as to determine if art therapy is the right treatment for the client. The art therapist usually gains an insight to the problem of a client through the art the client creates, and then decide the form of treatment that should be given.

The therapist usually uses popular forms of arts such as paints, clay, chalks, pencils, and pastels. After determining that art treatment is what the client needs, the therapist lets his clients choose the type of art they would like to create. An art therapist works in health facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, and mental health centers; children’s homes, schools and detention centers.

  1. Become an Educational Diagnostician

An educational diagnostician assesses students to evaluate if they qualify for special education services, and have learning disorders. An educational diagnostician works with education teachers and school psychologists to develop and design a program that would help students who have learning challenges succeed. Licensing for educational diagnostician varies by state but most are required to own a master degree in education with at least 2 years of teaching experience.

  1. Become a School Social Worker

School social worker work with students from elementary level to university and help address their psychological, social well-being and issues that affects students such as illegal drugs, school attendance, teen pregnancy and adjustment to the school’s social setting.

They also provide information; counseling and help to students, school staff, and parents work together in solving problems through communication and provision of referrals to other resources. School social workers can work with students individually, or in groups. Required education is a bachelor or master’s degree in social work, while licensure varies depending on the state.

  1. Become a School Counselor

A school counselor is an important part of the education system. They work in elementary, middle or high schools and help provide academic, career, college readiness, and personal competencies for students through a social counseling program. A school counselor must be a certified educator and own a master’s degree in school counseling with school counseling graduate training that will address a students’ academic, career, college and social needs.

  1. Become a Career-Guidance Technician

They assist students and teachers to locate career information that is related to the interest of the students. They also maintain files that are on materials relating to job opportunities, technical schools, careers, colleges, scholarships, armed forces, and other programs, as well as perform other clerical functions that might be required. The least required education for a career-guidance technician is a high school diploma.

  1. Become a Curriculum Specialists

Curriculum specialists are responsible for selecting textbooks, determine curriculum as well as train teachers and help to motivate them in supporting the edicts of the government. They also examine the progress of students and teachers so as to evaluate the results of their efforts. Curriculum specialists who work in schools would need to have a teaching experience, and even become an assistant principal or a principal.

  1. Become an Educational Software Developer

Educational software developers are those that plan, design, develop, and modify software by consulting with schools and other organizations to determine their needs in a software program or apps. These include games, application, and other educational software program for children.

Before one can become an educational software program, one would need to be a specialist in two fields – child development and software development. The least educational requirement is a bachelor degree in computer science and an optional degree in early child education. Apart from a degree, most educational software developers have additional certification in different programming languages.

  1. Become a Career Counselors

Career counselors assist clients, usually unemployed adults and recent college graduates to recognize their talents and identify the goals that would help them work towards their career, as well as explore other career options. The least educational requirement for a career counselor is a bachelor degree in any field, with a master’s in career counseling. Licensure requirements vary state by state for career counselors, en as career counselors in private practice usually require one.

  1. Become a Textbook Editor

A textbook editor can be described as a project manager who guides an educational book right from its conception or planning stage stages to its completion. A textbook editor works with authors and illustrators so that the job can be clearly executed and satisfies the objectives.

The editor oversees the production of learning materials for elementary, secondary, and college-level educational institutions, and works within particular disciplines by having an in-depth awareness of that discipline. A textbook editor requires at least a bachelor degree in a relevant field, with a major or minor in a literary field. Apart from the educational requirement, experience is very relevant.

  1. Become an Instructional Designers

Instructional designers are involved in the process that identifies the skills, information, knowledge and attitude gaps in a targeted audience and creates or suggests learning experiences that would close this gap based on instructional theory. Instructional designers also conduct a needs assessment, design and modify a curriculum for instructional materials.

Instructional designers are unlike teachers and work full-time schedules year round. Those who want to work in public schools must possess a master’s degree, while those that wish to work in government agencies, private schools, or higher education would need at least a bachelor degree. Those who also wish to work in public schools would need to be credentialed.

  1. Become a Certified CPR Instructors

Certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructors lead and coordinate classes on the proper procedures to revive any person experiencing a heart function or breathing emergency. They also coordinate location and class times, transportation and cleaning of equipment, evaluating the performance of students and ensuring that the required paperwork is completed.

CPR instructors usually work for medical centers, the American Heart Association (AHA), or the American Red Cross (ARC). The least educational requirement is a high school diploma with certifications in basic life support and basic life support instructor, which usually last for a period of time depending on the association or centers the instructors work for.

  1. Become a Recreation Leader

They lead and design leisure activities for playgrounds, camps, parks, senior centers, and aquatic centers and are responsible for the program’s daily operations. They also explain the rules of these activities and enforce safety rules that would prevent injury. The leisure activities might include sports, arts and crafts, music, camping, and adventure programs.

Recreational leaders work in varied settings including summer camps, resorts, recreation centers, and cruise ships. They also work in nursing care facilities, community and vocational rehabilitation services. Recreational leaders who work full time would need to possess a bachelor degree in recreation or leisure studies, or in any other relevant field. There are different certificate courses s some recreation jobs require certification.

  1. Become an Aerobics Instructor

An aerobics instructor organizes health and fitness programs for clients and also lead classes and choreograph exercise moves that are used in teaching fitness students. They also provide the music used while working out and other requirements that are specified by the fitness centre where they teach. Instructors are trained in providing basic first aid, in the case of any emergency that might occur during classes.

The least educational requirement for those that want to become an aerobics instructor is a high school diploma, although some employers usually require a bachelor or an associate degree. Almost all employers require a certification and experience.

  1. Become a Flight Instructors/ Teachers

Flight instructors teach students on how to fly using a variety of settings that include a text education, simulators and live flight training. Flight instructors develop curricula, and determine student proficiency by making use of ground-school classes when teaching the students so that they can learn the basics of flying an aircraft as well as prepare them for a written test that would be required when they apply for a pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Flight instructors do not need a formal education but must pass pilot training as well as instructor certification. Other requirements include a pilot license for teaching aircraft.

  1. Become a Nutritionist

A nutritionist assesses and delivers scientific evidence-based advice in diverse settings that is intended to improve health and well-being. A nutritionist’s job depends on the employer and area of work, which could be in spots nutrition, public health nutrition, food nutrition, nutrition science and such like that.

They also develop and analyze menus, and work in specific areas like salt or sugar reduction and bone health, and work with individuals who have medical issues such like those undergoing chemotherapy. A nutritionist can work in non-clinical public or private settings like research institutions, food manufacturers, and sports organizations and so on. The entry-level education requirement is a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a relevant field.

  1. Become an Instructional Assistant

Instructional assistants work with lead teachers and instructors to assist, monitor students, and perform classroom administrative duties. The program for instructional assistants is a combination of courses in child development, and management of classroom with practical teaching experience. Instructional assistants work in schools, and their educational requirement is usually the minimum level, a high school diploma or a GED.

A certificate course is usually available at community colleges. States that require certification for the profession usually have institutions designing specific curriculum that would meet those requirements. The certificate program which is usually for a year provides the skills and knowledge that will be used to effectively assist in a classroom setting.

  1. Become an Academic Librarian

An academic librarian is an individual that manages learning resources, while keeping the needs of the library users in mind. An academic librarian performs in a people-focused role. Their jobs include selecting, developing, and classifying library resources, as well as liaise with departmental academic staff, external organizations and suppliers.

Academic librarians work in universities and its academic departments, public libraries, research institutes, professional societies, higher education colleges, and special departments within government hospitals. One can become an academic librarian on any degree but related to information management. Those without relevant degrees can get a postgraduate qualification from The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

  1. Become a Community College Teacher

These are instructors and professors who work in the post secondary level, teaching in colleges with a two year settings unlike their counterparts in the colleges and universities. They plan the curriculum, evaluate students and respond to inquiries from students. Community college teachers focus more on teaching, and less on publication and research.

Most community colleges usually require that teachers possess a master’s degree, or a graduate study in the subject that is to be taught. Certifications are not required but most colleges look for a proof of teaching competency.

  1. Become a Preschool Director

This is an individual who is an administrator and is in charge of managing enrollment, hiring staff, as well as overseeing the daily activities at a preschool. A preschool director is responsible for the creation of policies, and handles any problem that might occur either with staff pr students. They also develop the curriculum to be used by the school and ensure that the school meets the required standards set by the law.

They also teach, and make admission and spending decisions. They work in public or private schools. A preschool director in some private school setting might be required to own a minimum of bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, while some private and public schools might require a master’s degree. Certification can also be earned from the National Administration Credential (NAC).

  1. Become a Bilingual Teacher

Bilingual teachers are those skilled in a foreign language with the ability to help others learn the language as well. Bilingual teachers usually have to teach a foreign language to English speaking students, or an English language to non-native speakers. They also plan and design lessons, and evaluates the performance of students.

Bilingual teachers who wish to teach in a public school will first be required to complete a teacher’s training program and obtain the teaching certification. However, some states require an additional credentialing for bilingual teachers. The least educational entry requirement is a bachelor degree with a major or minor in the language they wish to specialize in.

  1. Become a Dean of Students

The dean of students is also referred to as a higher education administrator, and provides support and social programs for students in colleges and universities. Dean of students collaborates with different departments so as to remain updated about student resources. The dean of students also serves as a liaison between student organizations and college administrators.

The dean of students primarily deals with non-academic issues. Many deans of students are required to progress from lower administrative positions, and also possess masters or a doctoral degree in education administration or in a similar field.

  1. Become a Physical Education Teacher

The task of a physical education teacher is to help children develop abilities physically, as well as healthy habits. The physical education teacher plans, designs, and organizes games and challenges that would stimulate the children and young adults, and promote physical activity amongst them as well. These games help develop the motor skills of the children and provide a proper exercise for them as well.

Aspiring Physical Education teachers who want to teach in public schools must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, as well as complete a teacher education program that is focused on physical education. Also, according to the united states Bureau of Labor Statistics, all public school teachers are required to be licensed, while those teaching in private schools do not need a license.

  1. Become a Business Lecturer

Business lecturers teach in post secondary business classes and colleges. They are usually hired to teach specific courses and participate in helping govern the department where they have been hired. This means that business lecturers can participate in faculty and administrative meetings, organize departmental workshops, advise students and act on academic committees.

Business lecturers are often required to maintain a presence in the business world and in the classroom, so that they could better teach students using theoretical and practical experiences as well. The least educational entry requirement for a business lecturer is a Master’s of Business Administration, with some opting to have a doctoral degree, while most are employed due to their expertise as entrepreneurs or in the business world.

  1. Become a Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher is employed specifically to work with children and young people that require extra support, or require an advanced program of learning before they reach their full educational potential. This means that they not only work with individuals with physical disabilities and impairments but with those who are gifted as well.

A bachelor’s degree in education is the first step, and then a graduate degree in Special Education for certified teachers that want to validate their credentials, and for those wanting to complete their initial certification.

  1. Become a School Principal

They are sometimes referred to as education administrators. They are a school decision maker and oversee a school’s curricula, policy and faculty. Principals usually have teaching experience and might be required to hold a license issued by the state in teaching and education administration.

The least educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree in education, and a master’s degree in education administration, and then completion of a principal internship.

  1. Become a Higher Education Administrator

They manage the short and long term operations of a school, specifically a college or university, from faculty development to academic standards, from managing endowments to cultivation of alumni organizations. Higher education administrators work with staff, faculty, and students on projects that relate to operations, academics, and student life.

A higher education administrator is required to hold a master’s degree of doctorate depending on the job requirements.

  1. Become an Instructional Technology Specialist

They work in schools and help teachers and school administration to infuse the classroom and curriculum with technology. They also implement, install, and maintain a school’s technology infrastructure, and instruct the staff on its use as a teaching tool.

The minimum degree required is a bachelor’s degree and most times a recognized Instructional Technology certification. Some schools require a teaching license as well.

  1. Become a Library Media Specialist

A library media specialist is a trained professional who helps students and staff members learn how to do research, find materials, and complete projects. They also maintain and organize books, magazines, and other resources. Library media specialists work in schools, and need at least a Master’s degree in library science, as well as a teaching certification.