8th April 2024

In the ever-evolving education landscape, teaching is just one of many fulfilling roles where educators can excel. For those with an advanced degree or strong communication and organizational skills, there’s a wealth of careers in education other than teaching that make use of the same passion for learning, but in different, exciting settings.

These careers allow professionals to blend educational expertise with creativity, leadership, and innovation. Whether you’re looking for flexible alternate jobs for teachers, opportunities in research, policy, or corporate learning, the modern education sector offers rewarding roles that extend far beyond the traditional classroom.

What Is a Major in Education?

Before diving into alternative roles, let’s understand the foundation. A major in education equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of pedagogy, learning psychology, curriculum design, and communication. It prepares individuals not only to teach but also to lead, research, design learning programs, and drive policy change.

This versatility is exactly why education graduates find success in multiple industries — from museums to corporate training to educational consulting.

Top Career Opportunities in Education (Beyond Teaching)

If you hold a teaching degree but want to explore new directions, here are some dynamic career options for teachers other than teaching, all of which continue to make a lasting impact on learning and development.

1. Museum Educator, Guide, or Curator

Educators make excellent museum professionals because they’re skilled at storytelling and making information engaging. Museum guides lead tours and workshops, while curators and archivists manage collections and exhibitions.

As of 2025, museum curators and archivists earn a median annual salary of around $60,000–$75,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This field offers the satisfaction of combining art, history, and education in a creative way, ideal for teachers who enjoy research and public engagement.

2. Information Science and Library Technology

Information scientists ensure that knowledge is efficiently collected, organized, and shared. Educators who understand how people learn and process information are a natural fit.

This profession spans schools, universities, research centers, and corporate environments. The average pay for information research scientists in 2025 is about $139,000 per year, with strong demand in the education and technology sectors.

If you love data, organization, and innovation, this could be your ideal career in the education sector.

3. Educational Research and Policy Development

If you’ve ever wondered “Who decides what students learn and how?” — this is where it happens. Education policy analysts and researchers shape national and institutional education strategies by studying what works in the classroom and what doesn’t.

Professionals in this field influence curriculum design, teacher development, and social equity in education. The median salary for policy analysts in 2025 ranges between $65,000 and $90,000, depending on experience.

Adding a Certificate in Education Policy or Research can enhance your qualifications for these leadership roles.

4. Corporate Trainer or Learning & Development Specialist

One of the most popular alternate jobs for teachers, corporate training allows educators to apply their teaching skills in a professional setting. Trainers help employees improve productivity, leadership, and technical knowledge.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) lists the median annual salary for Training and Development Specialists at $70,000–$80,000, with management roles exceeding $100,000.

Educators who transition to corporate L&D roles find it both lucrative and rewarding, as they help adults grow professionally, a different kind of classroom altogether.
 

5. Teacher Abroad / ESL Instructor

Teaching overseas remains one of the most adventurous and enriching career opportunities in education. English-speaking educators are in high demand globally — in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, often enjoying benefits like travel, housing, and cultural immersion.

With international experience and certifications like TEFL/TESOL, English teachers abroad earn between $35,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on location. Beyond the paycheck, this career offers global exposure and cross-cultural learning experiences that broaden personal and professional horizons.

6. Sports Program Director or Recruiter

Teachers with strong leadership and organizational skills can thrive in sports administration. Roles such as sports coordinator, recruiter, or athletic director combine education, management, and mentorship.

Athletic directors, especially at college or university level, earn around $95,000 to $120,000 annually (BLS, 2025). These roles allow educators to nurture discipline, teamwork, and personal growth, values that go hand in hand with education.

7. Writer, Editor, or Educational Publisher

A teaching background naturally equips individuals with communication and storytelling abilities, ideal for writing, editing, or publishing educational content. Former teachers often find success in curriculum writing, e-learning development, or freelance educational blogging.

Writers and editors earn a median annual salary between $65,000 and $80,000 (BLS, 2025). Many educators today use their expertise to create online resources, digital courses, or education-based content businesses.

Explore A Wide Range Of Careers With a Teaching Degree

The majority of occupations require years to gain the skills needed for success, including most jobs in the education sector other than teaching. But it's a lot simpler to pursue Online Degree Programs and accomplish your goals if you're persistent and have the appropriate advice. Attain a teaching degree and explore a plethora of career options that do not have to do anything with teaching. Find yourself your best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best careers in education other than teaching?

Some of the top careers in education other than teaching include museum curator, educational researcher, corporate trainer, curriculum developer, and education policy analyst. These roles allow professionals to use their teaching expertise in diverse and often higher-paying environments.

2. What is a major in education, and what can I do with it?

A major in education equips you with skills in communication, instructional design, and learning psychology. It opens up multiple career opportunities in education, from curriculum development to policy-making, corporate learning, and EdTech innovation.

3. Can teachers switch careers without leaving the education sector?

Yes, absolutely. Many educators transition into career paths for teachers other than teaching, such as academic consulting, instructional coordination, or online course design. These roles still contribute to education but in more flexible and creative ways.

4. What are some high-paying alternate jobs for teachers?

High-paying alternate jobs for teachers include positions like training and development specialist (earning $70K–$80K), education policy analyst ($65K–$90K), and curriculum writer ($60K–$75K). Leadership roles in education management can exceed $100K annually.

Start by identifying your transferable skills, communication, planning, mentoring, and leadership. Then consider professional certifications or online degrees that align with your interests. Upskilling can help you explore a fulfilling career in the education sector beyond the classroom.

6. Are online degree programs helpful for transitioning careers in education?

Yes. Online programs provide flexibility and targeted learning. They help teachers gain specialized knowledge in fields like instructional design, education technology, or leadership, making it easier to pursue new career opportunities in education without leaving your job.

7. Why should teachers explore alternate careers in education?

Many educators seek variety, better work-life balance, and new ways to create impact. Exploring alternate jobs for teachers can lead to more diverse experiences, higher earning potential, and the chance to shape education from a broader perspective.

 

Written By: Rimpa Ghosh