Five Highest-Paying Careers in Education

The five highest paying careers in education highlighted above are strong evidence of the immense earning potential education majors have.

Updated October 12, 2022 · 2 Min Read

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Highest-Paying Careers in Education

School Principal
Chief Administrator
Academic Dean
University Professor
Librarian

Education is one of the most diverse professions. It requires the collaboration of experts in different fields and the support from additional staff members and stakeholders. Contrary to the popular narrative, a job in education can be a rewarding one. Here are five highest-paying careers in education you might want to consider.

1 School Principal

A school principal oversees the teaching and learning in a school. They develop the curriculum, review performance of departments and create a conducive atmosphere for students. A school principal also ensures that all activities are within the guidelines set by the budget. One must have at least seven years of experience and hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree to work as a principal. The average annual salary is $90,410 per year. The employment rate is projected to reach 6 percent by 2024 in the United States.

2 Chief Administrator

A chief administrator works in high schools, colleges and universities. They are tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the institution, providing instructional leadership to all the departments, developing and implementing the school’s strategic plan, motivating the staff and preparing financial reports. A chief administrator earns an average salary of $88,580 per year. The salary range varies with the institution. Those who work in high schools earn less than those who work in universities and colleges. The employment rate is expected to grow by 9 percent in the next eight years.

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3 Academic Dean

Academic deans are responsible for all the elements of management and development in a faculty at a university or college. Their main function is to set the standards and meet academic goals. This includes working with other faculty members to ensure smooth operations of academic programs and coming up with a roadmap for preparing and evaluating results. Academic deans are also responsible for listing and interviewing new faculty and academic staff. The average annual salary of an academic dean is $83,515. The income varies with the state and the type of institution. Chicago is the highest-paying state, with an average of $93,371. Those who work in private institutions get the highest salaries. The employment rate is expected to grow by 9 percent over the next 10 years.

4 University Professor

A university professor does more those teaching. He spends some of his time doing research, preparing reports and publishing books in his field. He also offers counseling services to undergraduate students and professionals. A university professor must have a Ph.D. degree before he is considered fit to work in a college. The mean annual salary of a university professor is $72,420. The income varies with the level of experience, type of university and field of specialization. A professor at a private university earns more than one who works in a public institution. Fields such as physics and microbiology command a higher salary than others. The employment rate for professors is expected to grow by 13 percent, which is faster than the average.

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5 Librarian

A librarian helps students in a college or high school find information and conduct research for both personal and professional use. He manages the library resources of schools and initiates programs that help the students conduct their studies effectively. Some librarians, especially those in universities, assist teachers in lesson planning and development. A librarian earns an average salary of $56,880. Most institutions require applicants to have a master’s degree in order to qualify as a librarian.

The five highest-paying careers in education highlighted above are strong evidence of the immense earning potential education majors have. However, you will be required to have at least a master’s degree in education to qualify for these positions.

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