What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs With a Master’s in Education?

Quick Highlights:

• A master’s in education can lead to high-paying jobs like principal or professor.
• Accredited programs offer the best return on investment (ROI).
• Specializations and certifications may be needed for certain roles.
• High-paying education careers provide financial security and growth opportunities.

As you pursue your master’s degree in education, you may wonder about the highest-paying education jobs available after graduation. High-salary positions in education can provide financial security, prestige, and influence. With a master’s degree, you can access education administration jobs that offer excellent return on investment (ROI). Since you are investing time and money into your degree, it’s crucial to consider your professional career goals. This article will help you discover the best-paying education careers and how to achieve financial stability and career success in the field.

Related:

• 30 Best Master’s Degrees in Education and Teaching
• 30 Best Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership
• Top 5 Industry Trends Influencing the Value of College Degrees
• Is Going to Grad School Worth It?

Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Education

By obtaining advanced degrees in education, you will find doors opening for you throughout the academic, private, and federal fields. Before you begin completing your graduation studies, you can determine if the education degree ROI is worth your time and money.

Consider the experience, personal, professional, and financial benefits to be gained from a master’s degree in education.

Increased Expertise: As you develop your knowledge in a chosen field, you will become more capable. In turn, this will cause your associates and employers to trust your expertise and experience in the subject. You will become an expert and leader in whatever career field you choose to pursue.

Career Advancement: A degree will place you in education leadership positions. Whether you become the chair of a program, are promoted to another role, or are offered other opportunities, there are many ways that you can see your career grow. 

Salary Increases: With greater responsibility comes a greater salary. Other financial benefits may develop as well. This is especially true if other institutions try to hire you away from your current company. Over time, a master’s degree can greatly support your financial situation.

Top-Paying Jobs with a Master’s Education

Your master’s degree will increase your reputation and net worth. This will give you additional opportunities and high-salary education positions. Careers with a master’s in education will offer you other financial incentives as well, such as tuition reimbursement or student loan repayment support. Consider the following lucrative jobs in education.

College Professor

One of the most sought-after positions in academia is the role of a university professor. The average college professor earnings per year are $95,801 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this position, you will have the opportunity to shape the minds of your students and influence policy at your institution. Once tenured, you will have one of the most secure careers in the world

School Principal

The option to work as a school principal also has its appeal. In the United States, the average school principal salary is $125,000. In this position, you will work as a school administrator and care for the educational opportunities and development of children. Once you have received your master’s degree, this has the benefit of being one of the best-paying education careers. 

Instructional Coordinator

Using the knowledge you gained in your graduate studies; an instructional coordinator creates programs and curricula. The average instructional coordinator pay is $69,672 according to Zip Recruiter, but experienced professionals can make much more. Working at prestigious universities will not only increase your income, but it can also improve your reputation and status. 

Educational Consultant

Through their focus on developing guidelines and advising administrators, an educational consultant helps shape academic policy. The median educational consultant salary is $109,601 according to salary.com, but this can vary according to experience. The educational policy advisor salary range is typically higher because these individuals manage the protocol for entire administrations.

Skills and Qualifications

Your success at the highest-paying education jobs is greatly impacted by the knowledge you gain from completing your master’s degree. Whether you further your career as a professor or administrator, academic institutions will rely on your skills to be successful. A master’s in education salary is based on your ability to produce positive outcomes with lasting effects. 

Education administration jobs all require that you are technologically literate, adherent to policy, and trained in leadership. You will use these skills in the classroom as a professor or in the office as an administrator. The competencies you gain from your master’s degree may be complemented by other degrees that you pursue as well.

Certifications and Licensing 

Each of these positions, depending on the location you are working, may require additional certifications or licensing requirements. This documentation proves that you are meeting the minimum standards of your position. To gain the best-paying education careers, you must exceed standards. You can do this by completing and excelling in the requisite programs that are defined by the state or country you live in.

Consider the following documents and licensing requirements you may need to obtain for a job in education. 

• Typically, a university professor is expected to have a doctorate or be working toward getting their doctorate. However, some colleges will allow you to begin working with your graduate degree.
• As one of the highest-paying education jobs, there are additional requirements involved in becoming a school principal. You may be required to obtain a certification from a commission or board in your location.
• While instructional coordinators and educational consultants may not have legally required licenses, institutions will want to see a record of experience and success.

Job Market and Growth Potential

Each of these jobs has growth opportunities. For example, you can switch between working in the private and public sectors. A master’s in education salary can follow you throughout your career, regardless of where you decide to work. These high-salary education positions are paid so well because of the required skills associated with the top professions in education.

The job outlook for education administration jobs is positive. These roles are expected to grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032 according to the BLS. Schools and colleges are being built continually. If you decide to leave your current employer, you can always find an institution that is looking for high-quality candidates. With your master’s in education, you always have the option and flexibility to change your career path to suit your current needs.

Challenges and Considerations

As with any career, working as a professor or administrator comes with certain expectations and responsibilities. You will be working in a field that requires you to excel. From time to time, certain issues may develop.

Think about some potential obstacles you will need to overcome:

• You must maintain your composure during stressful situations.
• Balancing your professional career and your personal life will be crucial to your career’s continued success.
• You’ll need to manage the requirements of your organization and meet certain licensing requirements.
• In a leadership role, you must be efficient and effective with expectations.

Taking the Next Step in Your Education

The best-paying education careers require you to be a high-achiever. Fortunately, someone who is getting their master’s is capable of exceeding any expectation set on them. That is why a master’s in education salary is an excellent investment. Whether you are looking for professor jobs or education administration jobs, you will be financially secure and have opportunities for growth.

The highest-paying education jobs are ideal for people who want to excel. Take some time to determine if you are truly interested in these career fields. With high-salary education positions, you must be the best of the best.