Transitioning from teaching to a new career is an exciting journey filled with opportunity. At Teacher Transition, we help educators explore alternative employment for teachers, gain confidence, and step confidently and comfortably into fulfilling new roles. From our free quiz to courses, mentorship, and career certification programs, we meet you where you are at and support you in building a future that’s rewarding and aligned with your purpose.

22 Alternative Jobs for Teachers + Salary Insights

Teaching builds an incredible skill set—communication, organization, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Yet many educators reach a point where they want greater flexibility, higher pay, or a greater impact beyond the classroom. The good news? Your experience as a teacher is far more valuable than you may realize.

At Teacher Transition, the focus is on helping educators recognize their transferable skills and move confidently into roles that still feel meaningful—without starting from scratch or going back for another degree. Below are 22 alternative jobs for teachers that former educators are actively landing or pursuing today, along with insight into why these roles are such a strong fit.

Why Teachers Transition So Well Into Other Careers

Teachers are natural learners, communicators, and leaders. Many industries—especially education technology (Ed-Tech), corporate training, and curriculum development—actively seek former educators because they already understand how people learn and how to guide others toward success.

These roles often offer:

• Remote or hybrid work options

• More flexible schedules

• Competitive salaries and growth potential

• Purpose-driven work aligned with education

22 Alternative Jobs for Teachers (With Career Fit Insights)

1. Curriculum Designer

Curriculum designers create structured learning materials for schools, organizations, or digital platforms. Teachers already know how to sequence lessons and align objectives, making this a natural transition.

2. Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers are the creative brains behind learning materials and experiences—just like the ones you’ve already been building in your classroom for years. Whether it’s designing a scope and sequence, crafting engaging presentations, or building digital content, this role is all about planning and creating powerful learning tools—just for a different audience.

3. Learning Designer

Learning Designers focus on making sure learning is not only happening, but that it’s meaningful, engaging, and results-driven. If you’ve ever taken a dull curriculum and made it sing, this is your zone. You’ll build engaging learning paths for adults, students, or employees—often using digital tools and collaborating with a team.

4. Professional Learning Specialist

Professional Learning Specialists get to do what teachers love most—help others grow. But instead of students, you’re working with adults: teachers, teams, or employees. You’ll design and deliver engaging training sessions, lead workshops, and support people as they learn something new.

5. Trainer / Corporate Trainer

Corporate Trainers are the go-to people for teaching adults in the workplace. Whether it's onboarding new hires or teaching a team how to use a new tool, you'll create and deliver training that sticks.

6. Educational Success Specialist

Educational Success Specialists (also called Customer Success Managers in ed-tech) help schools, districts, or teachers make the most of the tools they've invested in. Think of it as being the go-to person for support, strategy, and success.

7. Success Manager (EdTech)

Success Managers (CSMs) in EdTech are the bridge between great tools and real classroom impact. You’ll support schools and districts in using a program they’ve purchased—making sure it’s working, it’s easy to use, and it’s improving outcomes. Many of these paths are also becoming popular jobs for retired teachers who want to continue contributing their expertise while enjoying more flexibility and balance.

8. Education Consultant

As an Education Consultant, you become the expert others turn to. Whether you're advising on curriculum, leading training, or improving systems, your classroom experience becomes a powerful asset.

9. Implementation Specialist

Implementation Specialists are the trusted guides when a school or district rolls out a new tool or system. You’ll help educators and admins get started with confidence—training them, answering questions, and setting them up for success. Think of it as onboarding, but with heart.

10. Content Developer (K–12 or Higher Ed)

Content Developers are the behind-the-scenes creators of the resources students and teachers use every day—lesson plans, assessments, digital activities, videos, and more.

11. Instructional Coach (Remote / EdTech)

Instructional Coaches help other educators grow through support, mentorship, and practical strategies. If you’ve ever led a PLC, mentored a new teacher, or loved those moments of 'aha' with colleagues, this role is a natural next step. Many ed-tech companies now hire coaches to support schools using their tools, and a growing number of roles are fully remote.

12. E-Learning Developer

If you love creating engaging digital content and aren’t afraid to try out new tools, E-Learning Development could be a perfect fit. You’ll design interactive online courses—think videos, quizzes, animations, and activities that make learning come alive.

13. Learning & Development Specialist (L&D)

As a Learning & Development Specialist, you’ll create training that helps employees grow in their roles—kind of like teaching, but in a corporate setting. You’ll design onboarding programs, build learning paths, and lead workshops and training sessions.

14. Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers create the very lessons, units, and resources that teachers use in classrooms nationwide. If you love mapping out scope and sequence, aligning to standards, and building purposeful learning activities—this role will feel familiar.

15. Education Program Manager

Education Program Managers are the behind-the-scenes leaders ensuring learning initiatives work. From scheduling and planning to tracking outcomes and collaborating with teams, you’ll use your organizational superpowers to keep projects moving forward.

16. Academic Program Coordinator

Academic Program Coordinators keep everything running smoothly—kind of like a well-managed classroom, but behind the scenes. You’ll manage schedules, organize communication, support faculty or instructors, and coordinate curriculum planning.

17. Remote Learning Facilitator

Remote Learning Facilitators bring structure, guidance, and support to online learners—whether they're K–12 students, college learners, or adult professionals. You’ll lead virtual sessions, monitor engagement, and provide help as needed.

18. K–12 Product Specialist

K–12 Product Specialists are the voice of the teacher inside an ed-tech company. You’ll give feedback, suggest improvements, and help ensure educational tools actually meet classroom needs. As educators consider long-term sustainability and lifestyle balance, many begin exploring careers for retired teachers that allow them to stay connected to learning while reducing stress and rigid schedules.

19. Learning Experience Designer (LXD)

Learning Experience Designers (LXDs) design powerful, learner-focused content—using education, psychology, and a little design magic. It’s about creating a full learning journey that’s easy, engaging, and effective.

20. Teacher Trainer

Teacher Trainers lead professional development sessions for educators—whether it’s introducing a new curriculum, rolling out an ed-tech tool, or sharing best practices. You still get to teach—but now you’re helping other teachers grow.

21. Education Support Specialist

Education Support Specialists are the go-to helpers for schools, teachers, and families using educational tools or services. You’ll answer questions, offer solutions, and help people feel confident and supported.

22. Training & Onboarding Coordinator

Training & Onboarding Coordinators make sure new employees feel confident and ready. You’ll walk them through systems, answer questions, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Salary Insights: What Teachers Can Expect

Salaries vary based on location, industry, and experience, but many alternative roles for teachers offer competitive pay. Positions like instructional designer, L&D specialist, and customer success manager often exceed traditional teaching salaries—especially in corporate or tech environments.

More importantly, these roles frequently come with:

• Career advancement opportunities

• Skill-based salary growth

• Work-life balance improvements

Curriculum & Instructional Design Field

Salary Range:

• Low end: $55,000–$65,000 (comparable to a teacher's salary in many states)

• Mid-range: $70,000–$90,000

• High end: $100,000–$130,000+
  (especially in tech, higher ed, or leadership roles)

Educational Success Field

Salary Range:

• Low end: $60,000–$70,000

• Mid-range: $75,000–$90,000

• High end: $100,000–$120,000+
  (especially in enterprise tech companies or national-level accounts)

Trainer & Professional Development Field

Salary Range:

• Low end: $55,000–$65,000 (often a lateral move from teaching)

• Mid-range: $70,000–$85,000

• High end: $90,000–$110,000+
  (especially in corporate training or with national PD providers)

How TeacherTransition Helps Make the Switch Easier

Teacher Transition has supported educators since 2016 by helping them gain clarity, confidence, and direction. The platform is built specifically for teachers exploring life beyond the classroom and offers:

• Career clarity quizzes

• Skill-building courses

• Resume and LinkedIn support

• Coaching and community guidance

The focus isn’t on quitting teaching—it’s about recognizing the value of your skills and applying them in ways that fit your goals and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

There are more alternative jobs for teachers than ever before, and the demand for educator skill sets continues to grow. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, growth, or renewed purpose, these 22 roles show that leaving the classroom doesn’t mean leaving education behind it means expanding where and how you make an impact.