From Elementary School Teachers to School Principals, jobs in education are challenging and personally rewarding, but do those challenges and rewards covert into a healthy average annual salary? Just as in any sector, the average salary varies significantly from one position to another. So if you aim for the highest-paying jobs in education, you need to know where to set your sights. Our average salary data will help you target the best-paid education jobs in the UK.
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High Paid Education Jobs In The UK
We have collected and sorted the average salary data from 1,000s of community colleges, elementary schools, high schools, secondary schools, private schools, universities, and other educational institutions advertising jobs. Maybe you are at school considering an education sector career, in your first teaching job and looking to move up the career ladder, or a seasoned educator seeking one of the highest paying jobs in education. Our average and maximum salary data will help guide your next move in any of these scenarios.
Highest Paying Education Jobs By Average Salary:
1. ASSISTANT HEAD TEACHER
The average salary of an Assistant Head Teacher is £30,700 per year.
Assistant Head Teachers top our data of high-paying jobs in education by average salary. Their role is to assist Head Teachers with responsibilities for ensuring the curriculum is satisfactorily delivered, children reach their achievements, and teachers are held accountable for their pupil’s progress. To secure an assistant head teaching role, you will need Qualified Teacher Status (teaching license) and several years of teaching experience.
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2. DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER
The average salary of a Deputy Head Teacher is £49,700 per year.
Deputy Head Teachers come in second in our highest-paying jobs in education. They establish policies to help the school achieve its objectives, manage resources and staff, and ensure the highest standard of pupil care. Deputy Head Teachers typically complete an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Science with QTS or Bachelor of Arts with QTS. If you have a first degree without QTS, you can get on this career path by completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
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3. PRESCHOOL HEAD TEACHER
The average salary of a Preschool Head Teacher is £58,700 per year.
Preschool Head Teachers enjoy one of the highest-paying careers. They oversee early childhood teaching facilities, planning, directing, and implementing educational services. You will need teaching certification with an Early Childhood Education Degree to progress into this position.
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4. GOVERNESS
The average salary of a Governess is £61,200 per year.
Governesses have the fourth highest paying job by average salary. They are a subset of nannies specialising in education, meaning families with older children often hire them. They help with schoolwork, prepare lessons, teach subjects, oversee homework, and complete the child-caring duties of a nanny. To secure Governess jobs in education, you will need QTS or PGCE and a Childcare Diploma or Certificate.
5. PRINCIPAL
The average salary of a Principal is £53,200 per year.
School Principals have the fifth highest average salary. A School Principal has the most significant school-management responsibility, ensuring a safe learning environment and setting the performance goals of teachers and students. Professional development will help you work towards these top-paying jobs in education, with opportunities provided by the National Professional Qualification For Headship and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership.
6. TUTOR
The average salary of a Tutor is £46,500 per year.
Tutors have the sixth highest paying jobs in education. A Private Tutor creates individualised academic programs, helping students progress. They improve student performance and help students prepare for exams. Most Tutors have a Bachelor's Degree, with some holding a Master's Degree or PhD. You will need a sound understanding of the subject you teach, excellent teaching skills, communication skills, and professionalism to gain a top-paying role.
7. ARCHITECTURE LECTURER
The average salary of an Architecture Lecturer is £42,900 per year.
Architecture Lecturers have a higher-end salary range and typically work in universities or private schools. To secure a top-paying role, you will need an Undergraduate Degree and a Master’s Degree in Architecture, with a PhD giving you the best opportunities.
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8. KINDERGARTEN HEADTEACHER
The average salary of a Kindergarten Headteacher is £42,900 per year.
Kindergarten Headteachers earn a high wage for supervising Kindergarten Teachers and ensuring teaching goals are achieved. You will need a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and an enhanced background check pass.
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9. AREA, ETHNIC, AND CULTURAL STUDIES LECTURER
The average salary of an Area, Ethnic, And Cultural Studies Lecturer is £43,800 per year.
Area, Ethnic, And Cultural Studies Lecturers teach students and may also be engaged in research. They teach courses on the development and culture of an area or ethnic group. To be considered a qualified candidate, you will need a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree.
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10. ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING LECTURER
The average salary of an Architectural Engineering Lecturer is £41,600 per year.
Architectural Engineering Lecturers secure the last spot in the high-paying jobs in education. They are responsible for teaching lessons, conducting research, and publishing papers on architectural engineering. The best-paid jobs go to those with a PhD in a relevant discipline.
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After viewing our list of top average salaries for academic deans, chief academic officers, college professors, high school teachers, and primary school teachers, you might wonder which jobs have the highest maximum salary. Are they the same jobs, or do other education leadership and teaching roles have a better maximum salary potential?
Best Paid Education Jobs By Maximum Salary:
1. DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER
The maximum annual salary of a Deputy Head Teacher is £68,900.
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2. ASSISTANT HEAD TEACHER
The maximum annual salary of an Assistant Head Teacher is £52,400.
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3. PRINCIPAL
The maximum annual salary of School Principals is £93,900.
4. GOVERNESS
The maximum annual salary of a Governess is £83,200.
5. PRESCHOOL HEAD TEACHER
The maximum annual salary of a Preschool Head Teacher is £81,200.
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6. TUTOR
The maximum annual salary of a Tutor is £63,400.
7. KINDERGARTEN HEADTEACHER
The maximum annual salary of a Kindergarten Headteacher is £75,900.
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8. EDUCATION LECTURER
The maximum annual salary of an Education Lecturer is £61,400.
Higher Education Lecturers did not appear in the top ten by average salary range, but maximum pay is a different story. Higher Education Lecturers teach academic courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students at further education colleges or universities. You will need a PhD to secure a role, and most have or are working towards a higher education teaching certification, such as the Advance HE Fellowship.
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9. ARCHITECTURE LECTURER
The maximum annual salary of an Architecture Lecturer is £65,000.
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10. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE LECTURER
The maximum annual salary of a Biological Science Lecturer is £56,100.
Biological Science Lecturers also did not appear in the high average salary top ten but did make an appearance by maximum salary. They prepare and deliver lessons to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as botany, marine biology, and molecular biology. A Master’s Degree is preferred for top-paying roles.
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Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Education
These are the top 100 highest paying education jobs by average salary:
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Assistant Head Teacher - Search Assistant Head Teacher Jobs
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Deputy Head Teacher - Search Deputy Head Teacher Jobs
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Preschool Head Teacher - Search Preschool Head Teacher Jobs
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Governess - Search Governess Jobs
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Principal - Search Principal Jobs
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Tutor - Search Tutor Jobs
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Architecture Lecturer - Search Architecture Lecturer Jobs
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Kindergarten Headteacher - Search Kindergarten Headteacher Jobs
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Area, Ethic, And Cultural Studies Lecturer - Search Area, Ethnic, And Cultural Studies Lecturer Jobs
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Architectural Engineering Lecturer - Search Architectural Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Political Science Lecturer - Search Political Science Lecturer Jobs
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Biomedical Engineering Lecturer - Search Biomedical Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Primary School Headteacher - Search Primary School Headteacher Jobs
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Primary School History Teacher - Search Primary School History Teacher Jobs
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Physics Lecturer - Search Physics Lecturer Jobs
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Health Specialties Lecturer - Search Health Specialties Lecturer Jobs
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Biological Science Lecturer - Search Biological Science Lecturer Jobs
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Education Lecturer - Search Education Lecturer Jobs
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Sociology Lecturer - Search Sociology Lecturer Jobs
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English Lecturer - Search English Lecturer Jobs
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Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, And Space Sciences Lecturer - Search Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, And Space Sciences Lecturer Jobs
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Economics Lecturer - Search Economics Lecturer Jobs
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SENCO - Search SENCO Jobs
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Food Technology Teacher - Search Food Technology Teacher Jobs
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Law Lecturer - Search Law Lecturer Jobs
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Business Lecturer - Search Business Lecturer Jobs
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German Teacher - Search German Teacher Jobs
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History Teacher - Search History Teacher Jobs
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Early Years Teaching Advisor - Search Early Years Teaching Advisor Jobs
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Secondary School Music Teacher - Search Secondary School Music Teacher Jobs
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Drama Teacher - Search Drama Teacher Jobs
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Primary Teacher - Search Primary Teacher Jobs
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Computer Science Lecturer - Search Computer Science Lecturer Jobs
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Anthropology And Archeology Lecturer - Search Anthropology And Archeology Lecturer Jobs
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Social Sciences Engineer - Search Social Sciences Engineer Jobs
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Philosophy And Religion Lecturer - Search Philosophy And Religion Lecturer Jobs
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Secondary School Geography Teacher - Search Secondary School Geography Teacher Jobs
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Communications Lecturer - Search Communications Lecturer Jobs
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Automotive Engineering Lecturer - Search Automotive Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Chemistry Teacher - Search Chemistry Teacher Jobs
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Science Teacher - Search Science Teacher Jobs
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Mathematical Science Lecturer - Search Mathematical Science Lecturer Jobs
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Geography Teachers Lecturer - Search Geography Teachers Lecturer Jobs
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Technology Teacher - Search Technology Teacher Jobs
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Humanities Teacher - Search Humanities Teacher Jobs
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English Teacher - Search English Teacher Jobs
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Chemical Engineering Lecturer - Search Chemical Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Foreign Languages Teacher - Search Foreign Languages Teacher Jobs
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Postsecondary Teacher - Search Postsecondary Teacher Jobs
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Business Studies Teacher - Search Business Studies Teacher Jobs
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Music Teacher - Search Music Teacher Jobs
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SEN Teacher - Search SEN Teacher Jobs
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Physics Teacher - Search Physics Teacher Jobs
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Spanish Teacher - Search Spanish Teacher Jobs
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Civil Engineering Lecturer - Search Civil Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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French Teacher - Search French Teacher Jobs
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Maths Teacher - Search Maths Teacher Jobs
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PE Teacher - Search PE Teacher Jobs
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Chemistry Lecturer - Search Chemistry Lecturer Jobs
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History Lecturer - Search History Lecturer Jobs
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Primary School Language Teacher - Search Primary School Language Teacher Jobs
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Music Lecturer - Search Music Lecturer Jobs
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Literacy Teacher - Search Literacy Teacher Jobs
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Primary School PPA Teacher - Search Primary School PPA Teacher Jobs
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Engineering Lecturer - Search Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Primary School Physical Education Teacher - Search Primary School Physical Education Teacher Jobs
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Technical Education Teacher - Search Technical Education Teacher Jobs
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Art Teacher - Search Art Teacher Jobs
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Home Economics Lecturer - Search Home Economics Lecturer Jobs
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Italian Teacher - Search Italian Teacher Jobs
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Italian Lecturer - Search Italian Lecturer Jobs
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Key Stage Two Teacher - Search Key Stage Two Teacher Jobs
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Physical Education Teacher - Search Physical Education Teacher Jobs
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Secondary School History Teacher - Search Secondary School History Teacher Jobs
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Mechanical Engineering Lecturer - Search Mechanical Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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College Lecturer - Search College Lecturer Jobs
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Kindergarten SEN Teacher - Search Kindergarten SEN Teacher Jobs
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Primary School Religious Education Teacher - Search Primary School Religious Education Teacher Jobs
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Health Educator - Search Health Educator Jobs
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Social Work Lecturer - Search Social Work Lecturer Jobs
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Secondary School English Teacher - Search Secondary School English Teacher Jobs
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English Language And Literature Lecturer - Search English Language And Literature Lecturer Jobs
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Electrical Engineering Lecturer - Search Electrical Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Art Lecturer - Search Art Lecturer Jobs
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Key Stage One Teacher - Search Key Stage One Teacher Jobs
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Recreation And Fitness Studies Lecturer - Search Recreation And Fitness Studies Lecturer Jobs
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Secondary School Math Teacher - Search Secondary School Math Teacher Jobs
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Secondary School PE Teacher - Search Secondary School PE Teacher Jobs
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Aeronautical Engineering Lecturer - Search Aeronautical Engineering Lecturer Jobs
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Foundation Teacher - Search Foundation Teacher Jobs
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Primary School Nursery Teacher - Search Primary School Nursery Teacher Jobs
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German Lecturer - Search German Lecturer Jobs
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Secondary School Art Teacher - Search Secondary School Art Teacher Jobs
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Secondary School Humanities Teacher - Search Secondary School Humanities Teacher Jobs
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Primary School Science Teacher - Search Primary School Science Teacher Jobs
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Secondary School ICT Teacher - Search Secondary School ICT Teacher Jobs
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Secondary School Science Teacher - Search Secondary School Science Teacher Jobs
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French Lecturer - Search French Lecturer Jobs
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Primary School Maths Teacher - Search Primary School Maths Teacher Jobs
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Dance Lecturer - Search Dance Lecturer Jobs
Highest Paying Education Job FAQS
Next we answer your questions on the highest paying education jobs.
WHAT IS THE HIGHEST PAID TEACHER?
The highest-paid teacher by average salary is Assistant Head Teacher. By maximum wage, the highest paying jobs go to Deputy Head Teachers.
WHY ARE SOME TYPES OF TEACHERS PAID MORE?
A school district or private schools may pay more for teachers with more significant education. Factors that increase pay include holding a Master’s Degree or Doctorate or special certifications for roles such as Special Education Teacher, School Counselor, or College Professor.
DO HIGHER SALARIES BRING MORE JOB SATISFACTION FOR TEACHERS?
Research shows that a high salary range will attract educators to roles. However, pay is not one of the top reasons for leaving.
WHERE CAN I FIND EDUCATION AVERAGE SALARIES?
You can view the Education Average Salary range for all education roles here, including Middle School Teachers, Special Education Teachers, College Professors, Academic Deans, Instructional Coordinators, High School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, School Counseling Officers, Teaching Assistants, and Student Affairs Officers.
