10 Best Alternative Careers for Teachers

Thinking about leaving teaching but not sure what else you can do? You’re not alone. Many teachers reach a point where they want a change—whether it’s for better pay, more flexibility, or less stress. The good news? Your skills as an educator are valuable in many other careers.

You already know how to explain complex ideas, keep people engaged, and manage different personalities. These skills translate well into jobs like corporate training, instructional design, curriculum development, and even HR. Whether you want to stay in education or try something completely new, there are plenty of options out there.

Key Takeaways

• You have options beyond teaching. Many careers value the skills you already have.
• Some jobs pay more and offer better work-life balance. Corporate training, curriculum development, and instructional design are just a few examples.
• You don’t always need a new degree. Certifications or online courses can help you switch fields.

Is a Career Change from Teaching Right for You?

Before making a move, it helps to ask yourself why you want to leave teaching. Is it the long hours? The workload? The pay? Or do you just want a new challenge?

If you’re feeling burnt out, undervalued, or stuck, transitioning to a new career could be the right step. But if you still love working in education, you might just need a different role—like school administration or curriculum development.

Here are some signs it’s time for a change:

• You feel exhausted and unmotivated, even after breaks.
• The job is affecting your mental or physical health.
• You don’t see room for growth in your current role.
• You’re interested in other fields and enjoy learning new things.

The good news is that your teaching skills can be transferred to many other careers. You just need to figure out what best fits your strengths and interests.

Top 10 Alternative Careers for Teachers

If you’re considering a career change from teaching, there are numerous roles where your skills can be effectively utilized. Below are some alternative career paths, along with their average salaries and relevant details.

Instructional Designer

Average Salary: $83,347 per year​

What They Do: Instructional designers create educational programs and materials for various organizations, focusing on developing effective learning experiences.​

Why It’s a Good Fit: This role leverages your lesson planning and curriculum development skills, allowing you to design educational content without direct classroom teaching.​

How to Get Started:

• Familiarize yourself with instructional design software such as Articulate 360 and Adobe Captivate.​
• Build a portfolio showcasing sample courses or training modules.​
• Consider obtaining certifications like the Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP).​

Educational Consultant

Average Salary: $62,555 per year​

What They Do: Educational consultants advise educational institutions on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and policy implementation to enhance student outcomes.​

Why It’s a Good Fit: This position allows you to apply your teaching experience in a broader context, influencing educational practices and policies.​

How to Get Started:

• Gain experience in curriculum development or school administration.​
• Network with educational organizations and schools.​
• Pursue advanced degrees or certifications in education leadership.​

Corporate Trainer

Average Salary: $61,000 per year​

What They Do: Corporate trainers develop and deliver training programs to enhance employee skills and performance within organizations.​

Why It’s a Good Fit: Your experience in delivering educational content and managing classrooms translates well into training professionals in a corporate setting.​

How to Get Started:

• Develop expertise in specific corporate training areas, such as leadership development or software training.​
• Obtain certifications in corporate training or human resources.​
• Apply for training roles within corporations or training firms.

Curriculum Developer

Average Salary: $77,000 per year

What They Do: Curriculum developers design educational materials and programs for schools, educational publishers, or online learning platforms.​

Why It’s a Good Fit: This role utilizes your skills in creating educational content and understanding pedagogical strategies.​

How to Get Started:

• Gain experience in curriculum design or instructional coordination.​
• Develop a portfolio showcasing your curriculum projects.​
• Consider advanced education in curriculum and instruction.​

Academic Advisor

Average Salary: $50,477 per year​

What They Do: Academic advisors assist students in course selection, career planning, and navigating academic requirements.​

Why It’s a Good Fit: Your experience in guiding and mentoring students aligns well with the responsibilities of academic advising.​

How to Get Started:

• Apply for advising positions at educational institutions.
• Highlight your mentoring and student support experience.​
• Consider certifications in academic advising or counseling.

Human Resources (HR) Specialist

Average Salary: $67,650 per year

What They Do:
HR specialists handle recruitment, employee training, and workplace policies. They assist in hiring, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee relations.

Why It’s a Good Fit:
Your communication, organization, and problem-solving skills transfer well into HR, where you’ll interact with employees and manage workplace dynamics.

How to Get Started:

• Gain experience in employee relations or training roles.
• Consider certifications like the SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional).
• Apply for entry-level HR roles in education-related companies or businesses.

Technical Writer

Average Salary: $95,299 per year

What They Do:
Technical writers create manuals, guides, and instructional documents to help users understand complex information. They work in industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Why It’s a Good Fit:
This role is a great fit if you have strong writing skills and enjoy explaining concepts clearly. Teachers are already skilled at breaking down information in an easy-to-understand way.

How to Get Started:

• Develop a writing portfolio showcasing instructional content.
• Learn tools like MadCap Flare or Adobe FrameMaker.
• Consider taking courses in technical writing or content development.

College Admissions Counselor

Average Salary: $61,710 per year

What They Do:
Admissions counselors help prospective students navigate the college application process. They review applications, guide students through financial aid options, and promote the school.

Why It’s a Good Fit:
Your experience working with students and families makes you well-suited for this role. It also allows you to stay in the education sector without the pressures of classroom teaching.

How to Get Started:

• Apply for admissions roles at colleges, universities, or private schools.
• Highlight your student advising and counseling experience.
• Consider earning a certificate in college counseling.

Online Tutor or Course Creator

Average Salary: Varies ($30,000–$100,000+, depending on platform and specialization)

What They Do:
Online tutors provide subject-specific support to students through virtual platforms. Course creators design and sell educational content on sites like Udemy, Teachable, or Coursera.

Why It’s a Good Fit:
This role allows for flexibility, remote work, and the opportunity to continue teaching in a different format. It’s also a great option for teachers who want to generate passive income.

How to Get Started:

• Choose a niche subject area and develop a course outline.
• Explore platforms like VIPKid, OutSchool, or Udemy.
• Market your courses through social media or a personal website.

Social Worker or Counselor

Average Salary: $58,380 per year

What They Do:
Social workers and counselors provide emotional and practical support to individuals, families, and communities. They work in schools, hospitals, and government agencies.

Why It’s a Good Fit:
Teachers already have experience mentoring students and working with diverse needs. This could be a great career move if you’re passionate about helping people beyond academics.

How to Get Started:

• Earn a degree in social work or counseling (some roles require a master’s degree).
• Gain experience in student support services or crisis intervention.
• Obtain state licensure if required for counseling positions.

Source: Unsplash

Do You Need an M.Ed for Non-Teaching Jobs?

If you’re considering a career change from teaching, you might wonder whether earning a Master of Education (M.Ed) is necessary for transitioning into new roles. The short answer is that it depends on your career goals.

An M.Ed can be beneficial for roles like instructional designer, curriculum developer, educational consultant, or school administrator, where advanced knowledge of education systems, instructional strategies, and leadership principles is valuable. It also opens doors to higher-paying leadership positions within educational institutions, nonprofits, and corporate training programs.

However, many non-teaching jobs do not require an M.Ed. For example, corporate training, human resources, technical writing, and online course creation rely more on your teaching experience, transferable skills, and relevant certifications rather than an advanced degree.

If you’re considering an M.Ed but want a flexible and cost-effective option, online programs like University of the People’s tuition-free M.Ed offer an accessible way to expand your qualifications without taking on significant financial burdens.

How to Successfully Transition from Teaching to a New Career

Making the shift from teaching to a new career can feel overwhelming, but with a structured approach, you can make the transition smoother. Here are the key steps to help you move forward:

Identify Your Transferable Skills

Many of the skills you developed as a teacher—such as communication, leadership, organization, problem-solving, and adaptability—are valuable in many careers. Take stock of your strengths and match them to roles where they’re in demand.

Gain Additional Training if Needed

Some careers may require specific certifications or additional training. For example:

• Instructional designers often benefit from learning e-learning tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate.
• Corporate trainers can pursue certifications like the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP).
• HR specialists can benefit from SHRM or PHR certifications.

Many of these skills can be learned through affordable online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.

Build a Resume that Highlights Your Strengths

When applying for non-teaching jobs, it’s essential to reframe your teaching experience to align with the role you’re pursuing. For example:

• Instead of “Designed lesson plans for a classroom,” say “Developed engaging training materials to enhance learning outcomes.”
• Instead of “Managed a classroom,” say “Led teams and facilitated learning experiences in dynamic environments.”

Use action-oriented language to show how your experience translates into new industries.

Network & Apply for Jobs

Networking is one of the most effective ways to land a new job. Start by:

• Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn in your target field.
• Joining industry-specific groups and forums (e.g., instructional design communities, HR networks).
• Attending webinars, workshops, and job fairs to meet potential employers.
• Applying strategically on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and FlexJobs, where many companies list remote and flexible job opportunities.

These steps allow you to position yourself for a successful career transition that aligns with your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

Leaving teaching is a big step, but it opens the door to many fulfilling opportunities. Many paths align with your strengths, whether you’re looking for higher pay, more flexibility, or a career with less stress.

If you enjoy creating learning experiences, careers like instructional design, curriculum development, or educational consulting may be a great fit. If you want to stay in education but outside the classroom, consider academic advising, online tutoring, or school administration. HR, corporate training, and technical writing are strong options for those interested in corporate roles.

The key to a successful transition is leveraging your existing skills, gaining relevant certifications if needed, and networking strategically. Teaching equips you with communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued in many industries.

If you’re ready to explore your next steps, identify the career paths that excite you, update your resume, and apply to new opportunities. With the right approach, you can find a rewarding career that fits your lifestyle and aspirations.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job for former teachers?

Some of the best-paying options include instructional design, corporate training, and educational consulting. Instructional designers earn around $86,670 per year, while corporate trainers make an average of $76,850 annually.

Can teachers work remotely in non-teaching jobs?

Yes, many roles like online tutoring, instructional design, and corporate training allow remote work. Sites like FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, and LinkedIn Jobs list remote-friendly positions for former teachers.

How can I switch careers without another degree?

Many jobs value transferable skills over additional degrees. Certifications in instructional design, HR, or EdTech can help. Gaining experience through freelancing or networking also improves job prospects.

Where can I find jobs for former teachers?

LinkedIn, Indeed, and FlexJobs are great places to start. EdSurge Jobs is ideal for EdTech roles, while We Work Remotely specializes in fully remote positions.