Highest paying jobs with a teaching degree

Whether you’re passionate about helping others, shaping the future or seeking career advancement, the skills you acquire as an educator are highly sought after in many industries. Beyond roles like headteachers and classroom educators, teaching qualifications can lead to positions in educational leadership, administration, curriculum design, special education and educational technology. Plus, with the rise of online learning, earning the necessary qualifications has become more accessible than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore the top-paying positions available to individuals with a teaching degree, highlighting how your expertise can be applied in diverse and lucrative fields. We’ll also delve into the reasons why pursuing an online degree may be the key to unlocking your full career potential and stepping into higher-paying opportunities.

What is a teaching degree? 

A teaching degree is an academic qualification that prepares individuals for a career in education. It provides students with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to effectively teach and manage classrooms, work with a broad range of students and engage with important educational theories. 

It’s an essential qualification for those wishing to pursue a career as a teacher in various settings, ranging from nurseries to secondary schools and also in special education. It provides the foundation for becoming a competent educator and can open doors to a wide array of career opportunities within the education sector.

One of the primary benefits of gaining a degree in teaching is the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on individuals’ lives. It’s a well-known fact that teachers shape the minds of future generations, helping them gain knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their lives. A teaching degree also provides job security, as education is an essential and growing field worldwide. Because of this, teachers often experience high levels of job satisfaction due to the rewarding nature of their work, despite the challenges involved.

Types of teaching degrees

There are several types of teaching degrees out there, each designed to prepare educators for different levels of teaching or specialised fields. They vary based on the level of education and specialisation involved, so it’s possible to tailor your education to match your interests, strengths and career goals. 

At the most basic level, associate’s degrees in education offer an entry point for those looking to work in early childhood education or as teacher assistants. While these degrees typically don’t qualify someone to be the primary instructor in a classroom, they provide a solid foundation in education theory and child development, serving as a stepping stone if you ever want to further your academic education.

On the other end of the spectrum, a Ph.D. in Education is the highest academic qualification in the field. This research-focused doctoral degree is designed for individuals who want to contribute to the academic field of education through research, theory and policy development. A Ph.D. in Education prepares graduates for careers as university professors, educational researchers or policymakers and usually requires several years of intensive research and dissertation work.

In addition to these, there are various degrees available at different levels. Here are the main types of teaching degrees:

• Associate’s Degree in Education: This is a two-year degree that serves as an entry-level qualification for those who want to work in educational settings, such as teaching assistant or daycare worker. It is often the first step before pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education: A four-year degree that qualifies individuals to teach in primary and secondary schools. The degree may include general education courses as well as courses specific to the subject area or grade level you wish to teach, such as elementary education, special education or secondary education.
• Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.): This graduate-level degree is typically pursued by individuals who already have a teaching degree and want to specialise further or take on administrative roles. Specialisations may include curriculum development, educational leadership or counselling.
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Similar to the M.Ed., the MAT is often pursued by those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject area (like science or history) and wish to transition into teaching. This degree focuses more on teaching methods and pedagogy.
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): This is a doctoral degree focused on leadership, policy or administration within educational settings. It’s ideal for those who want to take on roles such as school principals or education policymakers.
• Ph.D. in Education: A research-focused doctoral degree that prepares educators for careers in academia, educational research or high-level administrative roles. It typically focuses on generating new knowledge in the field of education.
• Specialised Teaching Certifications: These are credentials that individuals can earn after completing a teaching degree. They allow teachers to specialise in areas such as special education, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or specific subject areas like mathematics, science or literacy.

Each of these degrees offers a different path depending on your career goals, whether you’d prefer to teach in a classroom, pursue administrative roles or contribute to educational research and policy.

What are the top 10 highest paying jobs with a teaching degree?

Many people pursue a teaching degree not only for the passion of education but also for the potential of high paying jobs with teaching degrees, which can include roles in administration, counselling and specialised education fields.

After earning your teaching degree, there are a variety of high-paying careers available for you to pursue. Many of these positions require additional skills, certifications or experience, but they offer lucrative salaries and opportunities for growth. 

• Headteacher: Headteachers are responsible for overseeing the overall management of schools, including staff, curriculum, budgets and student performance. This senior leadership role often requires years of experience as a teacher and additional qualifications in educational leadership.
  Average salary: £55,000 – £120,000 per year.
• Educational Administrator: Educational administrators may work at the regional or national level, overseeing multiple schools or education systems. They are responsible for implementing policies, managing budgets and ensuring educational standards are met. A postgraduate qualification is often required.
  Average salary: £45,000 – £80,000 per year.
• University Lecturer: University lecturers teach at the higher education level, delivering lectures, supervising research and contributing to academic publications. Lecturers often hold a PhD in their field and may have opportunities for promotion to senior lecturer or professor.
  Average salary: £40,000 – £60,000 per year.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher: SEN teachers work with children who have various learning disabilities, including physical, emotional or developmental challenges. This role can be highly rewarding and specialised, and teachers in this field can earn more based on their expertise and experience.
  Average salary: £28,000 – £45,000 per year (higher for experienced SEN specialists).
• Education Consultant: Education consultants advise schools, local authorities and other educational organisations on improving teaching methods, curricula and administrative practices. This role often requires experience as a teacher as well as additional qualifications in consultancy or educational management.
  Average salary: £35,000 – £70,000 per year.
• Corporate Trainer: Corporate trainers design and deliver educational programs to help employees develop skills and improve performance within a company. While this role doesn’t typically involve traditional classroom teaching, it is highly paid and often requires a background in education and specific industry knowledge.
  Average salary: £30,000 – £55,000 per year.
• School Counsellor: School counsellors support students’ mental health and emotional well-being, providing advice and guidance on issues such as personal development, career choices and academic stress. A degree in psychology or counselling alongside teaching qualifications is often required.
  Average salary: £30,000 – £50,000 per year.
• Instructional Designer: Instructional designers create educational content and learning experiences for schools or businesses, often incorporating technology and digital tools. These professionals use their teaching expertise to design effective curriculum and training courses.
  Average salary: £40,000 – £60,000 per year.
• Behavioural Specialist: Behavioural specialists work closely with students who have behavioural or emotional challenges, developing strategies to help them succeed in the classroom. This role may involve working within schools or other educational settings, such as behavioural therapy or mental health services.
  Average salary: £30,000 – £50,000 per year.
• Director of Education Technology: Directors of education technology manage the integration and use of technology within schools, colleges or educational organisations. They ensure that digital tools and platforms enhance learning and teaching, and they often oversee the IT department and educational software development.
  Average salary: £50,000 – £80,000 per year.

These roles demonstrate the diverse career paths available to those with a teaching degree, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional advancement. By continuing education and gaining specialised experience, educators can transition into high-paying roles that allow them to influence the education sector in meaningful ways.

Highest paying teaching degrees

When it comes to pursuing a teaching degree, there are various paths that can lead to high-paying careers. Below are some of the highest paying teaching degrees and the roles associated with them. The salaries listed can vary depending on the role, location and level of experience.

• Doctorate in Education (Ed.D or Ph.D.): In the UK, these qualifications can lead to highly-paid positions such as:
  • University Professor: Professors in higher education institutions are typically well-compensated, especially if they work at prestigious universities. They can also supplement their income with research grants or publications.
  • Educational Researcher: Government bodies, universities and private organisations often hire researchers to lead significant projects and educational studies.
  • School Superintendent: As the head of a local education authority or regional district, superintendents are responsible for the operational management of multiple schools.

Average Salary: £40,000 – £70,000+ per year.

• Master’s in Special Education: A Master’s in Special Education equips professionals to work with students with special needs. Roles in this field are in demand, especially for those with specialised knowledge. High-paying positions include:
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coordinator: A SEN Coordinator manages programs for students with special educational needs in schools, ensuring resources are provided effectively.
  • Behavioural Specialist: These professionals work with children or adults who have behavioural disorders and are often employed in both educational and clinical settings.
  • Specialist Teacher: This involves working in specialised schools or roles within mainstream schools.

Average Salary: £35,000 – £50,000+ per year.

• Master’s in Educational Leadership or Administration: A Master’s in Educational Leadership or Administration prepares individuals for senior leadership roles in schools, academies and educational organisations. High-paying roles include:
  • Headteacher (Primary or Secondary): A headteacher is responsible for overseeing the administration, curriculum and overall management of a school. This role carries significant responsibility and is highly respected.
  • Director of Education: Directors of education lead the strategy and operational functions for educational bodies, including councils, academies and education management companies.
  • School Business Manager: Responsible for the non-teaching aspects of school management, including budgeting, HR and operations.

Average Salary: £50,000 – £75,000+  per year.

• Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: A Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction equips professionals to design and develop curriculum for educational institutions. Careers in curriculum development and instructional coordination are both rewarding and well-compensated.
  • Curriculum Developer: Curriculum developers create course materials and lesson plans for schools, educational publishers and other educational organisations.
  • Instructional Coordinator: These professionals design, implement, and assess instructional materials and teaching methods for schools or education districts.
  • Educational Consultant: Working for schools or education bodies, consultants offer advice on curriculum design, teaching strategies and education management.

Average Salary: £35,000 – £55,000+ per year.

• Master’s in Educational Technology: educational technology is a rapidly growing field, as schools and other educational institutions increasingly rely on technology for teaching and learning. This degree can lead to professions such as:
  • Instructional Technologist: These professionals assist schools in incorporating technology into the curriculum and ensuring the use of the latest educational tools and platforms.
  • Learning Technologist: These individuals work within universities or schools, helping to integrate new technologies into teaching and providing training for staff and students.

Average Salary: £40,000 – £60,000+ per year.

Final Thoughts

A teaching degree is more than just about transferring knowledge. It’s about fostering critical thinking, inspiring creativity and helping students become informed and engaged citizens. This qualification equips individuals with the essential knowledge, skills and experience needed to thrive not just in the classroom but across a wide range of educational environments. 

Whether you’re passionate about teaching young children, guiding adolescents through their academic challenges, or supporting students with special needs, a teaching degree offers diverse pathways to make a lasting difference. With a variety of degree options available, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral courses, aspiring educators can personalise their educational journey to align with their interests and career aspirations. 

By continually developing professionally and committing to lifelong learning, educators play a pivotal role in transforming the future of education, advocating for progress and promoting inclusivity across diverse cultures and communities worldwide.