By: Ryan
They say crime doesn’t pay, but it looks like the same for teaching. With a starting salary of $42,845, teachers get paid an average across the US of $68,469. This hides a wide variation though from as low as $48,530 in Mississippi to $92,307 in Massachusetts. Obviously, this also partly accounts for the cost of living differences in these states, but other professions also account for these differences while being higher. For this, and other reasons (such as constant tiredness and stress), some 200,000 - 400,000 US teachers decide to leave the profession each year. Less than a third of those are for retirement.
What does a teacher do after teaching? Well many are looking for reasonably paying jobs. Here we’ve itemized jobs that can use one’s transferrable teaching skills to perform well. Here are 7 jobs that pay at least $75,000 on average (according to data from Indeed) that a former teacher already has some ability to do.
1. Sales Manager - National Average: $75,765
Strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and leadership abilities acquired in teaching are advantageous in sales. While not mandatory, certifications in sales or management can enhance your marketability. Transitioning to a sales manager role involves adapting to a competitive and target-driven environment.
*Challenges:* Adapting to a more results-driven and competitive environment can be a transition hurdle. Meeting sales targets and managing a team require a different skill set than classroom management.
*Of Interest:* Sales managers with teaching backgrounds often excel in team leadership and client relations. Your ability to communicate effectively can drive successful sales strategies.
2. Board-certified Behavioral Analyst - National Average: $78,582
Your experience as a teacher provides a deep understanding of behavior management, making you well-suited for the role of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Attaining BCBA certification is crucial for this path. Former teachers in this role contribute to enhancing the lives of individuals with behavioral concerns.
*Challenges:* The shift may involve working closely with individuals with behavioral challenges. Analyzing and implementing behavior interventions can be complex and emotionally challenging.
*Of Interest:* BCBA professionals apply evidence-based strategies to improve behavior. Former teachers bring a unique perspective to this role, blending educational insights with behavioral science.
3. Registered Nurse - National Average: $92,607
Teaching fosters empathy, communication, and adaptability – qualities vital in healthcare settings. Transitioning to a registered nurse role requires obtaining a nursing degree and passing qualifying exams. Your background in education positions you as a compassionate advocate for patient education and healthcare.
*Challenges:* Adjusting to the fast-paced and often unpredictable healthcare environment may be demanding. The transition involves acquiring medical knowledge and adapting to a new professional landscape.
*Of Interest:* Nurses with teaching backgrounds may find fulfillment in patient education and advocacy. Your ability to explain complex concepts can enhance patient understanding and care
4. Realtor - National Average: $93,403
Effective communication, patience, and negotiation skills acquired in teaching are assets in the real estate industry. While obtaining state-specific real estate licensing is necessary, your ability to guide and communicate with diverse groups positions you as a strong contender in this field.
*Challenges:* The transition involves adapting to a more independent and commission-based work structure. Navigating the complexities of the real estate market requires rapid learning.
*Of Interest:* Realtors can leverage their educational background to guide clients through important decisions. Your ability to explain complex concepts can be a game-changer in real estate transactions
5. Attorney - National Average: $96,057
Your teaching background has honed your research, analytical, and presentation skills – qualities highly valued in legal professions. While becoming an attorney requires law school and passing the bar exam, your journey as an educator provides a unique perspective on advocacy and justice.
*Challenges:* Legal education may be a significant investment of time and resources. Adapting to the rigorous nature of legal practice can be challenging.
*Of Interest:* Former teachers bring a distinctive blend of analytical rigor and compassionate understanding of diverse perspectives to the legal field. Advocating for justice takes on new dimensions with your teaching intuition.
6. Psychologist - National Average: $98,133
Your teaching journey has equipped you with a profound understanding of student dynamics. Transitioning to a psychologist role allows you to leverage your empathy, active listening, and interpersonal skills. Pursuing additional certification with a master's or doctoral degree in psychology and state licensure opens doors to this fulfilling career.
*Challenges:* Shifting from a classroom setting to private practice may involve a learning curve in managing client relationships. Psychologists often need to adapt to the unique challenges of each individual.
*Of Interest:* Psychologists contribute significantly to the mental well-being of individuals. Your understanding of behavior and emotions can be a powerful asset in this profession.
7. Principal - National Average: $105,298
As a former teacher, the role of a principal might be a seamless fit. Your leadership skills cultivated in the classroom are invaluable for steering an entire school. Managing staff, implementing curriculum changes, and fostering a positive learning environment align with the skills you've honed. Additional certification in school leadership or as a principal is a common requirement, but your teaching background serves as a strong foundation, and may be a requirement.
*Challenges:* Transitioning to an administrative role may demand adapting to a broader scope of responsibilities and navigating administrative bureaucracy. Principals often find it challenging to balance academic goals with bureaucratic demands.
*Of Interest:* Principals play a crucial role in shaping educational policies and cultivating a positive school culture. If you're passionate about systemic change and have a knack for leadership, this path may be fulfilling.
Each of these career paths offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, and your preparation as a teacher makes them a little easier than you may imagine. Of course, the vacation time that each profession allows may vary, and may be less than that of a teacher, so you should carefully think about how you want to be compensated for your actual time (and the work that it entails).
As you consider your next steps, reflect on your skills, interests, and motivations. Seek guidance from professionals who have successfully made similar transitions, and remember that your teaching experience equips you with a diverse skill set. Consider these career as pathways to greater financial security
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