19+ Best Paying Jobs in Education (Guide)

Education is a field that offers a wide range of career opportunities.

While the primary focus is often on teaching, there are numerous other roles that are essential to the functioning of educational institutions.

These roles can be incredibly rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction and financial compensation.

In this article, we will explore some of the best paying jobs in education, providing insights into their roles, responsibilities, and potential earnings.

Best Paying Jobs in Education

Superintendent: Oversees all schools in a district, sets educational policies.

College President: Heads a college or university, manages budget and policies.

Academic Dean: Oversees a specific college or department within a university.

Chief Academic Officer: Directs academic programs, ensures educational standards.

Provost: Senior academic administrator, often second in charge of a university.

University Professor: Conducts research, teaches, and may publish academic work.

Instructional Coordinator: Develops curriculums, trains teachers, assesses educational materials.

School Principal: Manages daily operations of a school, implements policies.

Education Administrator (College/University): Manages student affairs, admissions, or other departments.

Director of Education: Plans and directs educational programs in various settings.

Education Consultant: Advises schools and educational businesses on curriculum and policies.

Special Education Director: Oversees programs for students with special needs.

Corporate Trainer: Designs and delivers training programs for businesses.

Education Technology Specialist: Implements and manages educational technology initiatives.

Community College Professor: Teaches at a community college, may engage in some research.

Curriculum Developer: Designs and revises educational content and materials.

Admissions Counselor (College/University): Assists students with college/university admission process.

Career Counselor (Education Sector): Helps students and professionals plan their education and career paths.

Distance Learning Coordinator: Manages online education programs and resources.

Education Policy Analyst: Researches and analyzes education policies, suggests improvements.

These roles span various levels of education and specialties, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the education sector.

Table of Contents

Superintendent

Superintendents are the top executives in school districts.

They are responsible for managing all aspects of the district’s operations, including budgeting, curriculum development, staff management, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

College President

College presidents, also known as university presidents or chancellors, are the chief executive officers of higher education institutions.

They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the institution, overseeing academic and administrative functions, and representing the institution to external stakeholders.

However, salaries for college presidents can be significantly higher at larger institutions.

Provost

Provosts, or chief academic officers, are responsible for overseeing the academic programs of colleges and universities.

They work closely with faculty members to develop and implement academic policies, review and approve new programs, and ensure the quality of education.

According to PayScale, the average salary for a provost is $150,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the size and prestige of the institution.

Academic Dean

Academic deans are responsible for managing the academic departments within colleges and universities.

They oversee faculty hiring and evaluation, budgeting, curriculum development, and student services within their department.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists, are responsible for developing and implementing educational programs and teaching standards.

They work with teachers and administrators to improve the quality of instruction and student performance.

FAQs on Best Paying Jobs in Education

What is the highest paying job in education?

The highest paying job in education is typically the superintendent of a large school district or the president of a large university.

Do you need a PhD to be a college president or provost?

While not always required, most college presidents and provosts have a PhD or other terminal degree in their field.

What does an instructional coordinator do?

An instructional coordinator develops and implements educational programs and teaching standards to improve the quality of instruction and student performance.

Do superintendents make more than teachers?

Yes, superintendents typically make significantly more than teachers.

The median annual wage for superintendents was $130,000 in May 2020, compared to $65,000 for high school teachers.

What qualifications do you need to be a superintendent?

Superintendents typically have a master’s degree or higher in education administration or a related field, as well as several years of experience in educational leadership roles.

What is the role of a college president?

A college president is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the institution, overseeing academic and administrative functions, and representing the institution to external stakeholders.

How much does a provost make?

The average salary for a provost is $150,000 per year, according to PayScale, but this can vary depending on the size and prestige of the institution.

What is the job outlook for instructional coordinators?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of instructional coordinators will grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

What skills are needed for these high-paying education jobs?

These roles require a combination of educational expertise, leadership skills, and administrative acumen.

They also often require excellent communication skills, the ability to work well with a variety of stakeholders, and a deep understanding of educational policies and regulations.

Summary – Best Paying Jobs in Education

The field of education offers a wide range of high-paying career opportunities, from superintendents and college presidents to provosts and instructional coordinators.