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Education EdD

| 23 June 2023

Doctorate in Education Salary and Career Outlook

Obtaining your Doctor of Education (EdD) degree is a smart choice for career earning power and job growth. Doctorate in education salary levels are impressive, with some postsecondary teaching specialties touting annual salaries of over $100,000 . Expected job growth in EdD careers is equally appealing, with some sectors of postsecondary teaching expected to increase 24% from now until 2031 . Read on to learn more about salary levels and job growth for EdD graduates and how EdD specialty areas factor into the equation.

About the Data for Our Doctorate in Education Salary and Career Outlook

The data in this article comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a U.S. government agency that measures labor market activity, working conditions, salary changes and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making. The BLS is widely accepted as the authoritative source for projected salary and job growth data.

Salary figures include compensation such as annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips and bonuses, but do not include additional benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans and other benefit packages.

For comparative purposes, the BLS reports that the annual median salary for all jobs in the U.S. in 2021 was $45,760. The BLS also states that overall, jobs are projected to grow by 5% (adding 8.3 million jobs) from now until 2031.

Salary and Career Outlook for EdD Careers Overall

Most EdD graduates teach above the high school level at public and private colleges and universities, professional schools and junior or community colleges. Many elevate their EdD careers by becoming administrators and leaders in postsecondary institutions.

The BLS reports that the median salary for postsecondary teachers in 2021 was $79,640, with job growth projected to increase by 12% from now until 2031—much faster than the national average job growth rate of 5%.

Administrators and leaders in postsecondary institutions can expect even better compensation and job growth prospects. The BLS reports that the 2021 median pay for postsecondary education administrators was $96,910—with job growth projected to increase by 7%.

EdD Degree Specializations: Career and Salary Outlook

Doctorate in education salary and career outlook figures can be affected by a number of factors, including institutional pay scales, geographic region and supply and demand for EdD career staff members in a particular area of employment or specialty.

Many EdD programs offer students the opportunity to supplement their education by selecting a specialty area. These students complete additional coursework in their chosen specialty area to increase their knowledge and skill in that particular area.

Let’s drill down to see how salary and job growth expectations are affected by specializing and working in some popular specialty areas.

Executive Leadership Specialization

An prepares Doctor of Education graduates for an EdD career in a variety of executive leadership roles in healthcare and interprofessional education. Career pathways for EdD graduates with a specialization in executive leadership include:

• Academic dean
• Academic program chair
• University provost, president or chancellor
• Health education director
• Director of corporate development
• Human resources administrator
• Head of training department within a health system

The BLS reports that the median salary for medical and health services managers in 2021 was $101,340. Job growth for these positions is projected to increase by 28%—much faster than the national average. The median salary for postsecondary education administrators is $96,910, with job growth of 7% projected.

Nurse Educator Specialization

As the national shortage of nurses —particularly RNs—continues, the need to fill nursing education jobs is strong. Nursing schools report having to turn away prospective nursing students, in part, due to a lack of nursing teaching faculty. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges of Nursing in October 2022, a total of 2,166 full-time faculty vacancies were identified in baccalaureate and/or graduate programs across the country. The data show a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 8.8%. Most of the vacancies (84.9%) were faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree.

Many EdD graduates—especially those with a nursing education specialization—hold nursing education jobs such as:

• Adjunct professor/professor
• Assistant professor
• Academic leader
• Nursing instructor in higher education
• Nursing instructor in a clinical or hospital setting

According to the BLS , the average nursing education salary for postsecondary nurse educators varies by employer. The nursing education salary for nursing education jobs at junior colleges averaged $77,210 in 2022, while nursing education jobs at colleges, universities and professional schools averaged $85,900. Nursing education jobs in general medical and surgical hospitals averaged $95,600.

Overall, the job growth rate from now until 2031 for postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers is projected to be 22% —more than a fourfold increase over the national average for all jobs.

Athletic Training Specialization

College level educators for athletic training degree programs help prepare students not just for the licensing exam, but to transition into a career as an athletic trainer. Completing an athletic training specialization prepares graduates for an EdD career position such as:

• Academic leader in athletic training
• Clinical or organizational athletic training leader
• High level athletic training director or leader

According to the BLS , the growth rate for athletic training jobs is expected to increase 17% through 2031—much faster than the national average for all jobs. This will require higher education institutions to hire additional athletic training education instructors.

Looking at athletic training salary expectations, the BLS reports that the median salary for all postsecondary teachers was $79,640 in 2021, with a job grown rate of 12% (much faster than the national average) expected through 2031. Because Doctor of Education graduates with an athletic training specialization also become professors, academic leaders and obtain other high level athletic training jobs, it is fair to consider median salary figures for postsecondary health specialties teachers, $102,720 , and postsecondary education administrators, $96,910 .

Teaching and Learning Specialization

EdD graduates with a teaching and learning specialization have undergone additional education and training to develop the skills needed to teach in a traditional or online classroom, develop curricula and understand generational learning. These graduates typically follow an EdD career in teaching at public and private colleges and universities, professional schools and junior or community colleges.

The BLS reports that doctorate in education median salary figures for postsecondary health specialties teachers were $102,720 in 2021. A job growth rate of 24%—more than four times the national average—is projected.

Want to know more about our EdD program?

Ready to take the next step toward your edd career.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ specialized online Doctor of Education degree is the ideal way to earn your EdD degree around your busy schedule. Learn when and where you prefer as you join a diverse cohort and collaborate on interprofessional projects together. Through our online program, you can begin your EdD career and help fill a critical shortage of healthcare educators as you prepare for an academic, administrative or leadership role in a variety of healthcare industry and educational settings.

Learn more about the online EdD degree from USAHS, including our specializations in Executive Leadership, Nurse Educator, Athletic Training and Teaching and Learning.

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Earning A Doctoral Degree In Education: What You Need To Know

Updated: Oct 31, 2023, 10:19am

For many professionals working in education, earning a doctorate is a great way to learn new skills, explore challenges, and reach personal and career goals.

Earning a doctoral degree in education can help advance your career in research, academia and leadership. With this degree, you could engage in impactful research to solve challenges in education or develop practical ways to support faculty and staff at every level.

This article explores doctoral degrees in education, including admission requirements, specializations, common courses and job options. Keep reading to see if pursuing this degree is right for you.

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What Is a Doctorate in Education?

A doctorate in education equips scholars and education professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to move into higher-level positions. Graduates may earn a doctor of education (Ed.D.) or a doctor of philosophy in education (Ph.D.) . Doctorates in education often specialize in certain areas, such as educational leadership, special education or literacy.

A doctorate in education typically requires between 48 and 72 credits of coursework. Students can usually earn their degree within three or four years, including time to complete a dissertation. However, each school determines its own requirements, so total credits and time commitment will vary.

Admission Requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Education

While each program sets its own standard for admissions, the following list covers common requirements.

• Master’s degree
• Academic transcript showing a minimum GPA, typically 3.0 to 3.5
• Résumé or curriculum vitae detailing relevant professional experience
• Statement of purpose and/or personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample, such as a published article, term paper or thesis
• Demonstration of English proficiency, sometimes through a test

Prospective students often must submit an application fee and complete an interview with program faculty.

Specializations for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Doctoral students can pursue a wide variety of specializations. Offerings vary by institution and degree type, though some specializations apply to both Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs.

Popular focus areas for doctoral degrees in education include:

• Agricultural education
• Career and technical education
• Curriculum and teaching
• Early childhood education
• Educational technology
• English language learning
• Exercise science
• General education
• Instructional leadership
• International education and globalization
• Leadership and counseling
• Learning analytics in higher education
• Organizational leadership
• Science and mathematics education
• Special education
• Trauma-informed educational practices

Common Courses in a Doctorate in Education

Doctorate coursework includes both core classes and concentration courses. Below, review a few common courses you might encounter in an education doctoral program.

Foundations of Advanced Graduate Study and Research

This course provides an overview of a doctoral program’s many concepts, practices and expectations. Students learn about university resources, such as learning and research technology.

Scholarly Literature Review

In this class, learners develop an understanding of research and writing strategies, an essential skill for their doctoral program and future careers. They learn techniques for surveying scholarly literature, avoiding bias, identifying themes and theoretical perspectives, and reflecting different viewpoints in their writing.

Introduction to Statistics: Inquiry, Analysis and Decision Making

In this course, learners study approaches to analyzing quantitative information. Enrollees evaluate real-world data and learn about the importance of statistics in policy decisions.

Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus

Students enroll in this class after completing their foundation, specialization and research coursework. Using the knowledge and research techniques they’ve learned, students create a prospectus that addresses a problem within an educational context, which may serve as the starting point for their dissertation.

Accreditation for Doctoral Degrees in Education

Accreditation affirms that a college or program meets high standards for quality education and state licensing requirements. Educational institutions may be accredited nationally or regionally.

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific departments, degree programs and colleges within educational institutions. For education degrees, this distinction is crucial. It ensures the program properly equips graduates for high-level work in classrooms, universities and education-focused organizations.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation is the largest professional accrediting body for doctoral degrees in education. This organization focuses on metrics like student performance data, program impact, fiscal responsibility and clinical practice.

Departments may also earn accreditation from the newer, smaller Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). AAQEP uses a collaborative, flexible, improvement-focused, holistic approach to accreditation.

Finally, some agencies provide accreditation for specific areas of study within education. For example, the American Psychological Association accredits school psychology programs .

Ph.D. in Education vs. Ed.D.: What’s the Difference?

While an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in education can both prepare you for high-level careers in academia, these two degrees differ in scope.

A Ph.D. in education is ideal if you want to conduct scholarly research or teach at a college or university. It will help you develop research techniques, understand the principles of inquiry and hone your teaching skills.

If you aim to use your knowledge in practice rather than research, an Ed.D. may suit you better. A doctor of education degree readies you to work in leadership positions directly with students, teachers and other education professionals.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Education?

Earning a doctorate in education prepares you for various careers in academia. Consider the following list of potential jobs, including education requirements and salary information. We sourced salary data for this section from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale in October 2023.

Average Annual Salary: $167,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Provosts serve as senior-level administrators in universities and colleges. They may oversee educational program development, allocate funds to departments, work to maintain academic integrity, and provide guidance and leadership to students.

Academic Dean

Average Annual Salary: $103,000 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Academic deans manage personnel and development in educational institutions. They work with faculty and staff to establish academic goals and strategies. They also participate in hiring faculty and staff, oversee budgets, develop academic standards for their departments, and aid in recruitment and retention.

Median Annual Salary: $80,840 Minimum Required Education: Doctorate Job Overview: Professors, also referred to as postsecondary teachers, instruct students in colleges and universities. They may also research and publish books or scholarly papers. Professors plan and develop lessons and assignments, guide students, and stay up-to-date on new technologies and innovations in their areas of expertise.

School Superintendent

Average Annual Salary: $139,000 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education , doctorate sometimes preferred Job Overview: As the highest-ranking school system administrators, superintendents work under the supervision and direction of a school board. They hire school principals, manage and terminate employees, adhere to budgets and solve problems within the district.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Median Annual Salary: $99,940 as of May 2022 Minimum Required Education: Master’s in education leadership or a related field, sometimes bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Postsecondary education administrators work in university departments, such as student affairs, athletics or admissions. Their duties depend on their department. For example, a registrar’s office administrator oversees registration and academic policies, while an admissions administrator handles applications and applicants’ questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning a Doctoral Degree in Education

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in education.

Earning a doctoral degree in education typically takes three to four years, but some programs require more or less time. Each educational institution sets its own credit requirements.

Is getting a doctorate in education hard?

Earning a doctorate in education requires dedication and commitment. But that challenge might be worth it if you’re passionate about education and want to learn new skills to propel your career forward.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

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PhD Salaries and Lifetime Earnings

PhDs employed across job sectors show impressive earning potential:

“…[T]here is strong evidence that advanced education levels continue to be associated with higher salaries. A study by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce showed that across the fields examined, individuals with a graduate degree earned an average of 38.3% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field. The expected lifetime earnings for someone without a high school degree is $973,000; with a high school diploma, $1.3 million; with a bachelor’s degree, $2.3 million; with a master’s degree, $2.7 million; and with a doctoral degree (excluding professional degrees), $3.3 million. Other data indicate that the overall unemployment rate for individuals who hold graduate degrees is far lower than for those who hold just an undergraduate degree.” - Pathways Through Graduate School and Into Careers , Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and Educational Testing Service (ETS), pg. 3.

Average salaries by educational level and degree (data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2009-2011, courtesy of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce):

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports higher earnings and lower unemployment rates for doctoral degree holders in comparison to those with master’s and bachelor’s degrees:

According to national studies, more education translates not only to higher earnings, but also higher levels of job success and job satisfaction:

“Educational attainment – the number of years a person spends in school – strongly predicts adult earnings, and also predicts health and civic engagement. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of education appear to gain more knowledge and skills on the job than do those with lower levels of education and they are able, to some extent, to transfer what they learn across occupations.” - Education for Life and Work (2012), National Research Council of the National Academies, pg. 66.

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