Education and Childcare

The education sector includes schools, colleges, nurseries, and other organisations that help people learn. It provides education and training for children, young people, and adults.

Careers in Education

Education is a growing sector with lots of different career opportunities. It is a great place to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career. You could work as a teacher, in early years education, as a childminder, youth worker, tutor, or support worker. Whatever role you choose, you can make a real difference by helping children and young people learn, grow, and achieve their goals.

Person writing on whiteboard.
Image credit: Unsplash
Salary Information

How much can you earn working in Education?

Education offers a range of entry-level jobs that can help you gain experience and build new skills. As you learn and develop, you may have the chance to move into more senior roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Salary ranges are based on job adverts from August 2026 and can vary depending on experience, qualifications, employer, and location. It may take time to gain the skills and experience needed to progress to the next career level and salary range.

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Entry Level roles may range from £16,000 to £20,500 a year.
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Intermediate roles may range from £27,000 to £39,000 a year.
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Advanced roles may range from £43,000 to £78,500 a year.
Careers in Education

View a variety of jobs

Discover the different careers available in education, from support and administration roles to teachers and leadership jobs. Click on the job profiles below to find out what each role involves, the skills you need, and the steps you can take to progress.

Entry Level
Playworker

Salary: £20,000 to £24,000

Entry Level
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant

Salary: £19,000 to £27,000

Intermediate
Education Welfare Officer

Salary: £24,000 to £32,000

Intermediate
Secondary School Teacher

Salary: £34,000 to £53,000

Intermediate
Nursery Manager

Salary: £23,000 to £50,000

Advanced
Higher Education Lecturer

Salary: £37,000 to £65,000

Advanced
Headteacher

Salary: £61,000 to £149,000

Self-Employed
Online Tutor

Salary: Variable

Self-Employed
Childminder

Salary: Variable

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Local Learning Opportunities

Find Your Next Step

Check out our Skills Connect Directory for a list of opportunities and places to train in your region to help you kick start your career in education.

View Opportunities

Top Skills

  • Communication: Sharing information clearly and talking with children, families, adults and colleagues.
  • Organisation skills: Planning activities and keeping tasks and information in order
  • Teamwork: Working well with others to help children learn and thrive
  • Creativity: Coming up with fun and engaging ways to help people learn.
  • People Skills: Building positive and trusting relationships.
  • Active Listening: Paying close attention to understand children's needs and ideas.
  • Time Management: Managing your time so activities and responsibilities run smoothly.
  • Curriculum Planning: Planning learning activities that help develop knowledge and skills.
  • Learning Support and Development: Helping children or adult learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities build new skills, knowledge and confidence.
  • Behaviour Management: Encouraging positive behaviour and helping children make good choices.
  • Safeguarding and Child Protection: Keeping adult and child learners safe and knowing what to do if concerns arise.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing: Supporting children's emotional wellbeing and helping them feel safe, confident and included.
  • Reliable: Being someone people can depend on every day.
  • Enthusiastic: Bringing energy and positivity to learning and activities.
  • Patient: Giving children the time they need to learn and grow.
  • Responsible: Taking ownership of your actions and decisions.
  • Positive Role Model: Setting a good example through your behaviour and attitude.
  • Adaptable: Being flexible when plans change or new situations arise.
  • Confident: Feeling comfortable leading activities and supporting others.
  • Caring and Kind: Showing understanding, respect and support for others.
Green jobs

Green education

Many Education organisations are working to become more sustainable. There are green elements featured in roles including:

A teacher stands with four children - three boys and a girl all wearing uniform. The teacher is holding plyers and they are looking at machinery and wires on the table.
Resources

Sector Insights Information Sheet

Use this downloadable poster to share and explore key data and insights on education, training and employment opportunities featured on this page. Designed to support informed discussions and decision-making, this summary poster can be used by students, parents, educators and careers advisers. 

View Poster

Explore More

Careers that use similar skills

If you are interested in a career in education, you may also want to explore other careers that require similar skills. If you like helping people, making a difference, being creative and communicating with others, you may also enjoy some of these opportunities:

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