Are there jobs for former teachers that don’t take place in the classroom? Of course there are! Facilitating learning can take place in a myriad of different settings and in different industries. Education in all its forms impacts lives. The sad reality is, more teachers than ever are opting out of the traditional classroom for the sake of their mental health, physical health, life balance, or other reasons. Yet most who leave still want to remain connected to teaching and learning. After all, that is where their passion and experience lie.
Worried your skills won’t transfer? Not true. Teachers are smart and skilled workers who would easily qualify for a wide variety of jobs in a variety of industries. In order to make a successful transition, it’s a matter of presenting your experience differently and highlighting skills instead of teaching jobs. To help get you started, check out Leaving Teaching? How To Make Your Resume Stand Out in the Corporate World.
Here are the best jobs for former teachers in 2024, many suggested by the community of teachers in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook. We’ve even provided average salaries* and links to some typical listings* to get you started!
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*Note: Job listings are continually being updated so please check websites for real-time listings. All salary average estimates provided by Glassdoor.
Teaching Jobs Outside the Traditional Classroom
Your teaching skills are most directly transferable to other jobs in the education industry. If you still love to teach but don’t want to deal with some of the problems associated with traditional schools and classrooms, these career paths may appeal to you.
1. Online Educator
Red tape and pressure still apply, but one of the best jobs for former teachers is an online educator. It’s been a game changer for many people, especially now that we’ve all done it during quarantine. The pay, even when salaried, is less, but so is the stress. Kellie T. agrees: “I’m still teaching but virtually on a virtual platform. I’ve been working for a couple of years. I enjoy it because I teach what I want and how I want.” Average salary: $56,773. Sample job listings.
2. Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers are like teachers that work in corporate or other professional settings to promote employee growth and development. They may train teams in person to develop their skills or create entire training programs used to teach and train employees. According to WGU, the career path of a corporate trainer can be rewarding for those with a passion for teaching. Anyone who is outgoing, loves being around people, and likes to teach would be an excellent fit for this position and can take simple steps to get started. Average salary: $67,431. Sample job listings.
3. Prison Educator
Many people shy away from this because they fear for their safety. Teacher Melissa E. says otherwise: “It’s a great gig! You get the best, most motivated students. They will go out of their way to keep you safe because they value you so much. Go for it!” Average salary: $80,162. Sample job listings.
4. Private Tutor
Use your expertise as an instructor and start your own tutoring business. Yes, tutoring jobs are some of the most obvious jobs for former teachers. However, if you build up your own clientele, you can make serious money, with experienced tutors charging anywhere from $35 to $50 per hour. Tap into those good relationships you’ve built over the years and make the transition to working at your own pace and on your own terms. Michele T. shares, “I resigned after 20 years of teaching, and I’ve never been happier! My school families started reaching out to me almost immediately to ask if I’d be interested in becoming a personal tutor for their children. I designed individual plans based on their needs.” Average salary: $50,546. Find a tutoring job.
5. Technical Instructor
Technical instructors provide a variety of training in fields such as auto repair, healthcare, culinary science, and more. They design curricula, encourage class discussion, and teach technical skills to students (for example, auto repair tech instructors might teach how to fix a damaged car frame or replace a tire). Average salary: $100,401. Sample job listings.
6. Adult Education Teacher
This job is perfect for the educator who wants to work in a different environment and with nontraditional students. These teachers work with adults who have not yet finished high school and are ready to get the skills to advance in their careers. It is an opportunity to work with students who are usually highly motivated and appreciative of the chance to learn to read or to qualify for their general equivalency diploma (GED). Average salary: $55,882. Sample job listings.
7. Post-Secondary Educator
Post-secondary teachers work in colleges, including community colleges, and universities. They may provide instruction or conduct and publish research. A master’s degree is often sufficient to work at the community college level, but a doctoral degree is necessary to have a future at the university level. Average salary (community college) $53,988. Sample job listings.
Jobs for Former Teachers Who Love to Read and Write
Former ELA teachers, this section is for you! Make good use of your knowledge of composition, grammar, and other key writing skills with jobs like these.
8. Curriculum Writer/Creator
Want to improve the quality of what students learn? Interested in working with teachers? Informing curriculum is a great way to directly impact what goes on in the classroom without actually being in it! Whether that means going with one of the big education curriculum companies or producing your own content on paid teacher sites, it’s a great opportunity to share your knowledge with other teachers. Average salary: $81,037. Sample job listings.
9. Freelance Writer
If you love to write and are a hard worker who will do the detective work to land writing gigs, then freelancing is an awesome option for you. There are lots of education-related publishers looking for contributors. You can work from home, write when it fits your schedule, and make decent money. Susan G. says, “I became a copywriter when I retired after 32 years because I love to write and it combined my English and journalism major.” Average salary: $55,515. Sample job listings.
10. Editor
If you don’t feel much like writing but still want to facilitate the distribution of content, you may want to look at becoming an editor. An editor typically works with writers to develop content that fits within the editorial guidelines of an online or print publication. Writing and management skills are a must! And if you worked within a particular subject, you may find your knowledge is even more in demand for editorial work. Average salary: $72,362. Sample job listings.
11. User Experience Designer
A User Experience (UX) Designer’s role is to make a product or service usable, enjoyable, and accessible—skills that teachers work on every day. After all, good teachers create lessons with their students’ experience in mind. This role is particularly suited for teachers with strong tech skills. While many companies design user experiences, the term is most often associated with digital design for websites and apps. Average salary: $94,472. Sample job listings.
12. Librarian
For those who love books and/or encouraging research or a love of reading, this position might be for you. Librarians select books and educational material for schools as well as business, law, and public libraries. Generally, you’ll need a master’s degree in library science (MLS). China R. says, “Now I work in the children’s department of the local library, and I have never been happier.” Average salary: $53,599. Sample job listings.
13. Digital Content Creator
Want to write about education, your subject area, or any other topic that interests you? Websites are always looking for new content creators to help expand their offerings (including We Are Teachers!). Content creators write informative web articles on specified topics, using skills like SEO to maximize their content’s reach. You can find full-time, part-time, or contract work in this area, and you can often work remotely. Average salary: $58,000. Sample job listings.
14. Copy Editor
Put all those years spent grading spelling tests and teaching grammar to good use. Copy editors review text for accuracy, spelling, grammar, clarity, and more, ensuring that published work meets high standards. They use style manuals to ensure consistency, and fact-check to catch any potential errors. This is the perfect job for someone with obsessive attention to detail. Average salary: $57,000. Sample job listings. Sample job listings.
15. Journalist
While print newspapers and magazines aren’t as prevalent as they used to be, online versions are flourishing. This job is ideal for those who love to research, ask questions, and be right in the middle of current events. Some jobs require a degree in journalism, but others may consider you if you have a strong history in writing already. Average salary: $81,000. Sample job listings.
16. Grant Writer
Nonprofit organizations depend on grant writers to craft the proposals that will win the funding they need. Grant writers need strong persuasive skills, as well as the ability to write clearly and collaboratively. Many academic and other large nonprofit institutions hire people specifically to research and write grant proposals, full-time or freelance. Average salary: $56,800. Sample job listings.
17. Social Media Manager
Organizations rely more and more on social media to reach people these days, meaning you can make a career out of posting on behalf of a company on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more. This job requires creative flair along with a good understanding of the algorithms that govern social media sites behind the scenes. Average salary: $61,000. Sample job listings.
Best Jobs for Former Teachers Who Love Math
If numbers are your game, check out these potential career paths. Former math teachers tend to have terrific attention to detail and a flair for logic, making jobs like these easy to transition to.
18. Data Scientist
Love analyzing numbers and other information? Data scientists use technology and scientific methods to help businesses understand trends and patterns. They analyze and visualize raw data so companies can better use it to meet their goals and optimize their strategies. Average salary: $109,000. Sample job listings.
19. Statistician
These mathematicians also look closely at data, but they’re more focused on learning the causes behind the raw information. For example, they may work in healthcare exploring epidemiology, or for the government analyzing census statistics. Average salary: $124,000. Sample job listings.
20. Actuary
This career is all about performing risk assessments for insurance companies and other businesses. An actuary uses mathematical models to determine the statistical likelihood of specific events, and advises companies on ways to mitigate risk. Average salary: $217,000. Sample job listings.
21. Bookkeeper
If you enjoy keeping meticulous records, especially of financial transactions, you’d probably make a terrific bookkeeper. These workers manage accounts, handle payroll and invoices, prepare financial reports, and otherwise handle money concerns for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Average salary: $64,000. Sample job listings.
22. Accountant
As an accountant, you take bookkeeping to the next level by interpreting a company’s financial data and providing strategic advice. These employees also often prepare tax returns, helping institutions maximize their deductions and ensuring legal compliance. They may also perform internal audits and prepare companies for external audits. Average salary: $86,000. Sample job listings.
23. Financial Planner
Savvy with money? Put your skills to use advising others on investments, budgeting, retirement and estate planning, and tax strategies. Many financial planners set up their own businesses, building a client base of individuals and small businesses. Average salary: $173,000. Sample job listings.
24. Market Research Analyst
Companies perform market research to learn more about consumer preferences and buying trends. A market research analyst collects data through primary and secondary research, then analyzes it to provide strategic advice to an organization. Average salary: $96,000. Sample job listings.
25. Logistics Coordinator
A logistics coordinator oversees a company’s goods and materials, managing their movement, storage, and usage. They coordinate with suppliers, warehouses, and shipping companies to ensure everything is where it needs to be, safely and on time. Average salary: $64,000. Sample job listings.
26. Tax Consultant
With a keen eye for detail and thorough understanding of the law, tax consultants help people and organizations ensure compliance while minimizing their tax liability. In addition to filing tax returns, they advise clients on ways to maximize their deductions and help them plan for the future. They may also represent clients during IRS audits or other tax disputes. Average salary: $122,000. Sample job listings.
STEM Teacher Jobs Outside of Education
Whether your favorite subject is biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, health and nutrition, or any other topic, these jobs make good use of your STEM subject knowledge.
27. Educational Technology Consultant
There are several different ways in which an educational technology consultant helps schools and businesses. Kela L. says, “Lots of ed-tech and consulting jobs out there need a teacher’s experience. Think about all the software we used to transition to distance learning. All those companies are booming and may be hiring.” Average salary: $93,827. Sample job listings.
28. Nutritionist
Dietitians and nutritionists counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits. They are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. These are perfect jobs for former teachers because you can put your lesson planning and instruction skills to use by planning and conducting food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives. Average salary: $67,391. Sample job listings.
29. Health Coach/Personal Trainer
A health coach works to be a mentor and wellness authority to assist individuals in making food and lifestyle changes. Wendy A. shares, “I left teaching because I replaced my income within six months’ health coaching, and I am impacting so many lives. Most rewarding career I have ever had and freedom to work from anywhere.” Average salary: $60,599. Sample job listings.
30. Software Developer
Software developers design, create, and maintain software applications and systems. They work on everything from mobile apps to large-scale software solutions for businesses. Though some jobs require a degree in software development, others may be open to years of experience instead. You can also consider a coding boot camp to get your skills up to snuff. Average salary: $132,000. Sample job listings.
31. Lab Technician
Love to tinker with beakers? Lab technicians assist scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals by preparing samples and conducting tests. They keep careful track of data and prepare reports, analyzing and interpreting information. Average salary: $50,000. Sample job listings.
32. Research Assistant
A research assistant expands on the duties of a lab tech, overseeing scientific research studies for academic institutions, medical facilities, or business organizations. In addition to collecting lab data, they may perform fieldwork, conduct experiments, prepare reports, and provide administrative support. Average salary: $52,000. Sample job listings.
33. Environmental Scientist
Governments and organizations rely on environmental scientists to help them make smarter choices related to their environmental impact. Environmental scientists gather and analyze data, advise on best practices, and ensure compliance with environmental laws. They often get to work in the field, surveying conditions and overseeing projects. Average salary: $96,000. Sample job listings.
34. Ed-Tech Specialist
The ed-tech field is constantly expanding, with new job opportunities on the rise. As a former STEM teacher, you might find work managing educational technology for schools and districts. Or you could work for an ed-tech company, helping to develop new products or as part of the sales force. Average salary: $69,000. Sample job listings.
35. IT Coordinator
Are you the one who gets called when the printer breaks or a computer won’t work? Your new career might be in information technology! You could work for a school or district, managing and maintaining their tech equipment. Or branch out into the corporate world and work in person or remotely helping companies keep their tech running smoothly. Average salary: $81,000. Sample job listings.
36. Public Health Educator
Former health teachers can use their skills to educate the public on a wider scale. You might work for government programs, doing community outreach, or for private healthcare organizations who need help educating their clients. Average salary: $81,000. Sample job listings.
Best Jobs for Former Humanities and World Language Teachers
Whether you love history, government, and civics, or speak multiple languages fluently, you’ll find your skills transfer well with these jobs for teachers outside of education.
37. Foreign Language Interpreter/Translator
Did you teach a foreign language? Why not pivot those skills to being an interpreter or translator? You’ll be working on converting the spoken or written word in at least two languages, so your fluency level must be high. Average salary: $58,210. Sample job listings.
38. Interpreter for the Deaf
Look within your school district for job opportunities for former teachers. If you have the skills, serving as an interpreter for the deaf is a great way to work one-on-one with students in a classroom setting. Average salary: $70,508. Sample job listings.
39. Adult ESL Teacher
Maybe you’ve got the skills to teach English language learners but are tired of working in the public school system or with children. Adult ESL (English as a second language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and speaking English. In addition, they may help newcomers to our country with customs and everyday life questions. Average salary: $56,863. Sample job listings.
40. Archivist
Archives provide valuable primary sources of material for research and exploration through the years. An archivist helps to choose, catalog, preserve, and store important materials, such as papers, photographs, recordings, maps, and more. They literally ensure that history continues to live on. Average salary: $65,000. Sample job listings.
41. Genealogist
Fascinated by family trees? Help others trace their family history by becoming a professional genealogist. Use your research skills to dig into historical records, archives, and even DNA data to help your clients better understand their background. Average salary: $67,000. Sample job listings.
42. Public or Private Historian
Historians combine jobs like genealogist and archivist with research and analysis to form a complete picture of society, area, culture, or person. Many governments and academic institutions employ historians to research and preserve local history, as well as educate the public about important findings. Average salary: $94,000. Sample job listings.
Jobs for Former Teachers Who Excel at Communication
Really, don’t all teachers excel at communication? If you truly enjoy that part of the job, consider using your communication skills for a teacher job outside of education like these.
43. Educational Policy Expert
If you’re considering leaving the classroom, there’s a chance it’s because you don’t agree with a mandated policy … or 30. Be the change by becoming a policy expert, a person who has hands-on administrative experience with a desire to review and adjust policies within educational institutions. Average salary: $90,089. Sample job listings.
44. Instructional Coach/Mentor
Many districts promote senior teachers to positions where they mentor and coach new and struggling teachers. Some coaches work at only one school, and some travel throughout the district. In these jobs for former teachers, you’ll get to spend time in classrooms but not be responsible for your own kiddos. Meghann R. reveals, “I’m a literacy coach for ELA educators. I coach teachers who are new to the profession or immensely struggling with their instructional strategies.” She started her coaching business after seeing how desperate fellow educators had become to simply keep their heads above water. “As someone who personally experienced those same struggles in my earlier years of education, I felt I could make a tremendous impact on others by offering my expertise where some are really struggling.” Contact your local school districts for sample job listings. Average salary: $58,773.
45. Homeschool Education Consultant
Many homeschool families seek advice for educational experts to ensure they’re offering their children a high-quality education in a nontraditional setting. Homeschool consultants help families comply with local homeschool laws, plus advise on curriculum programs, lesson plans, and other educational subjects. They may provide academic evaluations of homeschool students and help families find other homeschoolers in their area. Average salary: $83,000.
46. Addiction Counselor
Addiction counselors provide support, counseling, and treatment for people with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Many of the skills required to be a good teacher—empathy, listening, being able to develop a personalized plan—apply nicely. Average salary: $60,486. Sample job listings.
47. Career Coach
A career coach is a development professional who helps people adjust and improve their career paths through one-on-one guidance and advising. You may consider a career coach for several reasons, including to find a new job, to change careers, or to work toward a promotion. Average salary: $67,752. Sample job listings.
48. Life Coach
Life coaching is similar to teaching in that you’ll be helping someone find their strengths and work to meet the goals they create. The big difference is you’ll be working with adults outside of a classroom setting. Average salary: $63,828. Sample job listings.
49. College Academic Advisor
As a teacher, you’re well versed at looking at the big picture when it comes to helping students succeed—both academically and personally. Being an academic advisor is often a good match for people who’ve left the teaching profession but don’t want to leave the education sector altogether. Note: Most universities prefer candidates with master’s degrees and relevant higher-education experience. Average salary: $58,738. Sample job listings.
50. Parenting Coach
Sometimes parenting can be a challenge. A parent needs to not just care for their child but to understand their emotions, behavior, and psychological state of mind. Parents are not experts in every subject and often need a little help along the way. As a parenting coach, you can work hours that suit your schedule while you put your leadership and mentoring skills to good use. In order to work with young children, you will require a background in Early Childhood Education. Average salary: $77,038. Sample job listings.
51. Curriculum Service Rep
Publishing companies that create curriculum for school districts often employ former teachers as service representatives. Your job is to connect with and train educators on using the company’s products. The advantages of this position are that you get to use the knowledge you’ve gained as a classroom teacher (which makes it easier to connect with clients), you can usually work part-time, you control your schedule, and you make a lot more money. Average salary: $76,321. Sample job listings.
52. Dog Trainer
Love animals and want to use your teaching skills in a setting where students don’t talk back? Dog trainers work with dogs to teach them basic obedience and, in some cases, advanced performance activities. Dogs are often used for emotional support following school crises. Some dog trainers may work primarily with dogs to correct behavior, and others may work with dogs to prepare them for shows or competitions. Average salary: $56,255. Sample job listings.
Best Jobs for Former Teachers Who Love Kids
Many educators got into teaching for the kids and hate the thought of leaving them behind. Fortunately, there are lots of jobs for former teachers outside of education that still keep kids front and center in your life.
53. School Counselor
School counselors are in a unique position to help students and make improvements to the school. While still working within a school district, counselors serve as personal advocates for students in need and are responsible for organizing programs to help the student body. It may take further education, but the investment is worth it. Contact your local school districts for job listings. Average salary: $47,338.
54. Paraeducator
Still want to work one-on-one or in small groups with children? Being a para gives you the opportunity to teach and connect with kids, without all the additional stressful responsibilities like staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, etc. The downside, of course, is the move comes with a significant pay cut. Average salary: $48.771. Contact your local school districts for job listings.
55. Driving Instructor
If you love working with teens looking to build valuable life skills, this might be a good position for you. It’s the instructor’s job to analyze a student’s current ability and tailor driving lessons in a way that leads to success and minimizes the seriousness that potential mistakes could lead to. Average salary: $54,719. Sample job listings.
56. College Admissions Coach
Choosing a post-secondary destination is often an overwhelming process. The options seem endless, and there are many factors to take into consideration. College coaches provide students with college admissions services like help with college essays, applications, and SAT/ACT prep. College admissions coaches can also help with financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Average salary: $59,914. Sample job listings.
57. Nanny/Home Childcare Expert
Former preschool and elementary teachers can transfer their skills directly to caring for children at home. They may provide care while parents are at work, after-school care for older students, or even work around-the-clock as a live-in nanny. Average salary: $51,000. Sample job listings.
58. Daycare/Childcare
Here’s another ideal career for former preschool teachers who love working with kids, especially infants and toddlers. Daycare workers provide supervision and activities for little ones while their parents are at work. You might work for an existing daycare organization, or take the leap and start your own home-based daycare. Average salary: $40,000. Sample job listings.
59. Museum Educator
If you enjoy the hands-on aspect of education, you might love being a museum educator. They interact with museum guests, especially kids, to inform and entertain. Some museums have set museum education programs they’ll train you on, while others may be looking for someone to help develop new activities and ideas. Average salary: $63,000. Sample job listings.
60. Youth Sports Coach
Turn your love of athletics into a career. You might work with local youth, coaching school or community teams. No leagues of your favorite sport in your area? Consider starting and running your own! Average salary: $52,000. Sample job listings.
Jobs for Former Teachers With Strong Organizational Skills
If you love planning, organizing, and overseeing, you might be ideally suited for an administrative or project manager job. You’ll find plenty of jobs for teachers outside of education that still put your stellar classroom management skills to good use.
61. Community Director
Think of your local YMCA or youth center—anyplace kids go for extracurricular enrichment. Who better than a former teacher to organize and facilitate educational and athletic programs and events? In addition, this position allows you to impact your community on a larger scale. Average salary: $68,714. Sample job listings.
62. Corporate Education Manager
Big corporations are a great place to look for jobs for former teachers. An education manager typically works within a company to facilitate teaching and learning activities. They may have administrative duties like organizing educational programs, obtaining funding, instructing, and more. Karen L. says, “I’m an education manager for a nonprofit farm-to-school organization. I create, edit/revise lessons, and teach young adults how to teach garden lessons to students.” Average salary: $59,462. Sample job listings.
63. Educational Curator for the Public
Do you have a passion for culture? This role helps create and implement educational events and programs at places like museums and zoos. You still get to work with curriculum and learning and, best of all, kids. Average salary: $53,809. Sample job listings.
64. Disability Services Coordinator
This type of job helps support individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community. Melissa M. shares, “If you have any medium- to large-size companies that employ people with disabilities, maybe start there. City and county offices and child protective services need SPED-educated folks all the time.” Average salary: $52,311. Sample job listings.
65. Event Planner
Were you the teacher who liked to plan all the events and functions at your school? If so, extend that passion to the event-planning space. You’ll still get to interact with others and plan and lead projects through to fruition. Average salary: $55,830. Sample job listings.
Before you go, don’t forget to download your free teacher resignation letter template
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