The education field is a growing industry in the United States, playing a vital role in workforce development and lifelong learning.
The overall total projected increase for occupations listed under the education and training career cluster is 7.2 percent, with employment starting at about 9,151,200 jobs in 2021, rising to around 9,809,300 jobs in 2031. As stated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), “this increase is expected to result in about 658,200 new jobs over the decade.” This projected growth is largely influenced by factors such as increased school enrollment, the rising need for specialized instruction, and fluctuations in federal and state education budgets.
Among the occupations in the education and training cluster, health specialties teachers and nursing instructors are expected to experience the fastest growth, with projected increases of 24.1 percent and 21.5 percent, respectively, over the next decade. This rise is driven by the growing demand for medical care, resulting in the need for postsecondary educators to train the expanding healthcare workforce.
As of 2023, there were approximately 202,500 individuals employed in postsecondary teaching roles. Within the next decade (2023-2033), this occupation is estimated to grow by 6,500 jobs, representing a 3 percent increase. This growth rate is considered as fast as average in comparison to other occupations, indicating a steady demand for qualified educators at the college and university level.
An estimated 347,100 self-enrichment teachers were employed in 2021. This category includes individuals whose educational purpose is tailored toward self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective. This includes non-academic subjects such as art, music, sports, and personal development. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 61,300 jobs from 2021-2031, representing a 17.6 percent growth rate.
With growing emphasis on early childhood education, the demand for preschool and child daycare services is expected to remain strong. Approximately 483,100 were employed as of 2021, and projections estimate there will be about 556,000 jobs by 2031. This rising demand is expected to drive a 15.1 percent increase in employment for preschool teachers from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.
In 2021, an estimated 203,400 individuals were employed as tutors, offering personalized academic support across a variety of subjects and grade levels. Between 2021 and 2031, employment in this area is expected to grow by 29,500 jobs, reflecting a 14.5 percent growth.
Table 1. Top five fastest growing occupations within education, training, and library occupations, 2021 and projected 2031
Average Annual Wage
As of 2021, the mean annual wage for this cluster was $57,220, though earnings vary widely depending on occupation, education level, and geographic location. For example, postsecondary educators tend to earn salaries above the average, while early educators and teaching assistants tend to earn less.
Table 2. Mean Annual Wages in the Education and Training Career Cluster (2021).
| Occupation Type | Average Annual Wage (2021) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster Average | $57,220 | Overall average across all occupations in the cluster |
| Postsecondary Educators | Above $57,220 | Typically higher due to advanced degrees and specialization |
| Early Childhood Educators | Below $57,220 | Wages tend to be lower; often require less formal education |
| Teaching Assistants | Below $57,220 | Generally lower wages; support roles in classrooms |
Global Education Projections
The development of the education industry is anticipated not only in the United States, but also globally. Employment in the education sector is projected to grow by approximately 10 percent between 2023 and 2027, reflecting steady global demand for skilled educators and education services.
According to the World Economic Forum (2023), “with many people employed in these roles, this growth could lead to 3 million additional jobs for Vocational Education Teachers and University and Higher Education teachers over the 2023-2027 period” (p. 34). This growth is expected to be especially strong in non-G20 countries, where rapid population growth, rising school enrollment rates, and increasing investment in education infrastructure are fueling expansion. Advancement in these regions is projected to be about 50 percent higher than in G20 nations, highlighting a significant opportunity for workforce development and international collaboration in education.