5 High-Paying Jobs You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Education (EdD)
Are you passionate about shaping the future of education? Do you want to take your career in education to the next level? A doctorate in education can open doors to exciting and well-paying leadership opportunities.
Whether you’re passionate about shaping young minds or driving higher education innovation, it equips you with the skills and credentials to make an impact. Beyond the field of teaching, it can propel you into positions with significant decision-making power and competitive salaries.
But what exactly can you do after receiving a doctorate in education? Let’s explore some top career paths and their earning potential.
1. College President
Becoming a college president is among the most prestigious roles attainable with an EdD. College presidents oversee all operations within a higher education institution, including academic policies, faculty management, and financial strategies.
As of 2024, college presidents, on average, earn $335,555 annually. The yearly pay for most, however, ranges between $254,638 and $465,998. Salary.com reveals that top earners make upwards of $580,000, whereas the lowest-paid earn as low as $181,000 every year. Entry-level positions offer an average annual salary of $285,427, while professionals with more than eight years of experience can earn over $320,000.
The responsibilities of a college president extend to representing the institution at public events and fostering relationships with donors and stakeholders, which is vital for funding and development. This role is best suited for those enthusiastic about transforming the trajectory of higher education. It offers the opportunity to have a profound influence on students and communities.
While salary is crucial, it’s not the only element to consider when selecting a career path. Think about your passions, skills, and values. Do you thrive in a dynamic environment or choose a more collaborative setting? Are you drawn to research and teaching? Do you enjoy leading and managing teams?
Consider all these factors before enrolling. For working professionals seeking advancement, online doctorate education programs provide a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree. They allow you to study while balancing your private and professional obligations. The program focuses on applied and practical education.
Spalding University reveals that actively working individuals should allocate 20–25 hours per week to keep up with the coursework and projects. Upon completing this program, you can apply for roles in educational, business, non-profit, and public leadership.
2. Chief Learning Officer
In today’s rapidly evolving world, organizations across all sectors are recognizing the importance of continuous learning and development. A chief learning officer (CLO) works at the intersection of education and corporate strategy. They are responsible for designing and implementing training strategies consistent with the company’s mission.
Professionals in this role are highly sought after in markets ranging from technology to healthcare and are offered competitive pay.
With a median annual salary of $156,339, this role leverages your curriculum development expertise and leadership to drive organizational growth. Payscale reveals that top earners make as much as $214,000, whereas the lowest-paid earners make as low as $97,000. CLOs with 1 to 4 years of experience make an average of $110,000, whereas experienced (10+ years) can make upwards of $160,000 yearly.
Popular skills that influence salary include leadership, strategizing, training program development, and organizational development. If you’re interested in how education can transform workplaces, pursuing an EdD focused on leadership or training development will be a smart choice.
3. Provost
Provosts play a pivotal role in shaping academic standards within universities. They manage faculty appointments, oversee curriculum development, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards. This position requires an in-depth understanding of higher education, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to academic excellence. Many often start as department chairs before advancing to this role.
Moreover, it demands a balance of strategic vision and hands-on leadership. According to Glassdoor, the standard annual salary for a provost is $218,000. However, top earners make over $290,000, whereas the lowest paid earn around $163,000 annually. OpenPayrolls reveals that the highest compensating employer for this post was Georgia Institute of Technology (GT), averaging $582,053.
4. Training and Development Manager
Beyond traditional educational settings, a doctorate in education can also lead to rewarding careers in the corporate world. Training and development managers are critical in optimizing employee productivity and engagement within organizations. They design training modules, implement leadership programs, and evaluate employee development strategies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career path offers a median annual salary of $138,450. This amounts to an average hourly pay of $66.56. However, those at the top earn about $80.19 per hour, or $220,060 annually. Top-paying industries include media networks, information providers, legal services, merchant wholesalers, and scientific research and development services.
5. School Superintendent
As a school superintendent, you’ll oversee entire school districts, ensuring educational standards and policies are met. Superintendents manage budgets, lead strategic planning, and often advocate for funding and policy changes at the state level. They work closely with school boards, principals, and teachers to ensure students receive quality education.
ZipRecruiter reveals the median annual salary of a school superintendent is $100,927. However, the salary range varies from $29,000 to as much as $152,000, with the majority earning between $66,000 and $128,500 per year. Those in the 90th percentile make upwards of $140,000 annually. The highest-paying cities in the country include Soledad, CA; Nome, AK; and Berkeley, CA, followed by Sitka, AK, and Pittsfield, MA.
This role is ideal for those with a K–12 education background who want to advance into district-wide leadership. The role requires skills in budgeting, policymaking, and community relations. Professionals in this field often have backgrounds in human resources or corporate leadership. The role combines education expertise with business strategy. Training managers mostly work in healthcare, technology, and finance.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. What’s the difference between a PhD and an EdD in Education?
While both are doctoral degrees, an EdD focuses on practical leadership and solving real-world education challenges. PhD programs emphasize theoretical research and academia. EdD graduates typically pursue administrative roles, while PhD holders choose research or teaching positions.
Q2. How long does it take to get an EdD?
It generally takes 3 to 7 years to complete an EdD program, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Online programs usually offer more flexibility, allowing you to finish faster. However, your individual pace and program requirements will ultimately determine the duration.
Q3. Is an EdD worth it?
Yes, it’s worth it, especially if you plan to apply to leadership roles in education or related fields. It can boost your earning potential, provide new opportunities, and equip you with the skills to make a difference. However, consider your career goals and whether the investment aligns with your aspirations before committing.
Ultimately, earning a doctorate in education can offer rewarding, high-paying careers that allow you to impact education systems, organizations, and industries at large. Whether you want to guide corporate learning initiatives or manage a school district, this program provides the necessary flexibility and specialized training.
Research these roles, connect with professionals in the field, and plan your career path. As you explore your options, consider how this degree aligns with your career aspirations and prepares you for these transformative roles. The future of education needs dedicated leaders like you.
