A master's in elementary education can further develop your teaching skills and prepare you for college teaching or leadership roles within education organizations. If you are interested in pursuing a master's in elementary education, take a look at the following salaries and career options.
Master's in Elementary Education Selected Jobs and Salaries:
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2020-2030)* |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,970 | 10% |
| Elementary, Secondary and High School Principals, local | $99,690 | 8% |
| Elementary, Secondary and High School Principals, private | $89,350 | 8% |
| Post-Secondary Teachers | $80,560 | 12% |
| Post-Secondary Education Administrators | $97,500 | 8% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Boost Your Salary
When a teacher earns a master's in elementary education and is promoted to a higher-level position, he or she can expect a salary increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2020, the median salary for a kindergarten and elementary school teacher with a bachelor's degree was $60,660; however, master's prepared instructional coordinators could expect a median salary of $66,970. The median salary for an elementary, middle or high school principal at a local or public school was $99,690 in 2020. A principal working at a private school earned $89,350. Post-secondary teachers earned $80,560 per year and post-secondary administrators earned a median salary of $97,500.
Increase Your Career Options
A master's program in elementary education offers the opportunity to specialize in an area like administration or curriculum development. Teachers who earn master's degrees often serve as mentors to new teachers or in administrative roles such as instructional coordinators, assistant principals or principals. Persons holding degrees in areas other than elementary education can also complete a master's program to learn elementary education teaching skills. Some colleges and universities offer the opportunity to earn a master's and a teaching certificate concurrently.
Post-Secondary Teaching Opportunities
Some teachers pursue a master's in elementary education to qualify for teaching positions in post-secondary institutions such as community colleges or universities. At this level, master's prepared elementary educators teach and prepare students who are studying for associate or bachelor's degrees in education. Additionally, they write scholarly papers and participate in research. There are also opportunities to work as administrators in post-secondary education. In this capacity, educators serve in leadership roles related to academics, research or student services.
Government and Private Sector Opportunities
Teachers who hold master's degrees in early education often work in the private sector or as administrators in government agencies that regulate public education. In the private sector, an elementary educator with a master's degree may develop curriculum and other educational materials; write test items, or work as an educational consultant. Each state has a government agency that regulates public schools. Opportunities available in these settings include developing training for teachers, developing standards for curriculum and serving as consultants to help low-performing schools improve performance.
Whether you want to improve your teaching skills, or seek a higher paying job in the field of elementary education, a master's in elementary education can help. If you are interested in pursuing a master's in elementary education, begin by assessing your career goals and looking at what graduate schools have to offer.
