Nonteaching Jobs in Education

People may think that a degree in education can only prepare them to work as teachers or instructors, but that’s not the case. In fact, plenty of in-demand nonteaching jobs in education exist. Some professionals may choose nontraditional career paths to take advantage of their individual strengths. Others may find nonteaching roles more rewarding or less stressful.

Nonteaching education jobs are as essential as teaching jobs in education. Some jobs directly affect the very foundation of the education system, while others help children and adults navigate the complexities of choosing schools and career paths. Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in education are designed to prepare aspiring professionals in many education roles, including nonteaching positions, such as those in counseling, coaching, and administration.

Where Do Education Professionals Work?

Education professionals work in a wide range of settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools; colleges and universities; day care and early childhood education centers; corporate offices; and their own private businesses. Some nonteaching roles, such as those in corporate training and instructional design, are in many industries, such as finance, manufacturing, retail, and marketing.

5 Nonteaching Jobs in Education

Nonteaching jobs may be ideal for individuals who are passionate about changing the education system at the most fundamental level, developing educational technology, and/or creating curricula. Of the dozens of opportunities, below are five of the most common and sought-after roles.

1. Child Care Center Director

Though the specific requirements vary by state, directors who have earned bachelor’s degrees or higher in education run many of the child care centers in the U.S. They are responsible for supervising, hiring, and training child care workers. They are also responsible for administrative duties, such as preparing budgets, maintaining facilities, establishing policies, and communicating with parents and caregivers.

The median annual salary for preschool and childcare center directors was $49,690 as of May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those working in public or private elementary and secondary schools earned $65,130.

2. Librarian or Library Media Specialist

Libraries are essential to education at every level, from preschool through college and beyond. Librarians and library media specialists work in schools to help students and faculty find the information they need for research, and some librarians work in public libraries.

To become a librarian typically requires a master’s degree in library science; to become a library media specialist may require a master’s degree in library science or education. Many start out as licensed teachers with bachelor’s degrees in education.

According to the BLS, librarians and library media specialists earned a median annual salary of $61,660 as of May 2022, but the highest paid—those with many years of education and/or those working in highly prestigious schools—earned more than $98,650.

3. Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers enjoy one of the highest-paying nonteaching jobs in education, and they can work in various industries. The role involves creating and implementing skills and knowledge training programs for employees of organizations. For example, a training and development manager may run a diversity training program for larger corporations or oversee software training programs for smaller businesses.

A bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level positions, though some companies may prefer hiring individuals with master’s degrees. Training and development managers earned a median annual salary of $120,000 as of May 2022, according to the BLS.

4. Postsecondary Education Administrator

Postsecondary education administrators fill a wide range of administrative roles in admissions, housing and residency, student activities, and other departments in colleges and universities. Their duties may vary depending on the size of the school and the department they work in.

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for postsecondary education administrators was $99,940 as of May 2022. Those working in traditional four-year colleges and universities earned $100,720, while those working in junior colleges earned about $94,990.

5. Instructional Coordinator

One of the most popular nonteaching jobs in education is that of instructional coordinator, or curriculum specialist. Individuals must have a master’s degree in education to pursue this career. The role often involves designing materials, such as tests or worksheets, observing and coaching teachers to champion effective techniques, and evaluating a school’s ability to educate its students.

Instructional coordinators earned a median annual salary of $66,490 as of May 2022, according to the BLS.

Advance Your Education Career

A degree in education opens the door to many career paths, including dozens of nonteaching jobs in education. A traditional four-year bachelor’s degree is often the first stepping stone, including traditional education, early childhood education, and special education. Later, a master’s degree in education , special education, or mass customized learning can prepare students and working professionals for more specialized roles.

Wilson College Online offers several online bachelor’s and master’s in education degree programs designed to help you launch or advance your career. Learn more about how these programs can help you become a confident and highly qualified educational professional who can make a difference in the lives of children and adults.

Recommended Readings

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education?

What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?

4 Special Education Careers

Sources:

Day Care Council of New York, Staff Qualifications

Indeed, 17 Career Opportunities in Education Besides Teaching

Indeed, 31 Non-Teaching Careers for Candidates With a Master’s in Education

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Librarians and Library Media Specialists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool and Childcare Center Directors

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Training and Development Managers

Zippia, What Is an Instructional Coordinator and How to Become One