Occupations that need more education for entry…
... are projected to grow faster
... typically pay well
Projected 2014-24 growth rate in occupational
employment by typical 2014 entry-level education
Employment in 2014 and pay by typical
entry level education
Thousands of Jobs, 2014
Doctoral or professional degree
12.2%
Master's degree
13.8%
Bachelor's degree
Postsecondary nondegree award
Some college, no degree
High school diploma or equivalent
No formal education credential
11.5%
0.5%
3.9%
6.9%
4,111.5
$100,490
Master's degree
2,518.8
$66,420
Associate's degree
8.7%
*The occupational growth rates shown
in this chart include projected growth
in all jobs from 2014-2024, not just
entry level jobs. Entry level education
reflects 2014 requirements – BLS does
not project education requirements
Postsecondary nondegree award
Some college, no degree
3,458.2
$50,230
$35,660
9,090.7
3,785.8
High school diploma or equivalent
No formal education credential
For example, among occupations often found in schools…
Librarians ($56,880) earn more than library assistants ($24,480) and library technicians ($32,310). Librarians typically need a master’s degree to enter
the occupation, while library technicians typically need a postsecondary nondegree award and library assistants a high school diploma for entry.
Preschool teachers, except special education ($28,570) earn less than kindergarten teachers, except special education ($51,640) and elementary
school teachers, except special education ($54,980). Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry,
while preschool teachers typically need an associate’s degree for entry.
Education administrators in elementary and secondary schools are among the highest-paid occupations in schools ($90,410); these administrators
typically need a master’s degree and 5 years or more of related work experience for entry.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections program and Occupational Employment Statistics survey. Wages are for May 2015.
$70,400
31,848.6
Average, all occupations = 6.5%
Median Annual
Wages, May 2015
Doctoral or professional degree
Bachelor's degree
8.2%
Associate's degree
U.S. B ureau of L abor Statistics
$33,870
54,927.4
40,799.0
$36,210
$21,420