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Can a Master’s in Education Increase Your Salary?

Can a Master’s in Education Increase Your Salary?

Having competent and well-trained teachers is critical for students’ academic success. A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Educational Research noted that teachers’ professional competency was among the primary factors influencing educational outcomes.

One of the best ways for teachers to strengthen their expertise and help to ensure student success is to pursue graduate education. Obtaining a graduate degree also offers other benefits to teachers. For example, by completing a Master of Arts (MA) in Education degree program, teachers typically can earn higher salaries. 

Any teacher considering going to graduate school needs to learn about master’s in education salaries and other benefits of graduate education.

How Much Do Teachers Make?

How much teachers make can vary based on the grade level they teach. The teachers’ salaries below are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

  • Kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $63,670.
  • Kindergarten and elementary school teachers in the lowest 10% of the salary range earned less than $46,960.
  • Kindergarten and elementary school teachers in the highest 10% of the salary range earned more than $104,440.

Middle School Teachers

  • Middle school teachers earned a median annual salary of $64,290.
  • Middle school teachers in the lowest 10% of the salary range earned less than $47,490.
  • Middle school teachers in the highest 10% of the salary range earned more than $104,410.

High School Teachers

  • High school teachers earned a median annual salary of $65,220.
  • High school teachers in the lowest 10% of the salary range earned less than $48,040.
  • High school teachers in the highest 10% of the salary range earned more than $106,380.

What Is a Master’s in Education Salary?

Salary levels for master’s in education graduates are typically higher than those of teachers with bachelor’s degrees. 

The National Education Association (NEA) surveyed more than 12,000 school districts regarding teacher salaries for the 2022-23 school year. The results of the survey indicated that the average starting salary for a teacher who had earned a master’s degree was $3,652 (or 8.2%) higher than the average starting salary for a teacher who had earned a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, according to a 2022 report from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), about 90% of U.S. states have compensation policies that allow teachers with master’s degrees to receive higher pay.

Other Benefits of a Master’s in Education

In addition to master’s in education salaries exceeding those of teachers with bachelor’s degrees, a range of other potential benefits are available to teachers who earn master’s degrees.

Pursue a Field of Interest

Completing a master’s in education can allow teachers to pursue a more focused field of interest. For example, teachers can gain advanced expertise in areas such as:

  • Curriculum development
  • Educational assessment
  • Educational research
  • Educational technology

Qualify for Career Advancement

Earning a master’s in education could qualify a teacher for promotional opportunities or enable a teacher to move into new positions. 

For example, a teacher who earns a master’s degree could move into positions such as educational consultant, curriculum leader, or corporate trainer.

Expand Professional Networks

People who pursue graduate degrees in education have the chance to expand their professional networks. Specifically, getting into graduate school provides students with the opportunity to get to know faculty members and other students in their field of study. Those relationships have the potential to assist teachers as they progress in their careers.

Spur Personal Growth

Enrolling in a graduate degree program is an opportunity to pursue a goal and develop innovative approaches to addressing challenges. The personal and professional growth that comes from earning a master’s in education can enhance an individual’s critical thinking skills. Overall, it also can be a very rewarding personal endeavor.

Learn More About the Benefits of Earning a Master of Education

Teachers who pursue graduate degrees in education have the opportunity to qualify for relatively higher salaries, as well as a range of other benefits associated with graduate education. Completing a master’s in education can establish a foundation for career advancement and enhance your ability to educate students so that they can reach their full potential.

Individuals who are interested in advanced degrees in education can explore the MA in Education degree program from Notre Dame de Namur University to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. Available in hybrid, in-person, and fully online formats, the program offers individuals the opportunity to enhance their skills in key areas, such as curriculum development and assessment. Start on your path to an advanced degree in education today.

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Sources:

BetterUp, “Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? Insights for Professionals”

Indeed, 10 Jobs You Can Get with a Master’s Degree in Education

International Journal of Educational Research, “Why Do Teachers Matter? A Meta-Analytic Review of How Teacher Characteristics and Competencies Affect Students’ Academic Achievement”

National Council on Teacher Quality, Teacher Compensation Strategies

National Education Association, Starting Teacher Salaries

Score, “Top 10 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Education”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, High School Teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Middle School Teachers

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Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

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