Is an Education Degree Worth It?
Yes, an education degree is worth it for students committed to teaching or educational leadership. Education graduates earn a median $65,140 per year (BLS, 2024), which is $30,140 more than the median for workers with only a high school diploma (~$35,000). A bachelor’s degree in education costs $24,000 to $180,000, giving an estimated payback period of 0.8 to 6.0 years. With 307,300 annual job openings – one of the largest pools of any field – and K-12 administrators earning $104,070 at the median, the investment pays off especially well for those who advance into leadership or specialized roles.
What do education graduates earn?
Key takeaway: Education salaries range from $40,090 for tutors to $104,070 for K-12 administrators. Classroom teachers earn $62,340 to $64,580 at the median, with stable demand driven by 91,000+ elementary teaching openings annually (BLS, 2024).
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% | 20,800 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $103,960 | 1.7% | 15,100 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $72,090 | 2.1% | 5,600 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $65,140 | 3.5% | 31,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | $64,580 | -1.6% | 66,200 |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 | -2.0% | 40,500 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $62,340 | -2.0% | 91,000 |
| Tutor | $40,090 | 0.6% | 37,100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034.
Education offers a wide salary range depending on role, experience, and education level. A master’s degree is typically required for administrator and counselor positions, where pay exceeds $100,000. Teacher salaries also vary significantly by state and district – some states pay $20,000+ more than the national median.
How does the cost compare to earnings?
Key takeaway: An education bachelor’s degree pays for itself within 1 to 6 years depending on institution type. The lifetime earnings advantage over a high school diploma exceeds $900,000 over a 30-year career.
| Institution Type | 4-Year Total Cost | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| Public (in-state) | $24,000-$48,000 | 0.8-1.6 years |
| Public (out-of-state) | $60,000-$120,000 | 2.0-4.0 years |
| Private nonprofit | $80,000-$180,000 | 2.7-6.0 years |
| For-profit | $60,000-$140,000 | 2.0-4.6 years |
ROI calculation
- Median salary with education degree: $65,140 (BLS, 2024)
- Median salary with high school diploma only: ~$35,000 (BLS, 2024)
- Annual salary premium: ~$30,140
- 30-year earnings advantage: ~$904,200
- Best-case payback: 0.8 years (public in-state)
- Worst-case payback: 6.0 years (private nonprofit)
Tuition data from NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Payback period = total degree cost / annual salary premium.
Additional financial benefits for teachers:
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Teachers at qualifying public schools can have federal student loans forgiven after 120 qualifying payments (10 years)
- Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Up to $17,500 in federal loan forgiveness for teachers in low-income schools after 5 years
- State incentives: Many states offer signing bonuses, housing assistance, or tuition reimbursement for teachers in shortage areas
What is the job growth outlook for education?
Key takeaway: Education offers massive annual job volume – 307,300 openings per year – even though percentage growth is modest. Retirements and turnover drive consistent demand for new teachers, especially in STEM subjects, special education, and high-need districts.
Key demand drivers include:
- High retirement rate among current teachers (average teacher age is 42, per NCES)
- Teacher shortages in math, science, special education, and bilingual education
- Growing school enrollment in certain states and districts
- Expansion of pre-K programs and early childhood education
- Increasing demand for educational counselors (3.5% growth) and postsecondary administrators (1.7% growth)
While the BLS projects slight declines in some teaching categories, the large volume of annual openings (91,000 for elementary alone) ensures strong hiring demand. Districts across the country regularly report difficulty filling positions, particularly in rural and urban areas.
How does an education degree compare to alternatives?
Key takeaway: A bachelor’s degree in education is the standard pathway to state teaching licensure. Alternative routes exist but typically still require substantial coursework and supervised classroom hours.
| Pathway | Duration | Cost | Median Salary | Career Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education bachelor’s degree | 4 years | $24,000-$180,000 | $62,340-$64,580 | Classroom teacher (K-12), tutor |
| Education master’s degree | 1.5-2 years (post-bachelor’s) | $15,000-$72,000 | $65,140-$104,070 | Administrator, counselor, curriculum specialist |
| Alternative certification program | 1-2 years | $5,000-$20,000 | $62,340-$64,580 | Classroom teacher (varies by state) |
| Teaching assistant certificate | 3-12 months | $2,000-$8,000 | $30,000-$40,000 | Paraprofessional, teacher aide |
| Subject-matter degree + teaching credential | 5+ years | $30,000-$200,000 | $62,340-$64,580 | Secondary teacher in specific subject |
Alternative certification programs (such as Teach For America, state alternative routes, or university-based post-baccalaureate programs) allow career changers with a bachelor’s degree in another field to earn teaching credentials. However, these programs still require supervised student teaching and passing the Praxis exams or state equivalents.
Who should NOT get an education degree?
Not every career goal requires an education degree. Consider alternatives if:
- You want the highest possible salary. Education salaries are moderate compared to fields like computer science ($133,080 median for software developers) or business administration. If maximizing income is your primary goal, other fields offer faster returns.
- You dislike structured work environments. Teaching involves following curriculum standards, managing classrooms, and meeting administrative requirements. If you prefer unstructured, self-directed work, consider other fields.
- You are not comfortable with public speaking. Teaching requires daily presentation and interaction with students, parents, and colleagues.
- You already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. An alternative certification program may be faster and cheaper than a second bachelor’s degree.
- You want to work in educational technology rather than classrooms. A technology degree may better prepare you for instructional design or ed-tech development roles.
How to maximize the value of an education degree
Follow these strategies to get the best return on your education investment:
- Choose a public in-state university – the lowest tuition option with the fastest payback period (0.8-1.6 years)
- Target shortage subjects – math, science, special education, and bilingual education teachers are in high demand and may qualify for signing bonuses
- Pursue a master’s degree – this increases median earnings from $62,340-$64,580 to $65,140-$104,070 and opens administrative roles
- Apply for loan forgiveness programs – PSLF and Teacher Loan Forgiveness can eliminate $17,500 to 100% of federal student loans
- Pass Praxis exams on the first attempt – reduces additional testing costs ($90-$170 per exam) and speeds time to licensure
- Earn additional endorsements – adding ESL, special education, or reading specialist endorsements increases your marketability
- Verify CAEP accreditation – ensures your program meets standards recognized by state licensing boards at CAEP
Frequently asked questions
Is a teaching degree worth the student debt?
For most students, yes. The median teacher earns $30,140 more per year than a high school diploma holder, and loan forgiveness programs (PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness) can eliminate significant debt for teachers at qualifying schools. The best strategy is minimizing tuition by attending a public in-state university.
What is the highest-paying job with an education degree?
K-12 education administrators earn a median $104,070 per year, and postsecondary education administrators earn $103,960 (BLS, 2024). Both roles typically require a master’s degree and several years of teaching experience.
Are teachers in demand?
Yes. Despite modest percentage growth projections, education has 307,300 annual job openings – one of the highest volumes of any field. Teacher shortages in STEM subjects, special education, and high-need districts drive consistent hiring demand.
Can I teach without an education degree?
In some states, yes – through alternative certification programs that require a bachelor’s degree in any field plus supervised teaching hours and exam passage. However, most teaching positions require state licensure through an approved educator preparation program.
How does teacher pay vary by state?
Significantly. States like New York, California, and Massachusetts pay $20,000+ above the national median, while southern and rural states tend to pay below the median. Cost of living, district funding, and union contracts all influence teacher compensation.
If you are comparing pacing and cost, see: Affordable Education Programs. For a complete overview of the field, visit our education degrees guide.