Entry Level Salary
$43,000
Median Salary
$66,800
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
19.2%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,672,000
Entry (Early)
$43,000
Median (Prime)
$66,800
High (Prime)
$69,229
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-68k
+138k
+158k
$25k / yr
-158k
+48k
+68k
$50k / yr
-248k
-42k
-22k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
30
29
$25k / yr
Never
44
41
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-145%
44%
63%
$50k / yr
-114%
-19%
-10%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate48%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Elementary and middle school teachers
33.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,153
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,727|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Secondary school teachers
7.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$47,501
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,000|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Education and childcare administrators
5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,644|$102,260
openings
44,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.1%
Preschool and kindergarten teachers
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$47,161|$43,780
openings
78,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.7%
Special education teachers
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,167|$67,170
openings
37,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.1%
Postsecondary teachers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$43,946
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,910|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Management occupations
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,018|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Other teachers and instructors
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$49,305
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$53,076|$45,730
openings
168,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%
Teaching assistants
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$25,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$26,764|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
1.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,947
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,880|$64,330
openings
27,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| education, general. | Undergrad Certificate | 10 | $67,460 - $67,460 |
| education, general. | Associate's Degree | 110 | $31,527 - $54,493 |
| education, general. | Bachelor's Degree | 226 | $30,175 - $93,688 |
| education, general. | Post-bacc Certificate | 8 | $53,406 - $81,413 |
| education, general. | Master's Degree | 343 | $44,419 - $102,444 |
| education, general. | Doctoral Degree | 75 | $74,802 - $131,358 |
| education, general. | First Professional Degree | 3 | $56,333 - $110,524 |
| education, general. | Graduate Certificate | 49 | $49,139 - $82,596 |
| high school/secondary diploma programs. | Bachelor's Degree | 1 | $90,036 - $90,036 |