Education Job path with license Lower AI risk CIP 13.0101 CIP 13.1202

Education / Teacher Preparation

Direct only when it leads to licensure; otherwise it can become a low-paid general education credential.

Education majors prepare students for teaching, child development, curriculum, assessment, classroom management, and school systems.

Related job?Yes, after license

EmployabilityStrong

More school?License or certification gate

AI riskLower AI risk

Find matching programs Back to major categories

Value proposition

Employability

Clear when the student completes an approved teacher-prep program and licensure requirements in a needed subject or region.

Credential gate

State teacher licensure, student teaching, background checks, and endorsement area requirements matter.

Lower AI risk

This path depends more on hands-on work, licenses, fieldwork, supervised practice, physical systems, or building AI/data systems directly.

Cost caution

Lower caution: clearer path if program cost fits realistic entry pay.

Common coursework

child development instructional methods assessment classroom management student teaching special education

Warnings

Related job?Yes, after license

Required gatelicense

Cost cautionLower caution

Pair with

Education is licensure-driven, not just a major.

National outlook can hide local shortages and district salary realities.

Who fits

Fit: wants classroom work

Fit: can handle public-sector realities

Fit: values direct service

Pause if

Watch: likes kids but avoids classroom observation

Watch: ignores licensure by state

Watch: expects high pay quickly

Linked careers

direct Bachelor's degree

Elementary school teachers

SOC 25-2021 National Reviewed 2026-06-21

Salary range: Entry: $50k-$60k | Median: $60k+ national median | Higher: $85k+

Pay: BLS OOH reports national median pay; public salary schedules vary by locality and degree.

Outlook: BLS projects decline nationally for elementary teachers.

Skills: instruction, classroom management, assessment, family communication

Work settings: public schools, charter schools, private schools

DMV relevance: Strong DMV relevance, but pay and demand vary by district, endorsement, and state license.

Caveat: Local shortages can differ from national outlook.

Find related opportunities

direct Bachelor's degree

Special education teachers

SOC 25-2050 National Reviewed 2026-06-21

Salary range: Entry: $50k-$65k | Median: $65k+ national median | Higher: $90k+

Pay: BLS OOH reports national median pay; needs vary by endorsement.

Outlook: BLS projects mixed/declining national employment depending on category.

Skills: IEP support, differentiated instruction, behavior support, case management

Work settings: public schools, specialized schools, support programs

DMV relevance: Strong DMV relevance; special education shortages can create local demand despite mixed national outlook.

Caveat: Licensure and placement area are decisive.

Find related opportunities

Graduate / professional options

Graduate school

MEd special education reading specialist school counseling education leadership

Professional / licensure path

state teacher licensure administrator licensure later

Test before declaring

Move: observe classrooms

Move: tutor or coach

Move: verify state licensure portability

Move: compare special education, STEM, CTE, and elementary tracks

Source receipts

BLS FOD: Education

major_outcomes: Education field wage, advanced-degree share, and top occupations.

BLS OOH: Kindergarten and elementary school teachers

occupation_outlook: Teacher pay, education, and outlook.

Reviewed 2026-06-21. Salary and outlook claims are source-contextual, not promises for an individual student.