Embarking on a career shift opens doors to fresh opportunities, be it delving into uncharted territories, boosting your income, or following a long-held passion. As a teacher, whether you’re presently shaping minds or have already left the classroom, numerous industries value the skills ingrained in teaching. Identifying roles that leverage your educational expertise can pave the way for a fulfilling career transition.
Throughout this article, we highlight skills honed in teaching that seamlessly transfer to various professions. We’ll explore 35 diverse job options tailored for former teachers, shedding light on salary expectations and typical responsibilities for each role.
Table Of Contents
Unveiling Transferable Teaching Skills
In steering your career away from teaching, it’s crucial to explore avenues that capitalize on your transferable skills. Delve into the versatile skill set acquired in the classroom, and discover how these aptitudes can seamlessly transition to other industries.
Teaching, Coaching, and Mentoring
For those seeking a non-classroom teaching career, roles involving training and coaching provide a natural fit. Teachers excel in crafting lesson plans, harnessing educational technology, overseeing activities, and providing constructive feedback. These proficiencies position former educators as effective coaches and mentors in various settings. Corporate organizations, for instance, frequently enlist learning and development specialists to design and lead impactful training initiatives. Such skills also prove invaluable in managerial positions across diverse industries.
Interpersonal Skills
Teachers inherently possess robust people skills, having honed the art of building meaningful connections with students. Proficiencies in group motivation, active listening, and conflict resolution—essential in the teaching realm—translate seamlessly into careers demanding heightened interpersonal interaction, compassion, and relationship-building. Industries like sales, social work, and healthcare are prime examples where these skills find significant applicability.
Specialized Skills
If your teaching background is anchored in a specific discipline—be it math, science, or music—you wield a profound understanding of that subject. Leverage your specialized skills to carve out a career aligned with your expertise. For instance, a math teacher could apply their mastery of algebra, statistics, and calculus in roles related to data science or financial analysis. An English teacher might channel their writing and editing prowess into fields like journalism or content marketing.
Jobs for former teachers in education and childcare
For educators seeking roles that remain rooted in education and development, numerous options exist outside the traditional classroom setting. Opportunities span from working directly with children to crafting instructional content or assuming leadership positions within educational institutions. It’s important to note that certain roles in educational leadership or school administration may necessitate a master’s degree. Below, we outline alternative positions within the education and child-care domains that stand to gain from a teaching background and classroom experience:
For the latest salary information, refer to indeed.com/salaries.
1. Academic Advisor: Guiding Students Toward Educational Success
In the realm of academic advising, professionals play a pivotal role in aiding college students to discern their strengths and interests, facilitating informed decisions regarding their educational journey. The primary duties of academic advisors encompass elucidating the prerequisites for diverse majors and degrees, providing support for schedule adjustments, and assisting transfer students in acclimating to their new academic environment. This crucial role involves a personalized approach to guide students on the most suitable educational courses, fostering a pathway to success throughout their college experience.
National average salary: $45,508 per year
2. Nanny: Providing Compassionate Care in the Absence of Parents
Nannies assume the vital responsibility of caring for children during the absence of their parents or guardians. In the private sector, their primary duties extend beyond basic supervision, encompassing the fulfillment of a child’s personal needs. Private nannies actively engage in planning enriching activities, offering transportation to and from school and various engagements, and providing valuable assistance with homework. Additionally, some nannies contribute to the household by assisting with light housework, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the children under their care.
National average salary: $48,082 per year
3. Tutors: Fostering Academic Excellence Beyond the Classroom
Tutors play a crucial role in bolstering students’ academic achievements by offering supplementary instruction outside the traditional classroom setting. Their primary duties revolve around assisting students in specific subjects or a variety of subjects. This includes aiding with homework assignments, developing student guides, and elucidating alternative approaches to tackle challenging topics. Tutors contribute to a personalized learning experience, providing invaluable support to students as they navigate their academic journey and strive for excellence.
National average salary: $51,771 per year
4. Guidance Counselors: Nurturing Emotional Well-being and Academic Success
Guidance counselors, integral members of elementary, middle, and high school communities, play a pivotal role in offering emotional support and guidance to students. Their primary duties encompass a spectrum of tasks aimed at enhancing students’ overall well-being. This includes aiding students in identifying strengths and interests, fostering emotional skills, managing conflicts, and promoting personal and social development. Additionally, guidance counselors actively contribute to students’ academic journey by assisting in the cultivation of positive study habits, facilitating academic success, providing guidance on college preparation, and aiding in making informed career choices. Through a holistic approach, guidance counselors strive to create an environment that supports both the emotional and academic growth of each student.
National average salary: $53,529 per year
5. Librarian: Curating Knowledge and Facilitating Access
Librarians serve as custodians of knowledge, entrusted with managing the diverse materials within school or public libraries. At the heart of their role are key responsibilities such as selecting, acquiring, classifying, cataloging, circulating, and maintaining the library’s extensive collection, which includes books, newspapers, magazines, movies, and computers. Beyond the organizational aspects, librarians also actively engage with library visitors, answering questions, and assisting in the location of resources. In essence, librarians play a pivotal role in curating information, fostering an environment that encourages exploration, learning, and discovery.
National average salary: $55,839 per year
6. Curator: Preserving and Presenting Cultural Treasures
Curators, entrusted with the stewardship of art, historical documents, and artifacts within museums, play a pivotal role in managing these cultural treasures. While specific duties may vary depending on the museum, a curator’s core responsibilities include acquiring items for the museum’s collection, ensuring the care and maintenance of museum displays, and offering insightful information to visitors about the exhibits. With a passion for preserving history and art, curators contribute to the richness of cultural institutions by meticulously curating and presenting collections that inspire and educate museum patrons.
National average salary: $57,731 per year
7. Corporate Trainer: Nurturing Professional Development in the Business Realm
Corporate trainers operate within corporate environments, playing a crucial role in equipping both new and existing employees with essential job skills. Their primary duties encompass the development of comprehensive training plans, the delivery of effective employee training sessions, the creation of instructional materials, and the ongoing assessment of employee progress throughout the training process. With a focus on fostering continuous learning, corporate trainers contribute to the enhancement of workforce proficiency, ensuring that employees are well-equipped with the skills necessary for success in their respective roles within the corporate landscape.
National average salary: $59,865 per year
8. Educational Consultant: Guiding Academic Excellence Across the Educational Landscape
Educational consultants serve as academic advisors to a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, parents, school boards, teachers, and academic organizations. Their primary duties involve assessing and offering recommendations in critical areas such as academic curriculum, student activities, integration of technology, and enhancements to classroom practices. With a focus on providing strategic guidance, educational consultants contribute to the continuous improvement of educational environments, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and enriching academic experience.
National average salary: $61,432 per year
9. School Principal: Leading Educational Excellence at the Helm
School principals hold the paramount position as leaders in elementary, middle, or high school settings. Their multifaceted responsibilities encompass steering the school’s strategic direction, crafting standardized curricula, fostering parent involvement, and overseeing the overall progress of students. Principals play a pivotal role in evaluating teacher effectiveness, formulating and implementing policies and procedures, and providing vigilant supervision over the actions of students, teachers, and staff. As educational leaders, principals play a key role in creating a conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and holistic development within the school community.
National average salary: $105,298 per year
Jobs for former teachers in healthcare
The health care industry presents an appealing avenue for teachers seeking lucrative salaries, job security, and an opportunity to leverage their well-honed interpersonal skills. The transition to health care is facilitated by teachers’ innate ability to empathize, articulate complex concepts, and devise structured plans to achieve personalized goals. It’s important to note that pursuing a career in health care often entails additional training and licensing, necessitating thorough research into state-specific requirements. Here are some promising health care careers for former teachers to consider:
10. Life Skills Trainer: Empowering Recovery Through Everyday Competence
Life skills trainers play a crucial role in guiding clients recovering from illness, injury, or disability towards regaining independence in everyday tasks. Their primary duties involve imparting fundamental life skills essential for accomplishing and managing daily activities. This includes hands-on assistance with tasks such as cooking, personal hygiene, and managing personal finances. Life skills trainers contribute significantly to the rehabilitation process, empowering individuals to navigate their daily lives with confidence and autonomy.
National average salary: $40,596 per year
11. Personal Trainer: Guiding Clients Towards Fitness Success
In the realm of fitness, personal trainers take on the pivotal role of assisting clients in achieving their individual fitness goals. Their primary duties encompass collaborating with clients to identify their fitness objectives, tailoring personalized fitness plans, instructing proper exercise techniques, and providing motivation to adhere to their fitness regimen. Personal trainers also play a role in monitoring and tracking clients’ progress while facilitating referrals to specialists, such as dietitians, to ensure a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Through a combination of expertise and encouragement, personal trainers empower clients to embark on and sustain their fitness journey successfully.
National average salary: $40,688 per year
12. Medical Assistant: Bridging Care and Administration
In the healthcare realm, medical assistants serve as indispensable support to physicians, seamlessly managing both administrative and patient care tasks. Core responsibilities include warmly greeting patients, ushering them to examination rooms, gathering medical histories, and recording vital signs. Beyond patient care, medical assistants handle critical administrative duties such as managing insurance and patient billing, fielding phone calls, and efficiently scheduling appointments. They play a crucial role in patient education, elucidating diagnoses and treatment plans. The versatility of medical assistants makes them instrumental in ensuring the smooth flow of healthcare services, balancing both compassionate patient care and efficient administrative functions.
National average salary: $42,394 per year
13. Child Protection Practitioner: Safeguarding the Well-being of Children
Dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and overall well-being of children, child protection practitioners employed by child protective services play a pivotal role in investigating claims related to potential abuse or neglect within households. Their primary duties involve thorough examinations of allegations, working closely with families to identify and address risky behavior and parenting practices that may compromise the safety and well-being of children. By navigating complex situations with empathy and expertise, child protection practitioners strive to create environments that foster the optimal growth and development of every child under their care.
14. Activities Director: Enriching Lives Through Purposeful Engagement
Activities directors play a vital role in enhancing the lives of seniors residing in retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and residential health care settings. Their primary duties revolve around meticulously planning and coordinating a spectrum of recreational and therapeutic activities. These activities are thoughtfully selected to be both stimulating and enjoyable, contributing to the overall well-being of the seniors. Activities directors take charge of various aspects, including the supervision of facilitators, booking entertainment, and crafting a dynamic activities calendar. Through their dedication, they create an atmosphere that promotes social engagement and enriches the lives of seniors through meaningful and enjoyable pursuits.
National average salary: $51,847 per year
15. Substance Abuse Counselor: Guiding Recovery with Compassionate Care
Substance abuse counselors play a pivotal role in the journey to recovery for individuals grappling with addiction and substance abuse issues. Their primary duties revolve around delivering emotional and therapeutic support through one-on-one therapy sessions. With a focus on understanding the root causes of addiction, substance abuse counselors work closely with individuals to identify and analyze underlying issues. Additionally, they play a crucial role in making referrals to tailored recovery programs, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals on their path to sobriety. Through empathetic guidance, substance abuse counselors contribute to fostering lasting recovery and improved well-being.
National average salary: $52,172 per year
16. Dental Assistant: Orchestrating Efficiency in Oral Care
Dental assistants are integral members of dental care teams, supporting dentists in various capacities. Their primary duties encompass crucial clinical tasks, including the sterilization and organization of tools and the capture of X-rays. Beyond the clinical realm, dental assistants actively contribute to the smooth operation of the dental office by handling administrative and office management responsibilities. This includes efficiently managing records, fielding phone calls, and coordinating appointments. With a versatile skill set, dental assistants play a pivotal role in ensuring both the clinical and administrative aspects of dental practices run seamlessly, ultimately contributing to the delivery of quality oral care.
National average salary: $69,554 per year
17. Occupational Therapy Assistant: Empowering Recovery and Adaptation
Occupational therapy assistants play a vital role in collaboration with occupational therapists, implementing treatment plans aimed at aiding patients in their journey to recovery, improvement, and the maintenance of mobility and strength following an injury or event. Their primary duties extend to assisting individuals of all ages in readjusting to the demands of their workplace, school, or home environments. With a focus on enhancing functionality and adaptability, occupational therapy assistants contribute significantly to the holistic rehabilitation of patients, facilitating their return to daily activities and promoting overall well-being.
National average salary: $74,218 per year
18. Board-Certified Behavior Analyst: Precision in Behavioral Assessment and Therapy
Board-certified behavior analysts play a critical role in the field of behavioral health, specializing in the preparation and execution of behavioral assessments and evaluations for patients. Collaborating with other mental health care professionals, they contribute to the development of comprehensive therapy plans. Board-certified behavior analysts operate in both research and applied behavior analysis, applying principles gleaned from research to deliver specialized behavioral therapy services. With a commitment to precision and evidence-based practices, they play a pivotal role in enhancing the understanding and treatment of behavioral challenges, contributing to the overall well-being of their clients.
National average salary: $78,582 per year
19. Registered Nurse (RN): Compassionate Care and Clinical Expertise
Registered nurses (RNs) play a vital role in supporting physicians and delivering comprehensive care and treatment to patients across various health conditions. Their primary duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including checking and monitoring patient vital signs, administering medications, and closely observing a patient’s progress in recovery. Beyond these clinical tasks, RNs also serve as educators, providing valuable information to patients and their families about diagnoses and treatment plans. With a blend of compassion and clinical expertise, RNs contribute significantly to the well-being and recovery of individuals under their care.
National average salary: $92,607 per year
20. Psychologist: Nurturing Cognitive and Emotional Well-being
Psychologists play a crucial role in supporting patients on their journey to optimal cognitive and emotional health. Their primary duties encompass a range of activities, including administering tests for mental health conditions and offering counseling services to enhance emotional well-being. Additionally, psychologists are skilled in diagnosing and treating a spectrum of mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions, employing a variety of interventions such as medication, therapeutic exercises, and counseling. Through their expertise, psychologists contribute to the holistic care and improvement of individuals’ mental health, fostering resilience and well-being.
National average salary: $98,133 per year
Exploring Business Opportunities for Former Teachers
For those inclined towards an office environment, the realms of sales, marketing, and business management offer promising avenues that align well with the interpersonal, writing, and strategic skills honed by teachers. While certain positions may call for additional qualifications such as industry certifications or specific degrees, many employers value candidates with transferable experiences like teaching. It’s advisable to conduct preliminary research to understand potential requirements. Here are some business roles where a teacher’s skills can be highly valuable:
21. Event Planner: Crafting Unforgettable Moments with Precision
Event planners take on the intricate responsibility of orchestrating all elements of a client’s event, be it a birthday party, wedding, anniversary celebration, bridal shower, or baby shower. Their primary duties revolve around collaboratively working with clients to comprehend their vision for the event and translating it into reality. This includes booking vendors, meticulously planning decorations, and effectively managing the event’s budget. With a keen eye for detail and organizational finesse, event planners play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless and memorable occasions that align with their clients’ dreams and expectations.
National average salary: $49,188 per year
22. Freelance Writer: Crafting Compelling Content Across Platforms
Freelance writers operate as independent contractors, offering their writing expertise to a diverse clientele seeking various types of written content. Their primary duties involve creating engaging and informative material for different platforms, including blogs, website content, social media posts, and print advertisements such as brochures. As versatile wordsmiths, freelance writers navigate the unique demands of each project, capturing the essence of their clients’ messages and delivering content that resonates with target audiences. With a commitment to creativity and communication, freelance writers contribute to the effective communication and branding efforts of their clients across various mediums.
National average salary: $49,265 per year
23. Insurance Agent: Safeguarding Futures through Informed Choices
Insurance agents play a crucial role in the financial well-being of individuals and businesses by offering tailored insurance solutions. Their primary duties involve guiding clients through the selection of insurance products that align with their unique needs. In the process, insurance agents meticulously explain the features and benefits of various policies, ensuring clients make informed decisions. Beyond consultation, agents screen clients for eligibility, adeptly close sales, and facilitate the completion of insurance applications. Through their expertise, insurance agents contribute to the protection and security of clients’ futures by providing comprehensive coverage options.
National average salary: $55,583 per year
24. Paralegal: Facilitating Legal Excellence through Support
Paralegals play an integral role in supporting lawyers by managing administrative and communication tasks essential to legal proceedings. Their primary duties encompass organizing and maintaining files, drafting legal documents, and conducting extensive legal research. In addition, paralegals actively participate in client meetings and depositions, handle client billing, and undertake various other legal responsibilities as required. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to efficiency, paralegals contribute significantly to the smooth operation of legal practices, ensuring that lawyers can focus on delivering optimal legal services.
National average salary: $56,444 per year
25. Social Media Manager: Nurturing Brand Presence in the Digital Realm
Social media managers play a pivotal role in curating and maintaining a company’s online presence. Their primary duties involve strategic planning to achieve marketing and sales goals through various social media platforms. Key responsibilities include crafting engaging posts, orchestrating social media marketing campaigns, fostering brand awareness, and actively responding to audience comments. With a finger on the pulse of digital trends, social media managers contribute to the dynamic landscape of online marketing, ensuring that a company’s brand resonates effectively with its target audience.
National average salary: $56,701 per year
26. Sales and Marketing Manager: Driving Growth and Brand Recognition
Sales and marketing managers play a pivotal role in advancing a company’s products and services while elevating brand awareness. Their primary duties encompass a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including preparing and analyzing budgets, devising and implementing innovative sales strategies and advertisements, and overseeing the achievement of sales team goals and quotas. With a strategic mindset, sales and marketing managers contribute to the overall growth and success of the company, ensuring that it remains competitive and attains its marketing and sales objectives.
National average salary: $57,293 per year
27. Editor: Sculpting Excellence in Written Expression
Editors play a pivotal role in refining and enhancing written content for various platforms, including magazines, books, newspapers, websites, and print advertisements. Their primary duties revolve around meticulous review and improvement of materials, making necessary revisions to ensure clarity and quality. Editors actively engage in the selection of pitches for publication, effectively communicating goals to writers, and coordinating the seamless publication of materials. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining editorial standards, editors contribute significantly to the creation of polished and impactful written works across diverse mediums.
National average salary: $57,916 per year
28. Human Resources Specialist: Nurturing Talent and Workplace Harmony
Human resources specialists play a crucial role in the employee lifecycle within a company. Their primary duties encompass a spectrum of responsibilities, starting with recruiting, interviewing, screening, and onboarding new employees. Beyond the initial stages, they actively contribute to maintaining a positive work culture by managing employee benefits and effectively resolving conflicts. With a focus on talent acquisition, retention, and fostering a harmonious work environment, human resources specialists are instrumental in ensuring the well-being and engagement of employees throughout their tenure with the company.
National average salary: $58,039 per year
29. Research Analyst: Illuminating Insights through Data Mastery
Research analysts take on the critical role of delving into, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data related to their company and industry. Their primary duties span the spectrum of research, where they diligently study market trends, input data into software programs, forecast potential changes, and offer valuable insights into business operations and customer satisfaction through both quantitative and qualitative data. With a mastery of data analysis, research analysts play a pivotal role in shaping informed decisions and strategies, contributing to the growth and success of their company in a dynamic and ever-evolving market.
National average salary: $61,044 per year
30. Executive Assistant: Navigating Efficiency for Executive Leadership
Executive assistants serve as the backbone of administrative and clerical support for executive leaders. Their primary duties encompass a wide array of tasks designed to streamline the workflow and operations of the leadership team. This includes promptly answering and responding to phone calls, skillfully managing appointments and calendars, and preparing meticulous meeting agendas. Beyond these responsibilities, executive assistants play a crucial role in coordinating travel arrangements and facilitating seamless communication through the distribution of memos. With a focus on efficiency and organization, executive assistants contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of executive offices.
National average salary: $61,740 per year
31. Public Relations Manager: Shaping Positive Perceptions and Brand Recognition
Public relations managers shoulder the vital responsibility of cultivating and preserving a positive public image for their company or client while bolstering brand awareness. Their primary duties encompass a diverse set of tasks aimed at fostering a favorable perception. This includes responding to reviews and media requests, orchestrating impactful press conferences, and crafting compelling communications highlighting the brand’s accomplishments. With a strategic approach to communication, public relations managers play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining a positive narrative that resonates with the target audience and contributes to the overall success of the brand.
National average salary: $65,199 per year
32. Sales Representative: Navigating Success through the Sales Cycle
Sales representatives are instrumental in driving a company’s revenue by effectively selling goods or services to consumers, businesses, and wholesalers. Their primary duties span the entirety of the sales cycle, showcasing a comprehensive skill set. This includes prospecting for new customers, adeptly presenting the benefits and features of the product or service, skillfully closing the sale, and crucially, maintaining positive relationships between the company and customers. With a blend of persuasion, relationship-building, and customer-centric focus, sales representatives play a pivotal role in the success and growth of the company they represent.
National average salary: $68,157 per year
33. Sales Manager: Orchestrating Success in Sales Teams
Sales managers serve as dynamic leaders, overseeing a company’s sales teams and driving them toward success. Their primary duties revolve around leading and motivating a team of sales representatives to meet set goals and quotas. This leadership role often involves conducting training sessions, engaging with clients, and providing comprehensive reports on sales data to upper management. With a strategic vision and the ability to inspire, sales managers play a pivotal role in shaping and executing successful sales strategies, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the company.
National average salary: $75,765 per year
34. Realtor: Guiding Real Estate Journeys with Expertise and Advocacy
Realtors serve as indispensable guides in the real estate realm, specializing in the sale of residential or commercial properties. Their primary duties encompass supporting clients throughout the entire real estate process. This includes actively assisting clients in finding or listing properties, arranging and conducting property showings, and meticulously preparing documentation. Beyond these tasks, realtors play a crucial role in advocating for their clients’ best interests, ensuring a smooth and successful real estate transaction. With a blend of expertise and advocacy, realtors contribute significantly to the fulfillment of their clients’ property goals.
National average salary: $93,403 per year
35. Attorney: Championing Legal Rights and Providing Expert Counsel
Attorneys, as licensed legal professionals, play a pivotal role in providing clients with legal advice and steadfastly representing their legal rights in both criminal and civil cases within the courtroom. Their primary duties extend beyond courtroom appearances to include the meticulous preparation of legal documents, in-depth legal research, and the provision of comprehensive counsel to individuals, families, or companies. Attorneys bring forth their expertise to navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocating for justice and protecting the rights of their clients with unwavering dedication and diligence.
National average salary: $96,057 per year
Final Thought on Jobs for Former Teachers
Video: How to Change Industries or Careers With No Experience.
