Education Career Paths by Degree

Education

Education Career Paths by Degree

Written by: Wilson College • Jul 2, 2026

A teacher gives instructions to students sitting at a table in a classroom.

Education is a career field that allows individuals to make a lasting contribution, not only by teaching students but also by improving other aspects of society. The World Bank has recognized education as one of the best tools society has to promote peace, reduce poverty, and strengthen health.

If you’re interested in a career in education, exploring various education career paths and the types of degrees they require can be helpful. Whether you’re just beginning to explore undergraduate degrees in education or you’re considering enrolling in a Master of Education (MEd) degree program, knowing about the various career paths in education can help you plan to enter or advance in a meaningful career.

General Education Career Path

An individual who enters a career in general education typically teaches students in a standard or mainstream classroom. General education teachers use their expertise in classroom management and pedagogy to teach subjects such as math, science, social studies, and literacy.

How to Become a General Education Teacher

To start a career as a general education teacher, an individual needs to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a related discipline, complete the requirements of a teacher preparation program, and obtain state licensure or certification as a teacher.

Responsibilities of a General Education Teacher

K-12 general education teachers carry out the following duties:

Creating lesson plans
Instructing and assessing students
Helping students prepare for standardized tests
Enforcing school rules and policies

Skills of a General Education Teacher

General education teachers benefit from developing strong skills in areas such as communication and patience. Resourcefulness and physical stamina also help general education teachers excel.

Salary and Employment Outlook for General Education Teachers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salaries for general education teachers, as of May 2024, were as follows:

Elementary teachers: $62,340
Middle school teachers: $62,970
High school teachers: $64,580

The BLS projects that total positions for K-12 teachers will decrease between 2024 and 2034. However, due to the need to replace teachers who retire or change careers, the BLS forecasts the following annual job openings through 2034:

Elementary school teachers: 103,800
Middle school teachers: 40,500
High school teachers: 66,200

Advancing on the General Education Career Path

With additional education, general education teachers can pursue career advancement. For example, careers requiring an MEd include the following:

Instructional coordinators, who are responsible for the school curriculum and teaching standards
School principals, who are responsible for school operations

Depending on the school district, individuals who earn a master’s or doctoral degree in education can also advance into positions as school superintendents.

Early Childhood Education Career Path

Early childhood education careers offer another rewarding career path in education. Focusing on the education and development of young children up to 8 years old, early childhood educators offer play-based learning and other structured activities to stimulate learners and help them develop.

How to Become an Early Childhood Educator

Although some early childhood educator positions require an associate degree, many employers prefer candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a similar discipline. Depending on the state, an early childhood educator may need to obtain state licensure or certification.

Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator

The responsibilities of early childhood educators may include the following:

Designing and leading activities that allow children to learn and develop social skills
Monitoring and assessing children’s behavior and progress
Updating parents regarding children’s development
Managing and organizing classrooms and educational resources

Skills of an Early Childhood Educator

Successful early childhood educators develop strong skills in areas such as behavior management and fostering creativity. They also benefit from being adaptable and cultivating communication skills.

Salary and Employment Outlook for Early Childhood Educators

The BLS reported that the median annual salaries for early childhood educators, as of May 2024, were as follows:

Preschool teachers: $37,120
Kindergarten teachers: $61,430

The BLS also forecasts 4% employment growth for preschool teachers between 2024 and 2034, with an average of 65,500 job openings in the field each year. Additionally, the BLS projects an average of 103,800 job openings annually between 2024 and 2034 for kindergarten teachers.

Advancing on the Early Childhood Education Career Path

Earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification through the Council for Professional Recognition can help early childhood educators advance into positions with greater responsibility. With several years of experience and, in some cases, a graduate degree in education, early childhood educators can advance into careers as directors of preschools and childcare centers.

Special Education Career Path

Fulfilling education career paths also includes careers in special education. Special education teachers concentrate on teaching students who face physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities. They create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students and adapt lesson plans to accommodate their needs.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

People who want to become special education teachers need to earn a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field; some employers may require a master’s degree in special education. Aspiring special education teachers also need to complete a teacher preparation program and obtain state licensure or certification as a special education teacher.

Responsibilities of a Special Education Teacher

The following are the typical duties of special education teachers:

Assessing students and identifying their needs
Teaching students and monitoring their progress
Updating IEPs and planning activities that align with students’ abilities
Assisting students as they advance to a new grade or preparing them for life after education

Skills of a Special Education Teacher

Interpersonal skills and patience are important in teaching special education. Critical thinking and resourcefulness also help special education teachers do their jobs well.

Salary and Employment Outlook for Special Education Teachers

According to the BLS, special education teachers earned a median annual salary of $64,270 as of May 2024.

The BLS expects total positions for special education teachers to decrease through 2034. However, because of the need to replace teachers who retire or leave the profession, the BLS forecasts an average of 37,800 job openings each year through 2034 for special education teachers.

Advancing on the Special Education Career Path

After gaining several years of experience, special education teachers can advance into positions such as directors or coordinators of multiple special education programs. Earning a graduate degree in education can also position an individual to work in fields such as special education consulting.

Discover Which Education Career Paths Is Right for You

Choosing the education career path that aligns with your interests can allow you to perform fulfilling work that makes a difference in students’ lives. Working in education is a great way to apply your knowledge and skills and make a lasting contribution to society.

If you’ve been considering furthering your expertise in education, then explore Wilson College Online’s education degree program to learn how it can help you reach your career goals. This program offers teachers the chance to continue working in their jobs while earning their degrees at their own pace, providing enhanced knowledge and skills in educational strategies and technologies.

Check out the education programs Wilson has to offer: