According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Educational Services Industry is the second largest industry in the United States employing roughly 13.5 million individuals.  Almost half of these jobs are accounted for by teaching positions that require at least a bachelor’s degree. This is an industry that is positioned to face a significant amount of openings as retirement is anticipated to rise and demand increase over the next few years.

The following provides a list of some of the positions that you may find in the Education Industry:

• Preschool Teachers
• Kindergarten Teachers
• Elementary School Teachers
• Middle and Secondary School Teachers
• Special Education Teachers
• Vocational Education Teachers
• Adult Education Teachers
• Adult Literacy and Remedial Education Teachers
• Educational Administrators, including Principals, Superintendants, etc.
• Instructional Coordinators
• Educational, Vocational and School Counselors
• Librarians
• Teacher Assistants
• Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral Professors
• Student Services Professionals
• Other – School Bus Drivers, Administrative Assistants, Office Clerks, Childcare Workers, Food Preparation     Staff, Custodial Staff, Cleaning Staff

Training and licensure requirements relating to Teaching positions vary from state to state.  Generally speaking however, Secondary, Middle, Elementary and Kindergarten teachers in public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and in many cases complete an approved teacher training program as well as a supervised practice teaching experience. Many states also offer an alternative licensure and training options. This allows individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject to complete some additional training and begin teaching.

Individuals who hold teaching related degrees are also often eligible for advancement into administrative and/or supervisory positions with some additional training and experience.  These positions often offer higher salaries and additional responsibilities.

Postsecondary teachers, more commonly referred to as professors, work mainly at four year colleges and universities.  These professionals are traditionally required to hold a Doctorate in the area in which they plan to teach.  At two year colleges however, one may be able to find teaching positions that may be filled by individuals who hold a Master’s degree.  Entry level positions at both two year and four year institutions may be classified as adjunct, assistant, or associate professors with the title of professor being reserved for more experienced professionals.  Postsecondary teachers may also advance to administrative positions with experience. 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor the Education Industry is projected to grow by eleven percent over the next decade.  Postsecondary institutions are expected to lead this charge as more and more students graduate from high school.  Additionally, school districts in many areas, including rural and urban areas continue to have a shortage of qualified personnel.  As a result, recruitment is expected to continue to grow over the next few years. 

On average postsecondary teachers earn approximately $61,500 per year.  Secondary, middle and elementary school teachers, with the exception of special and vocational education teachers earn between $49,000 to $51,000 per year on average, while  secretaries, and other support staff earn somewhere between $25,000 to $30,000 per year depending on geographic location and responsibilities.

Overall the Education Industry offers a high quality of life with a good work life balance.  Employees in this sector also benefit from a very stable employment environment and high level of job satisfaction.  This is one of the few areas where a student and become trained for a lifelong profession in approximately four years.  The combined effects of the growth projections and overall job related benefits results in a high likelihood that students who train for a job in the Education Industry will be gainfully employed in a position that meets or exceeds their expectations.

Adapted from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Career Guide to Industries, 2010-2011 Edition – Educational Services