30 Career Options to Opt for with Your Teaching Degree (Other Than Teaching)

Oftentimes, in the middle of your career, you might feel like getting out of the classroom and quitting your teaching profession because teaching isn’t your forte. But the question is—if you quit teaching, what else can you do with your teaching degree?

Teachers possess many transferable skills. Whether you want to pivot into business, non-profits, publishing, government, or tech, your education background is an asset. Below you’ll find 30+ alternative career paths, plus advice on upskilling, résumé positioning, and the types of companies that hire former educators.

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Put Your Teaching Degree to Work

Former teachers have successfully transitioned into roles such as:

• Writers, editors, copywriters
• Instructional / UX / Learning designers
• Real-estate agents, corporate trainers
• EdTech sales reps, software engineers
• Government account managers, training consultants
• Project coordinators, customer-engagement specialists—and more.

Core Skills You Already Possess

• Highly organized & efficient
• Continuous-improvement mindset
• Works well solo or on teams
• Leadership & management abilities
• Deep understanding of human behaviour
• Excellent written & verbal communication
• Comfortable with flexible shifts & change
• Strong work ethic & lifelong learner

Teaching Skills Employers Seek

• Leadership
• Mentorship
• Interpersonal skills
• Creative & critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Computer / technical literacy
• Conflict resolution

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Upskill When Needed

What is Upskilling?
Learning targeted, job-specific skills for your desired role.

• Side gigs: freelance writing, social-media management, virtual assistance.
• Online courses: Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning—look for software, management, or industry certificates.

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Who Hires Former Teachers?

• Start-ups & tech companies (“new-collar” jobs)
• Corporate L&D departments
• Small businesses needing talent-development or HR support
• EdTech firms building classroom tools
• Non-profits & government agencies

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30+ Career Options (Beyond the Classroom)

#	Role	Typical Requirements	Avg. Salary
1	Principal / Vice-Principal / Superintendent	Master’s+; admin license	$88 k – $118 k
2	Standardized Test Developer	Master’s/PhD in subject	$65 k
3	Educational Consultant	Master’s+; state cert.	$64 k
4	Homeschool Consultant	Master’s+; teaching cert.	$64 k
5	After-School Program Director	Bachelor’s	$62 k
6	Curriculum Designer	Master’s in Ed; classroom exp.	$62 k – $73 k
7	Instructional Designer	Master’s+; 3–5 yrs teaching	$62 k – $66 k
8	School / Child Psychologist	Doctorate; state license	$62 k
9	Corporate Trainer	Bachelor’s+; master’s preferred	$56 k
10	Education Policy & Research	Master’s/PhD	$53 k
11	Textbook Author	Master’s/PhD	$51.5 k
12	Curriculum Sales Rep	Bachelor’s; sales training	$51 k
13	School Counselor	Master’s+; state license	$50.5 k
14	Recreation Director	Bachelor’s; master’s preferred	$50 k
15	Life Coach	Certifications (ICF, etc.)	$48 k
16	Substance-Abuse Counselor	Bachelor’s/master’s + license	$48.5 k
17	Career Counselor	Master’s; state license	$44.5 k
18	Adult-Education Instructor	Bachelor’s	$43 k
19	Student-Life Coordinator/Director	Bachelor’s+	$42 k
20	Preschool Director	Bachelor’s/master’s	$41.5 k
21	Camp Director	Bachelor’s; master’s preferred	$40 k
22	Freelance Writer / Blogger / Podcaster	Portfolio	$40 k
23	Residence-Life Director	Bachelor’s+; master’s preferred	$37.5 k
24	Admissions Counselor / Recruiter	Bachelor’s; master’s preferred	$37 k
25	Museum Educator / Tour Guide	Bachelor’s	$36 k
26	Private Tutor	Subject expertise	$36 k
27	Librarian	MLIS degree	$58.2 k
28	Associate Editor	Bachelor’s in English / Journalism	$55 k
29	Instructional Designer (alt. listing)	Master’s+	$66 k
30	Human-Resources Specialist	Bachelor’s + HR cert.	$60 k

Salaries are U.S. national averages; regional variation is common.

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