The Highest Paying Jobs in Education: What You Need to Know
Education is one of the most critical aspects of our lives. It gives young people fundamental knowledge of core subjects and opens up opportunities to develop a prosperous career.
The way we live and work has changed drastically through the years. But the education sector remains one of the UK’s most valued and protected institutions, making it an excellent career prospect.
While most teachers and tutors would agree they got into teaching others, it’s a vocation rather than a career choice; the education sector has many opportunities for individuals that want to combine their passion with a healthy income.
In this blog post, we’ll reveal the highest paying jobs in education and what they require.
School Principal
A school principal typically earns a six-figure salary. To become a school principal, you will need the relevant teaching qualifications and experience at the very least.
However, most headteachers also have qualifications in senior leadership, as the role requires extensive management skills.
While headteachers have an impressive salary, the jobs are hard to come by and most start in general teaching staff positions, then work their way up to the role.
Salaries for headteachers can start at £47,735 up to £117,000 depending on experience and whether you work in a private school.
University Professor
University professors are highly respected in the UK, and the high ranking roles are difficult to find.
The primary reason for this is the entry requirements and experience a person needs to be accepted by a university.
A first or upper second degree is essential, and many humanities professors also complete a master’s degree.
While a PhD isn’t crucial, most professors hold one, and a university will likely prioritise candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge through retaining a PhD.
While top tier universities such as Cambridge and Oxford will offer the highest salaries due to their prestigious nature – most professors can earn up to £90,000 a year.
Education Consultant
Educational consultants work with teachers and organisations to improve the learning experience for students from all backgrounds.
While some belong to specific organisations, others might choose to freelance or become directly employed by a school.
Overall, education consultants can earn high incomes, especially if they have advanced qualifications and specialise in a particular area such as learning disabilities.
To become an educational consultant, you will need a bachelor’s degree or HND in education, but some consultants build a career based on their experience.
Salaries can range from £19,000 a year for entry-level positions and exceed £75,000 a year.
Education Sector Jobs With Excellent Prospects
While the above jobs are high-paying, it takes time and effort to get into such roles. However, other career options offer stability, a lot of prospects, and they’re easier to get into.
Let’s take a look at them now.
Core Subject Teachers
There is always a demand for good core subject teachers, and you can build a promising career by specialising in English, Maths, and Science.
The starting salary for a newly qualified teacher is £25,714, but this will increase over time as you gain more experience.
To become a teacher in the UK, you need to complete a degree in the relevant subject area you wish to teach and then complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Once a teacher has more experience, they can rise through the ranks and become the head of their department, which offers a higher average salary of £39,501.
Private Tutors
Many students struggle with their studies, and while teachers and lecturers are around to offer support, they can’t necessarily focus on a learner’s individual needs.
Private tutors are excellent for learners of all ages because they provide a completely bespoke learning experience.
While all tutors can make a good living, university tutors are paid well because they have degrees in complex subjects.
There is always a demand for experienced and knowledgeable private tutors, so tutoring could be an enriching career if you enjoy having some flexibility with your work schedule.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher
The UK is one of the best countries for individuals with special needs, and as a result – there are plenty of opportunities for teachers that want to support children with their learning.
SEN teachers usually work with students with various learning difficulties and disabilities, such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Their primary role is to provide bespoke learning experiences for children that need extra support, and it requires a lot of patience.
To become an SEN teacher, you need a degree in education or a related subject and a PGCE qualification. However, another element of becoming a successful SEN teacher is having a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
The starting salary for newly qualified teachers is £25,714, but this will increase over time, and an experienced SEN teacher, might earn up to £40,000 a year.
Entry-Level Jobs That Pay Well
While all the jobs on this list require a degree or many years of experience, you can still make a good living in the education sector.
Some people might enjoy being in a school and helping students but don’t necessarily want to train as teachers – and the closest alternative is to become a teaching assistant.
Teaching Assistant
Most entry-level teaching assistants don’t need a degree, and as long as you have 5 A-C GCSEs, you’ll be considered for a role. As you become more experienced, you can apply for higher-level positions.
The average salaries are:
- Level 1 Teaching Assistant – £17,364
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant – £18,000 – £20,000
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant – £25,000
As you can see, the salaries for teaching assistants are respectable and ideal for someone that doesn’t want to complete years of study.
Learning Mentor
In many ways, learning mentors are similar to teaching assistants, as they work with students in a supportive capacity.
However, mentors work with students to address disruptive behaviour, punctuality and collaborate with teaching staff to set up after school clubs and other activities.
While some roles are available for people with GCSEs, these entry-level salaries range between £14,000 to £18,000. However, if you have an undergraduate degree or management qualifications, you could earn £31,000.
The Bottom Line
The education sector has so many opportunities for people from all backgrounds, and there are plenty of ways to progress in your chosen job. More importantly, helping people learn, build skills, and gain confidence is highly rewarding.
While technology will continue to impact many industries, education requires capable and empathetic people – so you can be sure that this career will be a long-lasting one.