An Education Teacher is a professional who instructs students in a variety of academic subjects at the postsecondary level. They are responsible for developing curricula, teaching courses, and assessing student learning in their field of expertise.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 3.7% (average)
Annual job openings: 5,600
Direct AI exposure: 19% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 69% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $75K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $40K per year | $54K per year | $75K per year | $98K per year | $127K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $24K above the national average. | ||||
Education Teachers typically work in academic settings such as universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Their environment includes classrooms, lecture halls, and often online platforms for distance learning. They may also spend time in offices for research, lesson planning, and meeting with students or colleagues.
Education Teachers play a vital role in shaping the knowledge and skills of students at the postsecondary level. They are not only responsible for teaching but also for inspiring and challenging students to think critically and creatively. Effective Education Teachers keep abreast of developments in their field and pedagogical strategies to provide high-quality instruction.
The job requires excellent communication skills, both for delivering lectures and for engaging in discussions with students and colleagues. In addition to teaching, many Education Teachers are also involved in research, which allows them to contribute to academic knowledge and stay engaged with the latest developments in their field.
This career is both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities for intellectual growth, creative expression, and the satisfaction of influencing the next generation of professionals and scholars. Education Teachers also have the chance to engage in a lifelong learning process, continually expanding their own knowledge and expertise.
A master's degree in education or a specific subject area is commonly required, which generally takes about 6 years of post-secondary education, including a bachelor's degree. For some positions, particularly at universities, a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree may be necessary.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.