The value of an education degree has been debated for years. Some have argued that an education degree is no longer helpful in the current job market. On the other hand, others contend that an education degree is still one of the most valuable degrees you can pursue.
So, which is it – is an education degree worth it or not?
In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the argument and help you decide whether an education degree is right for you.
The Pros of Pursuing an Education Degree
1. Improved Career Prospects
With an education degree, you will have the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of teaching and learning theories, as well as practical experience working with students in a variety of settings.
This will make you well-prepared to enter the job market and compete for teaching positions at schools, universities, and other educational institutions.
Additionally, an education degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities beyond the traditional role of a classroom teacher. For example, you may choose to become a school administrator, educational consultant, or instructional coach.
You also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of education, such as early childhood education or special education.
BLS employment projections data show that overall employment in education, training, and library occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031- as fast as the average for all occupations.
Besides, with an education degree, you get a robust foundation for pursuing advanced degrees in education or related fields, which can further enhance your career prospects.
2. Salary
According to BLS, the 2021 median annual wage for education, training, and library occupations was $57,220.
| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers | Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential. | $59,720 |
| Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers | Archivists and curators oversee institutions’ collections, such as of historical items or of artwork. Museum technicians and conservators prepare and restore items in those collections. | $50,120 |
| Career and Technical Education Teachers | Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts. | $61,160 |
| High School Teachers | High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and enter the job market. | $61,820 |
| Instructional Coordinators | Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. | $63,740 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling. | $61,350 |
| Librarians and Library Media Specialists | Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. | $61,190 |
| Library Technicians and Assistants | Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. | $34,050 |
| Middle School Teachers | Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades. | $61,320 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. | $79,640 |
| Preschool Teachers | Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. | $30,210 |
| Special Education Teachers | Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. | $61,820 |
| Teacher Assistants | Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction. | $29,360 |
The Cons of Pursuing an Education Degree
I. Lower Starting Salary
One potential disadvantage of pursuing an education degree is that it may not lead to as high of a starting salary as some other fields.
While the earning potential for teachers generally increases with higher levels of education and experience, starting salaries for teachers may be lower than those in other professions.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for an Entry Level Teacher in the US is $34,637- as of Dec 2022. Top earners make approximately $50,000 annually – with the State of California recording higher salaries than the rest of the states.
II. Time and Financial Commitment
Another potential disadvantage is the time and financial commitment required to earn an education degree. A bachelor’s degree in education typically takes four years to complete and may involve student loans or other forms of financial aid.
In addition, some education programs may require clinical or field experiences, which can be time-consuming and may require additional financial resources.
III. Challenging Work Environment
Finally, it’s important to note that the job of a teacher is challenging and may involve long hours and a significant amount of stress.
Teachers may have to work evenings and weekends to prepare lessons, grade papers, and attend meetings, and they may also be required to work with difficult students or deal with challenging behavior.
Despite these challenges, many people who pursue an education degree find the rewards of teaching to be well worth the effort.
So, Is an Education Degree worth it?
In conclusion, pursuing an education degree can lead to improved career prospects, increased earning potential, and personal fulfillment.
With an education degree, you can take advantage of the flexibility to tailor your career path to your interests and strengths, and you can make a positive impact on society by helping to educate and inspire young people.
While earning an education degree may involve a significant time and financial commitment, the rewards of teaching can be well worth the effort if you are passionate about this field.
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