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Education & Childcare career
Education Professor
Also called: Teacher Education Professor · Education Faculty · Curriculum Professor · Educational Leadership Professor
What education professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an education professor do?
Education teachers, postsecondary, teach courses that prepare future teachers, principals and counselors, and research teaching and learning. The median pay is $75,350 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 8+ years including teaching, and employment is projected to grow +2.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$75,350Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.5%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year5,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train8+ years including teachingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs77,200Employment, 2025
What education professors do
Education professors prepare teachers and school leaders. They teach methods courses, child development, classroom management and educational psychology, supervise student teachers in schools, research topics such as literacy or equity, and partner with school districts.
Most hold a doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) and prior K–12 teaching experience.
Typical duties
- Teach teacher preparation courses
- Supervise student teachers
- Conduct education research
- Partner with schools
- Advise students
- Develop programs
- Support licensure requirements
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, K–12 schools and offices.
Schedule: Teaching, school visits and research, including evening classes.
A day in the life
- Observe a student teacher.
- Debrief the lesson.
- Teach a literacy methods course.
- Meet a district partner.
See a full day in the life of an education professor →
Education Professor salary
Half of education professors earned more than $75,350 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $39,530 for the lowest 10% to $126,860 for the top 10%.
Full education professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an education professor
- Earn a bachelor’s and license
- Teach for several years
- Earn a master’s
- Earn a doctorate
- Get hired
A doctorate in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) and K–12 teaching experience are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an education professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Pedagogy
- Curriculum design
- Classroom observation
- Education research
- Assessment
People skills
- Mentoring
- Communication
- Empathy
- Collaboration
All education professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shape future teachers
- Stay connected to schools
- Research that matters
- Flexible schedule
Cons
- Lower pay for academia
- Travel to schools
- Accreditation paperwork
- Policy changes
Certifications and licenses
- Ed.D. or Ph.D.: Doctoral degree.
- Teaching license: K–12 experience.
- National Board Certification: Valued credential.
- Research grants: IES and foundations.
Career path
- K–12 Teacher: Experience.
- Clinical Faculty: Supervise.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Professor or Dean: Lead education schools.
Learn the job before day one
Our Education Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as observe and coach a student teacher and teach a methods course, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Education Professor vs. Elementary Teacher · Education Professor vs. Instructional Coordinator · Education Professor vs. School Principal · Education Professor vs. High School Teacher
Education Professor FAQ
Do education professors need K–12 experience?
Usually, yes.
What degree do they need?
Usually an Ed.D. or Ph.D.
Do they visit schools?
Yes, to supervise student teachers.
How much does an education professor make?
The median annual wage for education professors was $75,350 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $39,530 and the highest 10% earned more than $126,860.
How long does it take to become an education professor?
Most people need about 8+ years including teaching of training. A doctorate in education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) and K–12 teaching experience are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an education professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a doctorate, while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
More education professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1081 (Education teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Education teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.