Want to Work in Education? Start Here.

A breakdown of top school careers, what it takes to get there, and what you can expect to earn.

September 30, 2025

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Keep scrolling for this week’s main topic: jobs in education!

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🍎 Education Roles to Explore

Education is one of those fields where your daily impact is tangible and deeply rewarding, whether it’s seeing a student finally grasp a tricky concept or helping a teenager map out their ambitions.

However, roles in education extend far beyond the teacher at the front of the room. From supporting students behind the scenes to guiding them toward college and career paths, there are many ways to get involved.

Below is a sampler of roles you might not have considered, along with what it takes to get started and what the pay landscape looks like (based on our own and national data from the BLS).

Classroom Teacher (K–12)

Do you love helping kids learn and seeing those “aha” moments? This role is all about supporting students on a day-to-day basis, creating engaging lesson plans, and making learning enjoyable.

✅ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in education, state teaching certification

💥 Core skills: Lesson planning, communication, classroom management (and patience)

🚀 How to get started: Volunteer or substitute teach, get your teaching license, and start building a portfolio of lesson plans

💰 Pay: According to the BLS, kindergarten and elementary school teachers make $62,310/year, while middle school teachers make $62,970/year and high school teachers make $64,580/year. Where you live also plays a significant role in your pay. Watch our latest teachers’ pay compilation here.

Special Education Teacher

If you enjoy one-on-one support and helping every student succeed in their own way, special education might be for you. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in kids’ lives every day.

✅ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in special education (Master’s often preferred), state certification

💥 Core skills: Adaptability, empathy, individualized instruction, behavior management

🚀 How to get started: Volunteer with special needs programs, take specialized coursework, and get certified in special education

💰 Pay: According to the BLS, special education teachers make $64,270/year, but we’ve interviewed special education teachers making over $80,000 in New York City, and over $100,000 in Arlington, VA.

Teaching Assistant / Paraeducator

Want to support teachers while helping students one-on-one? The role of a paraeducator is for those who love tutoring, organizing lessons, or keeping the classroom running smoothly.

✅ Requirements: Some college preferred; an associate's or bachelor’s degree can help

💥 Core skills: Organization, communication, patience, instructional support

🚀 How to get started: Apply for TA positions at local schools, volunteer for tutoring programs, and gain classroom experience

💰 Pay: $35,240/year according to the BLS, similar to the salaries paraeducators have shared with us in interviews.

College Prep / Academic Advisor

Did you enjoy essay writing or helping friends with applications? Then the world of advisement might be in your wheelhouse. Help students figure out their next steps and [lowkey] celebrate every acceptance letter like it’s your own.

✅ Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (education, counseling, or related field)

💥 Core skills: Guidance, organization, essay/editing support, motivational coaching

🚀 How to get started: Work in school counseling offices, intern in college admissions, and get certified in academic advising

💰 Pay: According to the BLS, these workers make $53,660/year, and we’ve interviewed an academic advisor in Maryland making over $50,000/year.

School Counselor

Good at listening and giving advice? Help students navigate through social challenges, academics, and life after high school, plus you tend to become their favorite adult bestie.

✅ Requirements: Master’s in school counseling or related field, state licensing

💥 Core skills: Counseling, conflict resolution, active listening, planning

🚀 How to get started: Complete a counseling internship, get licensed, and volunteer in student support programs

💰 Pay: According to the BLS, these workers make a median of $65,140/year, but we interviewed a school counselor in New York City making $90,000/year.

Music (and Arts) Teacher

If you light up when talking about instruments, singing, or the arts, this one’s for you. Music and arts teachers inspire students to express themselves creatively, whether it’s in school bands, choirs, drama clubs, or even at a college level.

✅ Requirements: Usually a bachelor’s degree in education or a related arts field; for postsecondary roles, you’ll often need a master’s or higher.

💥 Core skills: Patience, creativity, performance ability, and making learning fun.

🚀 How to get started: Look into music or arts education programs, volunteer with local youth groups, or offer beginner lessons in your community.

💰 Pay: We’ve interviewed an elementary music teacher in Philadelphia making $70,000/year, and an art teacher in northern Virginia making $50,000/year. Postsecondary music and art teachers can make much more, with a mean annual wage of $93,440/year.

Librarian / Library Media Specialist

Love books, research, and helping people find the info they need? This career is perfect for those who have a knack for finding and learning about resources, digital tools, and learning projects.

✅ Requirements: Master’s in library science (MLS) or related degree

💥 Core skills: Research, organization, tech literacy, teaching/research support

🚀 How to get started: Volunteer in school libraries, complete an MLS program, and gain experience with digital resources

💰 Pay: We interviewed a librarian in Corvallis, OR, who made over $68,000/year, but the 2024 median wage nationwide, according to the BLS, is $64,320/year.

After-School Care / Enrichment

Do you like planning activities, mentoring kids, and seeing them try new things? Daycare work could be the perfect fit! Run programs that keep students learning and having fun after the bell rings.

✅ Requirements: High school diploma or bachelor’s preferred; experience working with kids

💥 Core skills: Program planning, leadership, creativity, communication

🚀 How to get started: Work at community centers, summer camps, or after-school programs; get CPR/first-aid certified

💰 Pay: According to the BLS, preschool teachers make $37,120/year. We’ve interviewed a preschool teacher making $33,000/year, and a daycare worker making $12/hour. We’ve also interviewed parents to ask them about the cost of childcare and…the math isn’t mathing 👀

🖊️ Quick Tips for Breaking In

  • Get certified where needed: Each state has its own licensure rules; check your state’s Department of Education website for specifics.

  • Leverage volunteer or substitute work: Look at substitute hiring or volunteer programs, it might lead to a full-time staff position.

  • Stack relevant skills: Classroom management, child development, and lesson planning are all teachable, so take online courses, workshops, or development programs to stand out.

  • Network with educators: Join teacher associations, LinkedIn groups, or alumni networks to learn about openings and career paths.

That’s a wrap on our quick guide to education roles! 🎓

Whether you see yourself teaching, advising, or supporting students behind the scenes, there’s always a spot for your skills and interests. Pick your favorite path and start exploring!

Now, a quick poll to pulse-check your two cents on how we pay our educators…

Are teachers fairly compensated?

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See you next week for more career tips, money moves, and transparent advice! 💚

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