If you're a veteran educator looking to advance your career in education further, earning your Doctor of Education (EdD) might be the next step for you. 

For many mid-career professionals, the thought of going back to school for a Doctor of Education (EdD) isn't just for the love of learning (although that's part of it, I'm sure)—it's about increasing your earning power, learning to lead with confidence, and solving problems within education. 

Before you take the plunge, however, let’s break down what kind of financial future you could expect and what career paths might open up with a doctorate in education. 

Understanding the Doctorate in Education (EdD)

After nearly 15 years as a public school teacher, I was feeling both antsy and ready to make an impact beyond my classroom walls. With my master's degree already under my belt, I knew the next step in my education could potentially be a doctorate. 

If you've started your research into advanced degrees in education, you've likely come across both the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the PhD in Education. 

While they are similar, they do differ in their focus:

  • An EdD is typically geared toward practicing educators or administrators who want to lead schools, districts, or educational organizations.
  • A PhD is geared more toward academic research and educational theory and is often pursued by those with their sights set on publication, professorships, or policy analyst positions.

In other words, an EdD generally benefits those in practical or leadership roles, while a PhD is more appropriate for those interested in research or academic careers. 

Some of the more common areas of specialization for an EdD or PhD include:

  • Educational Leadership
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Education Policy and Reform
  • Curriculum and Instructional Design
  • Educational Psychology
  • Special Education
  • Educational Technology

Whether or not you’re already in a leadership or admin role, those who pursue a doctorate in education are likely driven by a desire to make systemic changes in education or lead the educators championing the way. Having an EdD or PhD gives you the credentials and confidence to make decisions and help shape the future of our education system. 

Average Doctorate in Education Salary by Role

Earning an EdD typically comes with a salary increase, whether you stay teaching in the classroom or move up to administrative positions. How much you earn, however, depends largely on what career path you choose, the type of institution you work for, and your geographical location. 

According to 2024 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median annual salaries you can expect in various roles requiring or preferring a doctorate in education degree:

K-12 Principal

  • Median Salary: $104,070
  • Principals manage staff, coordinate curricula, and foster a positive learning culture. An EdD isn't always required, but it can lead to higher salaries, larger schools, or district leadership roles.

School Superintendent

  • Average Salary: $158,721
  • Superintendents oversee entire school districts and are often the highest-paid public school administrators. Most hold an EdD and have years of experience in education administration.

Curriculum and Assessment Director

  • Median Salary: $74,720 (under Instructional Coordinators)
  • These directors lead curriculum development, facilitate assessments, and oversee the improvement of instructional practices across schools or districts. An EdD in curriculum design and instruction is preferred.

Postsecondary Education Instructor

  • Median Salary: $83,980
  • Professors and lecturers with doctorates in highly specialized subjects (e.g., law, economics, engineering) can earn more with an EdD or PhD, especially with tenure or administrative responsibilities.

Postsecondary Education Administrator

  • Median Salary: $103,960
  • College or university presidents, deans, provosts, or vice presidents provide the vision and leadership for their respective institutions. A doctorate is preferred, particularly if managing entire academic departments or student affairs.

Salary Influencers – What Impacts Earnings?

As for your doctorate in education salary, several factors affect how much you’ll actually bring home:

Experience and Responsibility

The more years you've spent in education—and the higher the level of leadership—the higher your earning potential.

Geographic Region

Superintendents in large urban districts or high-cost-of-living areas like New York or California often earn significantly more than those in rural areas.

Institution Type

Pay structures differ widely between public schools, private institutions, charter networks, and higher education institutions. Higher ed and private institutions often offer higher salaries than nonprofits or public schools. 

Specialty Area

A doctorate with a focus on educational technology, special education, or career and technical education may open doors in emerging or high-demand areas.

Dual Degrees or Additional Credentials

Combining your EdD with a master's in business administration (MBA), public administration (MPA), or law degree (JD) can make you more marketable—and more valuable—especially in cross-functional leadership roles.

Doctorate in Education Jobs Beyond Schools

Here’s something I didn't realize when I first started considering a doctorate in education: you aren't limited to only working in or for schools. In fact, many EdD holders find fulfilling and well-paying work in the private or governmental sectors, such as:

Training and Development Manager

  • Median Salary: $127,090
  • Managers plan, coordinate, and oversee the onboarding, training, and continuing education activities for employees of a corporation or organization. 

Education Policy Analysts

  • Median Salary: $139,380 (under Political Scientists)
  • Analysts work at the local, state, or federal level to shape public education policies. A PhD in Education or EdD with a policy focus can be a strong asset.

Chief Learning Officer (CLO)

  • Median Salary: $206,420 (under Top Executives)
  • CLOs are responsible for developing the company or organization’s overall culture toward learning and development. As a C-suite executive, CLOs use their EdD or PhD to become high-level decision-makers.  

An EdD doesn't relegate you to the classroom or the boundaries of a school district—EdD grads can lead national nonprofit initiatives, head up HR departments, author best-selling books, and provide education consulting to major corporations. It’s a powerful credential that can be applied in various education settings. 

Is a Doctorate in Education Worth the Investment?

Make no mistake—earning your doctorate is a serious commitment of time, energy, and money. According to 2023 data from the Education Data Initiative, the average debt for an EdD was $79,790, and PhD programs are even more expensive, taking nearly 12 years to complete. However, most doctoral students receive financial aid, and some programs allow continued employment through part-time study or assistantships. 

Ultimately, a doctorate often offers long-term benefits such as increased earning potential, leadership opportunities, career stability, strong benefits, and decision-making power. There are also the intangible benefits like job satisfaction and professional credibility (which are just as rewarding for many).

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re serious about stepping into a leadership role in education—or pivoting into new sectors like policy or consulting—a doctorate in education could be the key. Take the Quiz to see which path might be best for you!