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25 Creative Jobs & Careers for Creative People

Creativity is far from just a skill; it’s an essential part of an identity. Why settle for a career that doesn’t allow creative individuals to shine? Creative people deserve equally creative careers — and yes, there are dozens of creative jobs that don’t require a degree! 

Whether a self-taught photographer or a classically trained painter, rest assured that jobs for artistic people do exist. Today, we’ve gathered 25 of the top creative careers and jobs for creative thinkers, from photography and videography to creative writing and arts and crafts. 

Photography & Videography Careers

1. photographer.

Creatives with photography skills can share their gifts across a wide range of industries. As one of the many creative jobs that don’t require a degree, most photographers can discover professional work with a polished portfolio and general photography experience. 

A few examples of photography creative careers include:

• Product photographer
• Wedding photographer
• Newborn photographer
• Real estate photographer
• Photojournalist

Check out our full Photography Careers Guide for more photography career options.

How Much Can a Photographer Make?

The general yearly salary for a photographer averages $43,114 per year but can vary depending on professional experience. Even those just beginning their photography career can find entry-level photography assistant positions. These opportunities can help set novice photographers on a strong path for career growth, potentially leading them to start a photography business.

2. Videographer

Though a career in videography may require a bit more equipment than photography, it’s an awesome freelance or employment opportunity for creatives with a love for visual arts in motion. Videography skills are often highly requested across numerous industries for purposes including but not limited to advertisement commercials, music video production, and product marketing. 

How Much Can a Videographer Make?

As of 2022, the average videographer’s salary sits at around $68,703 per year . It can range from $56,668 per year to $85,611 per year, depending on education and prior experience. Those of us looking to jumpstart our videography career can lock in some general videography knowledge and research local entry-level positions or apprenticeship programs. 

3.Photo Editor

Jobs with photography don’t all happen behind the camera. If you have the skills to edit photos , you are extremely hireable. There is a lot of work in the field, whether that’s through freelancing gigs (which, thanks to digital photography, can be done entirely online) or with an ad agency. While you may not be taking the photos directly, you will stay engaged with the art and the questions that surround its technique.

4. Film Producer

For those with a deep love for videography and the visual arts, plus a desire to take on a management-focused career, a creative career in film production is the way to go. These creative individuals are responsible for managing various stages of film production, ranging from early development to post-production on everything from small indie films or highly anticipated blockbusters. 

Roles as a film producer often require a bit more experience and knowledge to help land a position. The current average salary for a film producer is $70,319 per year . Some positions offer upwards of $135,000 per year, depending on skills and experience. 

5. Video Editor

Falling under the field of videography, video editors are responsible for editing recorded footage used in movies, television shows, company commercials, and online videos. Many businesses will seek video editing services on a project-to-project basis, making this a great freelancing opportunity for those with strong video editing abilities. 

The average base annual salary for a video editor is approximately $38,850 per year. However, a video editor typically prices their professional services based on their experience and specific skills, which can significantly influence final income amounts. 

Design Careers 

6. Graphic Design 

Rather than capture art with a camera, a creative career in graphic design allows an artistic individual to create the art themselves. A graphic design career offers great freelance and employment opportunities, from developing gaming graphics to crafting custom company logos.

How Much Can a Graphic Designer Make?

The current salary average for a graphic designer is approximately $50,710 per year . With many graphic designers beginning their careers through self-taught online instruction , designers who continue to enhance their skill sets have a chance of securing higher-paying positions and projects.

Graphic designers who expand their expertise through continued education and ongoing experience can land more advanced roles. For example, the salary for senior designers averages $82,384 per year , and product designers earn an average of $102,237 per year .

7. Web Design

Like graphic design, a creative job in web design also offers fantastic freelance and employment opportunities for those with an eye for art. This creative career pairs personal website design tools, including WordPress and Adobe Dreamweaver, with technical web development language skills, like CSS, Java, and Python, to create websites that are equal parts functional and visually appealing.

How Much Can a Web Designer Make?

For those with an established portfolio, web design offers great self-employment opportunities due to the project-to-project nature of this profession. However, the average annual salary is also $67,916 per year , so it’s crucial for web designers to stay up to date with current web design trends and skills , as many preferred web design tools and processes regularly update and change. 

8. UX Design

User experience (UX) design positions partner the skills of a web designer with the ability to make cloud-based programs and websites user-friendly. UX designers hone their skills to program and alter the functions and layout of a website or program to support customer satisfaction and accessibility.

How Much Can a UX Designer Make?

UX design positions average a yearly salary of roughly $98,816 . Unlike other creative jobs that don’t require a degree, these jobs also require some college education.

People just beginning their UX design career path and those without college experience often start by teaching themselves UX design topics and skills. 

9. Fashion Design

Apart from the digital aspect of creative design, fashion design offers robust creative potential for those interested in designing all types of clothing and accessories. This highly prized and competitive niche offers huge employment opportunities with various fashion brands. We can also consider freelance design opportunities to create a proprietary clothing brand . 

How Much Can a Fashion Designer Make?

Due to fashion’s varying nature in price and popularity, salary amounts fluctuate with a current average of $75,810 per year . However, those who enter the entrepreneurial space of fashion design can experience far beyond average salary amounts dependent on personal success. 

10. Interior Design

Interior design is a highly desired job for artistic people that offers excellent employment opportunities with design firms. Interior designers are responsible for using their keen eye for aesthetics to create visually appealing residential and commercial interior spaces with a curated selection of wall colors, furniture, and other design elements. 

How Much Can an Interior Designer Make?

The average annual interior design salary is roughly $52,034 , with previous experience and education qualifications potentially affecting this amount. Many design firms often request educational design experience. Yet rising interior designers can get a taste of industry expectations through online education . 

11. Art Director

Securing a role as an art director is built for those seeking a bit more of a management position. Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual design aspects of a media campaign and often manage and mentor entry-level designers. 

How Much Can an Art Director Make?

Art director roles are considered senior-level positions and offer an average annual salary of $100,890 . Due to the high level of this position, companies seeking an art director often require multiple years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in an art and design subject. 

12. Jewelry Design 

Those searching for creative jobs that don’t require a degree may want to consider jewelry design. While major jewelry companies may offer design assistant positions, many people opt to design jewelry through their own small businesses. 

In fact, the booming popularity of e-commerce has enabled jewelry design entrepreneurs to sell their work directly through online marketplaces such as Etsy.

How Much Can a Jewelry Designer Make?

Jewelry designers hold an average annual salary of $42,501 . However, those who tap into the entrepreneurial space of jewelry design may see a much higher wage. 

13. Motion Design

As one of the top jobs for artistic people, motion designers leverage graphic design skills to create web, television, and film content with animation and visual effects that put their art into motion. Motion designers will often work alongside various marketing and production companies to help craft animated commercials, trailers, and mobile app openings. 

How Much Can a Motion Designer Make?

Many motion designers work freelance and offer their skills on a project-to-project basis and can make an average of $60,703 per year , depending on professional experience and portfolio presence.

Music Careers

Visual arts may not be for everyone. Some of us have a deep passion for music production, which we can develop into creative careers as well.

14. Music Producer

Music producers are responsible for leading the creative and technical development of music recordings ranging from a single song to an entire studio soundtrack. Producers work hand-in-hand with those in the music business , managing songwriters, audio engineers, and artists as a team to help craft an awesome audio project. 

How Much Can a Music Producer Make?

Because of the expansive level of industry success a music producer can encounter, yearly salary amounts can average anywhere from $70,326 per year to upwards of a multi-million dollar amount. 

15.Start DJ ‘ing

For those who enjoy entertainment and are looking to take their music career outside of the studio, entering the professional DJ space may be the answer. From mastering the machine to getting the scratching down pat, DJing involves numerous music mixing skills that we can use to host parties, work on a radio station, and create custom medleys. 

How Much Can a DJ Make?

A professional DJ’s salary averages $58,267 per year. Yet, as with most careers in music, the exposure level and demand for services can significantly impact a DJ’s salary. 

16. Audio Engineer

An audio engineer is responsible for the numerous mechanical and technical components of sound, whether it’s for music recordings, television shows, or even video game sound reels. A creative ear is essential, as responsibilities include recording, editing, and reproducing enjoyable audio files. 

How Much Can an Audio Engineer Make?

The current average annual salary for an audio engineer totals $51,774 per year . This income can climb upwards of $136,500 per year with added experience. For those looking to enter the field, online audio engineering classes can offer excellent insight into the skills needed to become successful. 

17. Sound Mixer

Often referred to as production sound mixers, sound mixers lead the process of capturing, editing, and uploading audio for television, film, and music operations. Sound mixers are often responsible for overseeing the entire audio production team, which makes for the perfect creative career for those seeking a management position in the music industry. 

How Much Can a Sound Mixer Make?

A professional sound mixer can earn an average annual salary of $62,809 or more, depending on the level of experience and general industry education.  

Arts and Crafts Careers 

18. Painter

Some of us love to paint but have never considered it as a potential career path. Yet professional painters can sell their work, commission their paintings to corporate or private collections, and work on specific projects to make money. Likewise, those who can demonstrate strong painting skills can also teach art classes or workshops.

The yearly salary for an artistic painter truly cannot be averaged to a general amount. As with many artistic career routes, yearly income amounts will rely on the artist’s success and the exposure they receive. Another contributing factor is whether painting is a side hustle or a full-time freelance gig. 

19. Illustrator 

Another option for those of us with a passion for drawing is to become an illustrator. With both freelance and employment opportunities available, illustrators play a huge role in all things that require physical drawing.

How Much Can an Illustrator Make?

Illustrator careers can stretch from magazines and children’s books to fashion design and advertisements. Depending on skill level and general level of experience, illustrators can earn an average annual salary ranging from $21,500 to $131,500.

20.Online Craft Seller

For us creatives who create pottery or macrame plant hangers, there are online opportunities to sell our artwork — and even take special requests from customers looking to use our skills to create something custom. The trick is to master the art of running an online craft shop like in a platform like Etsy or similar platforms.

Like painters, online craft sellers can earn a wide range of salaries. Creative individuals can benefit from learning craft business basics , like establishing a personal shop, to create endless opportunities to share their skills with the world and also turn a profit. Plus, a personal shop with traction can quickly turn a side gig into a full-time self-employed operation. 

Creative Writing  Careers

21. Copywriter

In terms of creative writing career paths, copywriting tends to take the cake. From blog writing for big companies to creating website copy and product descriptions for small businesses, copywriting skills are present just about anywhere there’s text. 

Copywriting offers great freelance, side-hustle, and employment opportunities, with many successful writers sourcing their guidance strictly from creative writing classes .

How Much Can a Copywriter Make?

The current average salary for a copywriter is $54,184 per year . This amount can increase with industry experience, client caliber, and skill.

22. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters are the solutions for thought leaders and various industry professionals who want to write a book or start a blog, but simply don’t have the writing skills. Though ghostwriters do not receive a byline (credit) for their work, they still receive payment for each piece they author.

Many successful ghostwriters have a background in copywriting and other creative writing fields. Others hone their skills through self-education. As ghostwriters often operate independently as freelancers or side hustlers, yearly pay varies based on the number of projects and their cost.

23. Social Media Marketer

Individuals with both creative writing and social media skills who don’t want to take on long-form copywriting or ghostwriting projects may consider social media marketing. Social media marketers use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and now Tiktok to create, upload, and manage content that attracts and engages customers. 

How Much Can a Social Media Marketer Make?

As with many creative writing careers, social media marketers can freelance or opt for a full-time position with an average salary of $56,423 per year. One way to learn the basics and jumpstart a career in social media is through online classes. 

24.Journalist

A career in journalism is a perfect match for those who have a passion for storytelling and staying connected with hot topics and global news. Journalists allow creatives to hone their writing skills to educate and inform readers on various topics through newspapers, magazines, or online publications. 

Many professionals possess a degree in journalism. However, a degree is not always necessary if aspiring journalists can demonstrate previous work samples.

How Much Can a Journalist Make?

The average starting salary for a journalist is $41,968 per year , and career growth depends on the employing publication.

25. Technical Writer

For those seeking creative careers that involve a challenge, try technical writing. Technical writers are responsible for transforming complex and difficult-to-digest topics into something all readers can understand. Technical writers often create product guides, medical manuals, and other documentation to be used as a reference following a product purchase or service request. 

How Much Can a Technical Writer Make?

Due to the high-grade nature of this writing, the average salary for a technical writer is approximately $69,234 per year . With both freelance and full-time opportunities available, technical writers can score creative jobs by demonstrating robust knowledge in a particular niche.  

Types of Career

Not all creative careers will require a 9 to 5 job. Before diving into the individual job types, consider the multiple types of careers that offer creative direction.

Freelance Creative 

Freelance work is often not referred to as a job but rather as self-employment or a personal business. Instead of being employed by a single company or organization, freelance professionals offer their creative skills as a pay-per-service to various individuals and companies. 

Likewise, freelance creative professionals can also take on contract work. This allows a creative to sign an agreement with a company to complete a project over a designated amount of time. But it does not deem the creative as an employee of that entity. 

The demand for creative freelance work is always growing with platforms such as Fiverr , which offers creatives opportunities to sell their work such as graphic design, voice acting and more. 

Talented and experienced freelance creatives can also take on much bigger endeavors and produce complete campaigns and projects for big brands, if you are one of them you can offer your time and skills in platforms like WorkingNotWorking .    

Employed Creative 

Creative skills are in demand in many different industries, such as advertising, fashion, architecture, music and more. Companies are looking for talented individuals who can fit into positions such as design, photography, copywriting, editing, illustration, etc. and some may eventually move into management roles. 

Creative management jobs allow creatives to use their skills to guide both the company’s creative processes and the employees’ artistic processes.

Creative managers — like art directors — often control higher-risk creative and decision-making abilities. Depending on the specific management position at hand, creatives may need to demonstrate proof of education and experience to gain the role.

Creative Side Hustle

Not all creatives are ready to leave their current job just yet, and that’s okay — that’s what a side hustle is for. A side hustle allows artistic people to use their skills as a service without committing to an entire business venture. 

Writing, photography, and graphic design are just a fraction of the creative professions that make money as a side hustle while offering flexibility for those balancing a full-time job. Here are 25 different creative careers that can start as a side hustle and blossom into a full-time career.

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Nasa Koski cut her teeth in filmmaking through her climbing & mountaineering adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Carrying a camera into the wilderness ignited her passion for storytelling through photos and film. Her short films have toured worldwide and won awards at Banff Mountain Film Festival, 5Point Film Festival, and more. She is the Creative Director of Social & Brand at CreativeLive.

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25 Creative Jobs and Careers to Consider

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One of the most popular songs from the hit Broadway show Avenue Q poses the question:  What do you do with a B.A. in English?

Of course, you could replace “English” with any number of art degrees. Designers, visual artists, and writers alike tend to leave school wondering how to find jobs for creative people. How do I know this? I have a master’s degree in creative writing.

Beginning a  career in any creative field  is scary, but when you dig into the options, you’ll find a surprising number of opportunities. Here are 25 creative jobs to explore, broken down by different skills and interests. We’ll also discuss how to find creative jobs in this guide.

25 Creative Jobs to Explore

If you’re interested in design, 1. art director.

Most people would probably agree that “art director” is a vague job title. But in most cases, art directors (which often have similar titles to people with  creative director  jobs) are responsible for the overall visual aspects of an ad or media campaign. People who hold art director jobs also manage and mentor junior-level designers.

When it comes to artist jobs, art directors tend to be fairly senior-level employees. As such, the average salary for art director jobs in the U.S. is just under  $80,000 per year . They typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in art or design, plus several years of practical experience.

2. Multimedia Animator

Multimedia animators  create visual effects and animations for television, movies, video games, and more. Folks that hold these artist jobs tend to be self-employed and often work long hours, but they can charge upwards of  $36 per hour , depending on the scope of the project and the animator’s experience.

Multimedia animators tend to have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, computer graphics, or animation. Employers also prefer candidates who have at least some working experience.

3. Marketing Designer

Looking for jobs for creative thinkers? Marketing designers focus on projects that, well, a marketing team works on—which require more methodical planning and thought than you’d imagine. Marketing designers create a wide variety of assets, including ebooks, sales materials, and graphics for marketing campaigns.

Marketing designers range from  very  early in their careers to  very  experienced folks who operate in roles similar to creative director jobs. However, the average marketing designer in the United States earns a  salary of around $56,000 . They also typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in fine art, computer graphics, or animation.

4. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers  do similar work as marketing designers—the big difference being they don’t focus solely on marketing projects. They’re in demand across several industries and build assets for the web, magazines, and even art installations, just to name a few.

The average graphic designer salary in the United States is just under $50,000 per year. However, the big difference is that many graphic designers  don’t  hold bachelor’s degrees . In fact, a growing number of them began their careers by  learning the basics online .

5. User Experience Designer

User experience   designers  (or UX designers) are tasked with making websites and other cloud-based products, well, usable. They take a designer’s sensibility and apply it to create online experiences that are both user-friendly and powerful.

UX designers also take home fairly large salaries at an  average of just over $113,000  per year. And while many UX designers hold a two or four-year degree, many others got their start by  enrolling in online courses  or boot camps.

6. Video Game Designer

Video game designers do exactly what you think they do—they design video games, using their skills to create immersive environments and  realistic-looking characters . Neat, right? This is one of the more unique visual development artist jobs on our list.

Much like UX designers, many video game designers got their foot in the door via online coursework or intensive boot camps. They also take home fairly healthy salaries, especially compared to many other  jobs for creative people , at an average of  just over $73,000 per year .

7. Web Developer

Wait, aren’t we talking about  creative  jobs? You bet—and that’s why  web developers  made our list. Not only do they need technical chops to build awesome websites, but they also need a designer’s eye to understand how to build awesome websites that people will actually use.

While you might need to supplement your current education with online coursework or a boot camp, U.S. web developers make an average  salary of $70,000 per year .

Want to take your knack for creating stunning visual experiences and apply it to everyday items such as lamps and children’s toys? The world of industrial design might be for you. This role requires equal amounts of talent in visual art, business, and engineering to create best-in-class products that people use daily.

Junior-level industrial designers tend to make an  average salary of $58,000 per year , depending on location, and are often expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the field.

9. Photography Assistant

Photography assistant positions tend to be entry-level art jobs, but they’re ideal for someone interested in photography who’s  just  getting started. Photography assistants get a hands-on education from a professional photographer; they’re typically responsible for tasks including  coordinating photoshoots  and setting up before and after large shoots.

Photography assistant salaries tend to be hourly and fluctuate based on the photographer’s budget. However, since these are entry-level art jobs, there are no educational requirements other than a sincere interest in learning the finer details of photography.

10. Interior Designer

Interior designers  make interior spaces functional and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting decorative items, such as colors, lighting, and materials. They’re most frequently associated with home decor but often work with companies to design unique workspaces.

Interior designers earn  an average salary of just over $57,000 per year . They also tend to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, although many of them did not attend school to be interior designers.

11. Set Designer

Ever wonder who designed the look and feel of your favorite television or Broadway show? Enter the set designer, who’s responsible for designing the vision for a set—and then getting their hands dirty and building it.

Set designers tend to work on a freelance basis, but Glassdoor finds that the average salary is roughly  $57,000 per year . Of course, take that with a grain of salt, especially considering that estimate is based on a 40-hour work week.

12. Museum Curator

Much like a set designer, a museum curator is responsible for the look and overall feel of, you guessed it, a museum. They’re tasked with choosing the art that guests will enjoy, while also designing programs and other supplemental materials to enhance the overall experience. Think of things like pamphlets, signage around the museum, and even audio guides.

This is one of the more difficult careers for creative people on our list to get into. Most museum curators hold at least a master’s degree in art history or a similar field of study. In exchange,  they earn roughly $52,000 per yea r.

13. Jewelry Designer

We probably don’t need to explain what a jewelry designer does. But while there are full-time jobs with large companies available, many other jewelry designers operate as small business owners. You’ll find dozens of them on marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy—and many of them report  very livable salaries .

The good news is that you don’t need a two or four-year degree to  design jewelry . But the salary will depend on whether you find an opportunity to work with a company, or if you launch your own business.

14. Video Editor

This probably falls in the category of visual development artist jobs that we don’t need to explain. But as video across the internet becomes just as popular (or in some cases,  more  popular) than network television, many video editors today focus on creating and editing videos for sites like YouTube and Vimeo. Others focus on  editing videos  of events such as weddings or corporate retreats.

In a similar fashion to many other roles on our list, video editors often work in a freelance capacity. According to Salary.com, the average “salary” for a video editor is roughly  $66,000 per year .

If You’re Interested in Creative Writing

15. copywriter.

Copywriting positions are among the first  creative writing jobs  that many people discover early in their search. They’re responsible for coming up with quippy, impactful taglines and product descriptions, just to name a few. Some focus on copy for the web, while others specialize in the language you’ll find on toothpaste or greeting cards.

The average salary for a copywriter is roughly  $57,000 per year . While many copywriters hold a bachelor’s degree, others learned their trade through intensive boot camps or online courses.

16. Content Marketer

Here’s one of the careers for creative people that I have a particular soft spot for. Why? Because it’s my full-time job! And it’s something I landed on when I first started searching for creative writing jobs several years ago.

Content marketers create assets such as blog posts and ebooks that attract potential customers without blatantly promoting their company’s products. They do this by addressing their target audience’s biggest pain points with well-researched content that solves a problem, even if the reader chooses not to buy the product.

Starting salaries for content marketers tend to be  just over $50,000 per year . And while I hold an MFA in creative writing, many of my counterparts hold either a two or four-year degree.

17. Social Media Marketer

Social media marketers are responsible for some of the same tasks as content marketers. These  jobs for creative thinkers  utilize content to attract potential customers via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. However, unlike content marketers, social media folks have a little more leeway to promote their company’s offering.

Entry-level social media marketers typically earn  $41,000 per year . However, many companies do not require a bachelor’s degree—and aspiring social media pros often learn the ins and outs online.

18. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters are invaluable to thought leaders who have something unique to share but need help getting it down on paper. While you won’t get credit for writing a piece as a ghostwriter, you will find that quality ghostwriting is in high demand. As a bonus, ghostwriting is among the most flexible gigs for people looking for remote creative jobs.

Ghostwriters tend to operate on a freelance basis. And while rates will depend on the length of the project, some ghostwriters earn up to  $9,000 per full-length book .

When many people think about what jobs can you get with a creative writing degree, becoming an editor is one of the first goals they set. In addition to editing work by other writers, editors are responsible for evaluating pitches for their publications and assigning articles to both in-house and freelance journalists.

Depending on your location, Salary.com estimates that you can expect to earn between  $74,000 and $90,000 per year as an editor . In addition to a portfolio of published articles, many editors hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a field such as journalism or English.

20. Journalist

It would be easy to assume that by choosing these art degree jobs, you’re committing to a lifetime of writing for newspapers. That’s partially true—but as a growing number of people get their news primarily off the internet, you’ll find yourself writing for the web more often than not.

Journalism salaries are pretty inconsistent. Many beginners earn roughly  $39,000 per year , depending on their location. They also tend to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

21. Communications Specialist

For a long time, I tried to answer the question: What jobs can I get with an MFA in creative writing? At one point, I was very close to taking a communications specialist job. Unlike journalists, who focus on external issues, communication specialists are in-house employees who are tasked with internal company communications. While they often cover fun and exciting events, they’re also responsible for crafting messaging around less-positive scenarios such as layoffs.

ZipRecruiter estimates that the average salary for a communication specialist is roughly  $57,000 per year . Typically, these folks hold bachelor’s degrees in journalism, communication, or a similar field.

22. Technical Writer

Looking for what jobs can you get with a creative writing degree? Technical writers combine their technical knowledge with their ability to craft compelling stories. They’re most often known for writing technical documentation, but they’ll often write external content about technical subjects for a wide variety of marketing campaigns.

The average salary for a technical writer is  roughly $70,000 per year . And while you don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to do the job well, you should have some fairly extensive technical knowledge, especially if you’re joining a company with a very in-depth product.

If You’re Interested in a Variety of Creative Fields

23. marketing assistant or associate.

Looking for art degree jobs, but aren’t sure where to begin? Consider a  marketing assistant  (or associate) job. These roles expose you to every aspect of a marketing team, from lead generation to product marketing campaigns—and all of these facets require creative thinkers.

These tend to be entry-level roles and pay an  average of $42,000 per year . Many companies “require” a bachelor’s degree for these roles, but a growing number of organizations are open to candidates who don’t have a two or four-year degree.

Looking for help on how to write a resume for creative jobs like a marketing assistant? Check out  this Skillshare class .

24. Sous Chef

You might not have imagined working in a kitchen, but the best chefs know how to make food taste, look, and smell appealing. Where else can you combine  so  many aspects of being a creative person?

While you’ll find that many sous chefs have attended culinary school, there are plenty of examples of  very  popular chefs who got their start by washing dishes or waiting tables. The  average salary for a sous chef  in the U.S. is roughly $60,000.

25. Teacher

Want to equip the next generation of creatives to build or craft beautiful art? Art professor jobs of all levels are vital to the growth of budding artists, and they’re particularly appealing to creative folks who have a wide variety of interests.

If you’re looking for art professor jobs in a public school, you will need a bachelor’s degree and any required certifications for the state in which you’d like to teach. Higher education jobs usually require a master’s degree in a related field. The  average salary for a teacher  in the United States is roughly $58,000 per year.

Understanding Creativity

• Posted June 25, 2020
• By Emily Boudreau

Understanding the learning that happens with creative work can often be elusive in any K–12 subject. A new study from Harvard Graduate School of Education Associate Professor Karen Brennan , and researchers Paulina Haduong and Emily Veno, compiles case studies, interviews, and assessment artifacts from 80 computer science teachers across the K–12 space. These data shed new light on how teachers tackle this challenge in an emerging subject area.

“A common refrain we were hearing from teachers was, ‘We’re really excited about doing creative work in the classroom but we’re uncertain about how to assess what kids are learning, and that makes it hard for us to do what we want to do,’” Brennan says. “We wanted to learn from teachers who are supporting and assessing creativity in the classroom, and amplify their work, and celebrate it and show what’s possible as a way of helping other teachers.”

Create a culture that values meaningful assessment for learning — not just grades

As many schools and districts decided to suspend letter grades during the pandemic, teachers need to help students find intrinsic motivation. “It’s a great moment to ask, ‘What would assessment look like without a focus on grades and competition?’” says Veno.

Indeed, the practice of fostering a classroom culture that celebrates student voice, creativity, and exploration isn’t limited to computer science. The practice of being a creative agent in the world extends through all subject areas.

The research team suggests the following principles from computer science classrooms may help shape assessment culture across grade levels and subject areas.

Solicit different kinds of feedback

Give students the time and space to receive and incorporate feedback. “One thing that’s been highlighted in assessment work is that it is not about the teacher talking to a student in a vacuum,” says Haduong, noting that hearing from peers and outside audience members can help students find meaning and direction as they move forward with their projects.

• Feedback rubrics help students receive targeted feedback from audience members. Additionally, looking at the rubrics can help the teacher gather data on student work.

Emphasize the process for teachers and students

Finding the appropriate rubric or creating effective project scaffolding is a journey. Indeed, according to Haduong, “we found that many educators had a deep commitment to iteration in their own work.” Successful assessment practices conveyed that spirit to students.

• Keeping design journals can help students see their work as it progresses and provides documentation for teachers on the student’s process.
• Consider the message sent by the form and aesthetics of rubrics. One educator decided to use a handwritten assessment to convey that teachers, too, are working on refining their practice.

Scaffold independence

Students need to be able to take ownership of their learning as virtual learning lessens teacher oversight. Students need to look at their own work critically and know when they’ve done their best. Teachers need to guide students in this process and provide scaffolded opportunities for reflection.

• Have students design their own assessment rubric. Students then develop their own continuum to help independently set expectations for themselves and their work.

Key Takeaways

• Assessment shouldn’t be limited to the grade a student receives at the end of the semester or a final exam. Rather, it should be part of the classroom culture and it should be continuous, with an emphasis on using assessment not for accountability or extrinsic motivation, but to support student learning.
• Teachers can help learners see that learning and teaching are iterative processes by being more transparent about their own efforts to reflect and iterate on their practices.
• Teachers should scaffold opportunities for students to evaluate their own work and develop independence.

Additional Resources

• Creative Computing curriculum and projects
• Karen Brennan on helping kids get “unstuck”
• Usable Knowledge on how assessment can help continue the learning process

Usable Knowledge

Connecting education research to practice — with timely insights for educators, families, and communities

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For more than 65 years, Creative Education Foundation ( CEF ) has been teaching adults and children in organizations, schools, and communities how to use the proven Creative Problem Solving process to develop new ideas, solve problems, and implement solutions. In 1954, Alex Osborn – legendary advertising executive, coiner of the term “brainstorming”, and author of the ground-breaking book  Applied Imagination   – founded CEF. Osborn, along with Professor Sidney Parnes, developed the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem Solving process. CEF introduced its comprehensive educational program at the first Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) at the University of Buffalo in 1955.

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Creative problem solving institute (cpsi).

Every year, Creative Education Foundation produces the Creative Problem Solving Institute ( CPSI ), the world’s longest-running creativity conference. CPSI offers several experiential programs to learn or improve your knowledge of the CPS method as well as a youth program for children of ages eight to 17.

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25 Careers for Teachers Who Leave the Classroom

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Many people go into teaching because it’s a rewarding career path that shapes the lives and minds of students. However, in recent years, budget cuts, overcrowded classrooms, staffing shortages, and a global pandemic have caused many teachers to reevaluate their career.

If you’re a teacher who’s considering a career change, the good news is, your skills and experience can transfer to a number of in-demand jobs outside the classroom. While some of these might require you to return to college, there are many others that can put your teaching degree to good use (and might even earn you more money).

Whether you’re ready for a major career change or want to advance in the one you already have, this list of 20 alternative jobs for teachers will help you explore your options.

Careers in Education

Do you like working in the field of education but know that traditional classroom teaching isn’t for you? Here are some roles in education where you can put your teaching skills to good use.

Education Policy Expert

If you're passionate about education and want to contribute to changes that improve the experiences of students and teachers, you should consider a career in education policy. Education policy experts measure the success or failure of existing policies and determine how policies will affect students, teachers, budgets, and districts. They also look at challenges faced by schools, districts, or regions and come up with policy-based solutions.

Education policy experts typically work for school boards and districts, state education agencies, the federal government, lobbying firms, think tanks, advocacy groups, and education consulting companies.

To work in this role, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree, though some districts might require a master's or a doctorate.

Average Salary: $76,019

Curriculum Specialist

Do you want to help build the future of education by working in curriculum development? If so, you can put your background in teaching to good use by creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences that improve academic outcomes. Curriculum specialists test learning data and strategies, then recommend curriculum and teaching improvements. They also train teachers on new programs and content.

Curriculum specialists can work in a variety of settings, including public or private schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and more. Whatever industry you choose, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, but schools and universities typically require a master’s in curriculum and instruction. Previous experience as a teacher or instructional leader also leads to better opportunities and pay.

Average Salary: $68,118

Program Director for Exceptional Children

A program director for exceptional children, also referred to as PDEC, is someone who has a background in special education and an understanding of relevant teaching practices and methods. This role is critical to ensure that students get the care and training they need to be successful. They have several duties—they oversee the department, plan the curriculum, and stay up to date on the latest education research. A PDEC should typically have a few years of experience in special education. A master’s degree in education can also help expand your knowledge and deepen your skills. Since the job itself requires excellent administrative skills more than classroom and educational skills, you’ll want to develop those skills in any way that you can.

Average Salary: $61,500

Guidance Counselor

If you have an interest in helping students reach their academic and career goals, this career path can be a great fit. Guidance counselors advise students on academic and personal decisions. They also work with students experiencing behavioral, emotional, or mental issues that impact their ability to perform at school. In addition to working with students, guidance counselors also cooperate with parents and school staff to ensure students reach their full potential.

Some of the things you can expect to do in this role include arranging and scheduling orientation programs and internships, researching study programs and recommending them to students, and completing student evaluations.

Guidance counselors can work at any level of education: elementary, middle, and high school, as well as college, at both private and public schools. Each state has its own licensure and accreditation requirements to become a guidance counselor but most will require a master’s degree and the completion of an approved counselor education program.

Average Salary: $58,120

Academic Advisor

Academic advising is often a good fit for former teachers because they already know what students need to successfully navigate their academic requirements. These professionals are involved in nearly every step of a student’s education process—from guiding them through the admission process to recommending what classes to take. They also update student reports and keep track of student progress. 

Before you can begin a career as an academic advisor, you’ll need to complete a few educational requirements, including a bachelor’s degree, typically in education. In order to advance your career and pursue a future in academic advising, you might consider a master's degree in curriculum and instruction . This type of degree will help you understand curriculum, high school and college scheduling and student needs, and give you insights into how to work with students on a daily basis. These skills are critical for a career as an academic advisor.

Average Salary: $45,965

Instructional Designer

If you have classroom teaching experience and an in-depth knowledge of the academic landscape, this background can give you a solid head start as an instructional designer. These professionals help teachers, school administrators, and educational institutions harness the power of new technologies to improve the quality of each student’s education.

Instructional designers evaluate a variety of learning tools and resources, identify what materials can benefit specific students or teachers, then work closely with educators to help implement curriculum and instruction practices.

Instructional designers typically need both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in education. In addition, employers sometimes prefer candidates with at least a few years of experience in a relevant academic field.

Average Salary: $80,182

Standardized Test Developer

Becoming a standardized test developer often means earning more than you would as a teacher, which can be appealing if you’re looking for a job in education that comes with a pay bump. 

Standardized test developers design evaluations that measure a student’s retained knowledge at the end of a course or schooling. In addition to writing and editing test questions, they analyze data to identify areas that need testing, research sources that can be used when developing new test questions, and ensure tests are accurate and error-free.

Like many other jobs in curriculum development, test developer roles often require a master’s degree. Depending on the subject matter, you may also need specific expertise. For instance, test developers that work on the LSAT might need a law degree.

Average Salary: $70,000

Private Tutor

Unlike classroom teachers who work with 20 to 40 students at a time, private tutors teach students one-on-one. If you enjoy that dynamic and have excellent communication skills when it comes to explaining complex topics, a career as a private tutor could be a good career move for you. 

Students from elementary school to college may need a tutor to reteach or explain course materials or to help them complete assignments. In some cases, families hire private tutors to ensure their children excel in a specific subject area. In other cases, tutors might work through an agency.

As a prospective private tutor, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in the subject area that you want to tutor in. For example, if you want to become a math tutor, you’ll need a bachelor’s in math.

Average Salary: $50,390

School Principal

Principals supervise schools and direct their overall operation. This involves maintaining student and teacher success, handling disciplinary issues, managing budgets, overseeing hiring decisions, and more. So, if you want to advance your education career and continue to work in a school setting, transitioning to a school principal could be rewarding for you.

If you’re considering this role, it’s important that you feel comfortable in a leadership position and possess the strong interpersonal skills—such as communication, conflict management, patience, etc.—that are needed to excel in this position.

In most cases, school principals hold master’s degrees in education administration or educational leadership . However, some principals hold only bachelor’s degrees but have significant experience as elementary, junior high, or high school teachers or upper-level administrators. School principals also need different experience and certifications, which can vary by state, city, and district.

Average Salary: $111,640

Educational Consultant

Becoming an educational consultant is a great move for teachers who need a break from the classroom but still want to stay connected to education and impact students’ lives in a positive way. 

The day-to-day duties of an educational consultant can vary depending on whether you work for a private company or a school district. For instance, some educational consultants work with educational technology firms to design online continuing education programs for teachers. Others might work for community programs that help homeschool families create their curricula. Most educational consultants, however, serve school districts to develop their education programs.

The educational requirements vary as well. Many districts will require you to have a master’s degree, and others might want you to have a doctorate. Most will also require a valid teaching certificate, as well as continuing education requirements.

Average Salary: $65,621

Careers Outside of Education

Ready to leave the field of education altogether? Many of the skills you’ve likely mastered in the classroom—such as creativity, communication, leadership, and critical thinking—can transfer to careers in a number of industries.

Given the subjects you’ve focused on as a teacher, you may find you’re already well suited for a related field. For example, if you’re an English teacher, the transition to a freelance writer could be a logical career move.

Childcare Worker

Childcare workers get the perks of working with children but don’t have to deal with many of the stresses that teachers do—such as grading papers, designing lesson plans, and attending meetings. 

One of the biggest responsibilities of a childcare worker is to make sure the kids under their care are safe. They’re also responsible for a child’s well-being, which might include feeding meals, getting kids ready for school, or supervising play time. They can work with children of all different ages, in many different settings. Private homes, daycares, and preschools are just some of the environments you might work in as a childcare worker. 

Average Salary: $26,790

Sales Representative

Teaching skills, like the ability to educate prospects and communicate clearly, lend themselves particularly well to a career in sales. Much like teachers, sales representatives are great at interacting with people and identifying their needs. They also rely on strong communication, negotiation, and writing skills.

A sales representative’s responsibilities can include pitching products or services, cold-calling prospects, and interacting with clients to ensure they have a positive experience from start to finish.

Some sales positions may not require a formal degree, but many experts agree that it’s ideal for prospective sales representatives to have at least a bachelor’s degree, as it opens more doors.

How much you make in this career largely depends on your abilities and work performance. If you’re the type of person that wants to control your income rather than working for a traditional salary, this is a job to consider.

Average Salary: $57,286

Financial Advisor

This career can be a good match if you have a particular interest in math and accounting or a background in teaching topics related to those subjects. Financial advisors work with clients to help them realize their financial goals and provide advice and strategies so that they can reach those goals. They also research various stocks, mutual funds, and markets worth investing in, to achieve substantial returns for their clients.

Financial advisors require specialized education to prepare them to accurately manage client finances. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, it’s a good idea to take courses in investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management. If you choose to become a certified financial planner (CFP), you’ll also need to complete a CFP program.

Average Salary: $89,330

Freelance Writer

Teachers who are self-motivated and want more control and flexibility in their daily lives might enjoy a career as a freelance writer. Since teaching requires strong writing skills, many find this to be a natural transition. 

Freelance writers create all types of content, including blogs, research articles, brochures, instruction manuals, short stories, advertisements, and more. Teachers who become freelance writers might specialize in the subject they once taught or take an entirely different direction into technical or educational writing, which can be similar to the skills involved in teaching.

Some teachers start freelancing while also working full-time, then transition into freelancing full-time as they begin to gain clients.

While many employers prefer writers with a writing background, you can increase your chances of being hired if you have a strong writing portfolio with relevant work samples. Strong research skills, grammatical knowledge, and the ability to network are all key for getting started as a freelance writer.

Average Salary: $63,213

Corporate Trainer

A career move from teaching to corporate training might feel like a natural transition for those with a passion for developing others. Corporate trainers are similar to teachers in that they support learning and development. However, instead of working with students in a classroom, corporate trainers work with employees in a professional setting to promote their career growth. They may train teams to develop their skills, create training programs, develop and conduct assessments, and evaluate an employee’s progress. Interpersonal skills, as well as an enthusiasm for teaching, are musts for this role as corporate trainers work with people on a daily basis.

When it comes to education, many employers look for a candidate who has, at the very least, a bachelor's degree. In some cases, they may want you to have a master's degree and additional certificates or college courses related to corporate training.

Average Salary: $59,630

Museum tour guides serve as educators for a museum, which is why this path can be a natural fit for some teachers. In this role, you’ll be responsible for keeping guests engaged as you lead them through a museum’s exhibits, explain their significance, and answer questions. This sometimes involves leading individuals or groups of all ages, including children. With your teaching background, you might also be in charge of organizing educational programs, lectures, or field trips.

The qualifications for this position can vary based on the position and type of museum, but many require that their museum tour guides have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. However, former teaching experience can be extremely beneficial for getting your foot in the door. You might also benefit from volunteer experience.

Average Salary: $33,421

Human Resource Specialist

Many of the interpersonal skills used in teaching translate to careers in human resources (HR). These professionals are in charge of anything related to staffing—including recruiting, interviewing, and screening applicants for a company. Similar to teaching, HR specialists work with a variety of personalities and learning types when it comes to training new hires. They’re also tasked with handling employee relations, pay, benefits, and training.

Because of how essential the role of HR is, the demand for HR specialists is expected to continue growing over the next several years. This is a great position if you’re looking for stability and like working with and managing teams of people.

HR specialists need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources to gain the business and managerial skills necessary to recruit new employees, manage and set new company policies, etc. In some cases, employers might want to see certifications that are relevant to the position.

Average Salary: $63,490

Digital Marketer

If you’re looking for a job that taps into your creative side, consider marketing. It could be an easy transition if you taught business, communications, or creative writing, as many companies look for people who possess these skills.

Digital marketers have many responsibilities, including writing words and phrases for marketing content, establishing a brand voice, collaborating with other team members, and brainstorming new marketing initiatives.

This career path can offer diverse opportunities since marketing is used throughout all types of industries and fields. Schools, businesses, nonprofit groups, and hospitals all utilize marketing teams to help them promote their products or services. Whatever industry is interesting to you, chances are that they need a marketing manager to help them develop creative content and sound strategies.

Most employers will want you to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field, so this job could require some extra coursework. However, earning this kind of degree will equip you with the critical skills you need to be a successful marketer and content creator.

Average Salary: $62,601

Registered Nurse

With extra schooling , you could be ready for an in-demand nursing career that utilizes many of the skills you already have. Similar to teachers, registered nurses (RNs) need to be empathetic, detail-oriented, and emotionally resilient.

 RNs are vital to the healthcare industry and provide essential treatment and care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. They counsel patients, discuss treatment methods, administer medications, and perform physical exams. 

If you’re looking for a job that provides a high level of stability and satisfaction, this career path can provide both. Becoming an RN tops polls regarding job satisfaction and career quality. Plus, employment of RNs is expected to grow 9% from now until 2030.

Becoming an RN requires intense education to ensure you understand best health practices and how to provide excellent care to patients. You’ll need to have a nursing diploma and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Average Salary: $75,330

Event Planner

Are you highly organized and detail oriented? If so, you might excel as an event planner. Event planners coordinate all the moving parts of events, including weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, award ceremonies, and more. Teachers with an interest in this career path can put their planning skills to good use, as much of what an event planner does involves booking venues, arranging transportation, and coordinating with vendors.

A degree isn’t typically required, although a bachelor’s degree in marketing or management can give you many of the skills needed to succeed in this job. A couple of years of experience planning events will also help you get your foot in the door.

Average Salary: $50,794

Whether your professional interests are in or out of the education world, the best way to position yourself for a new career move is to learn as much as you can about the topic. Exploring an online degree program at WGU is a great way.

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Trade Schools Home > Articles > Creative Jobs

37 Creative Jobs That Will Stoke Your Artistic Fire

By Publisher | Last Updated May 16, 2024

Creative jobs can be in many different forms. After all, the essence of creativity is the ability to generate, develop, and express unique and original ideas, which is a skill that can be applied to virtually any industry. Art careers and other creative occupations encompass an enormous range of activities, from drawing and illustrating to performing, composing, and writing. Creative abilities are also crucial for anyone who designs buildings, develops apps, edits films, or directs marketing campaigns. The range of possible jobs for creative people is much wider than you might expect.

And the creative industries are a powerful economic force. The arts and cultural production industries (including design, publishing, broadcasting, the performing arts, and other related sectors) employ 4.92 million people and contribute almost $764 billion to the U.S. economy.

The following list of creative jobs is divided into different interest areas. However, many of these careers could easily fit in more than one category. These suggestions are meant to fire up your imagination and get your creative juices flowing—so start exploring!

• 4 benefits of creative work
• Writing and communication
• Performing arts

4 Benefits of Creative Work

1. You have tons of flexibility.

Many creative jobs are not tied to a 9-to-5 schedule. The focus is more on project work, particularly for self-employed freelancers. In many cases, you're free to set your own hours and work from anywhere that suits you: your living room, a coffee shop, or a neighborhood park. You can often make independent decisions and set your own agenda.

2. You learn to look at problems in unique ways.

Creativity is really about finding new and innovative ways to do things. When you concentrate on honing these skills through work, you find yourself better prepared to bring a fresh approach to problems in many other areas of your life.

3. You can find joy in collaboration.

Some creative types like to work alone, but many relish the chance to combine forces to produce something incredible that didn't exist before. Think of partnerships like animators and music composers, or copywriters and graphic designers. Working as a creative team to achieve a common goal can be extremely rewarding.

4. You can keep your brain healthy.

Research has shown that creative pursuits can be good for your mental health. One study found that people in middle and old age who participated in artistic endeavors like drawing and sculpting were 73 percent less likely to develop thinking and memory problems. Those who engaged in activities like sewing and woodworking were 45 percent less likely to have cognitive issues.

Creative Jobs in Design

1. Art director

Determining the overall visual look of advertisements, publications, product packages, video games, and movie productions is the responsibility of art directors. They set the artistic style for each project and oversee creative services professionals like photographers, artists, and graphic and set designers. You need plenty of industry experience to get into this career.

2. Architect

Designing buildings that are both functional and attractive takes a unique blend of artistic ability and mathematical skill. Architects have to understand the properties of different building materials and the structural and mechanical issues involved in constructing homes, office buildings, stores, and factories. Those with a solid grasp of sustainable design principles may find the best opportunities.

3. Fashion designer

Do you fancy being a trendsetter? Fashion designers create designs for everything from clothing and costumes to accessories and footwear. You need an eye for color and a good understanding of the functions and uses of different fabrics. It also helps to be familiar with the textile production process. An internship is a good way to get started in this field.

4. Industrial designer

Coming up with designs for manufactured products such as appliances, cars, furniture, and toys is the responsibility of industrial designers. These professionals research the ways different products will be used before sketching out designs, developing computer models, or creating physical prototypes. A degree in industrial design, engineering, or architecture is usually required.

5. Interior designer

When choosing a room's lighting, flooring, furniture, and other materials, interior designers must consider the size, layout, and function of the room as well as building code regulations and accessibility requirements. You could design the inside space of private homes, office buildings, hotels, restaurants, airports, schools, or hospitals. Some states require interior designers to be licensed.

6. Set designer

As a set designer, your job is to devise the backdrop, furniture, and props involved in a television, film, or theater production. Being a set designer involves consulting with the director, researching different time periods and architectural styles, sketching floor plans, and creating 3D models that illustrate how the various elements will look. You might also oversee the actual construction of the set.

7. Graphic designer

Websites, billboards, flyers, brochures, and product packaging are all examples of work produced by graphic designers. They are experts at using visual media to communicate a specific idea or message. Many graphic designers work for advertising agencies, public relations firms, or web development companies, but independent freelance work is also common.

8. Floral designer

Choosing and arranging the right combination of flowers and greenery for special events or occasions requires artistic skills and a good understanding of the emotions that different flowers can evoke. The job also involves teaching your customers the best way to preserve and care for different types of flowers. Since orders can't be prepared too far in advance, good organizational skills are crucial.

Creative Jobs in Craft Arts

Designing and creating fashionable, unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings takes excellent artistic skills and a high level of manual dexterity. Being a jeweler is delicate, intricate work that requires soldering metals together and inserting tiny stones. A steady hand is also important when using lasers to cut stones or inscribe special messages.

2. Glassblower

It takes enormous patience, concentration, and attention to detail to shape molten glass into things like vases, ornaments, giftware, mirrors, and stained-glass windows. You have to be constantly vigilant about safety: Glass must be kept above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit while being shaped, and burns are a constant danger. In addition to producing new creations, glass blowers might also spend time repairing old works of glass.

3. Woodworker

From mass-produced items like bedroom furniture and kitchen cabinets to custom creations like wine racks and specialty signs, woodworkers craft it all. They use computer-controlled machinery and various power tools to cut and shape the wood to detailed specifications. You need solid mechanical and math skills as well as good hand-eye coordination to succeed in this field.

Creative Jobs in the Fine Arts

1. Cartoonist

Do you often see the funny side of a situation? Cartoonists use a unique blend of drawing, writing, and comedic skills to create political cartoons and comic strips. They sell their work to greeting card companies, magazines, and syndicates. Many still sketch their ideas with pen and paper, but digital tools are becoming more common.

2. Sculptor

Without sculptors, we wouldn't have the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, or the faces on Mount Rushmore. Sculptors carve and chisel three-dimensional creations out of materials like marble, stone, wood, or ice. Some sculptors work for museums or art studios. Most are freelancers who create commissioned projects for collectors, businesses, and government agencies.

3. Art restorer

You may have already seen the work of an art restorer and not known it. These creative professionals work to bring old or damaged pieces of art back to their original appearance. They might enhance an old photograph to make it less blurry or apply oil paints to damaged areas of a portrait. This is detailed work that requires good concentration skills.

4. Photographer

Do you have a good eye for colors, shadows, and compositions? Photographers are visual storytellers who use images to record events, convey ideas, and capture emotions. Some produce original artistic creations that are sold in galleries and studios; others specialize in portraits, commercial photography, photojournalism, or scientific documentation.

5. Illustrator

Illustrators produce artwork that complements or enhances a concept or idea. For instance, they might draw the pictures for a children's book or select the images for a wall calendar. Some illustrators produce images for medical and scientific publications, work as sketch artists for police departments, or create exhibits for use as visual aids in court cases.

6. Tattoo artist

There's not much room for error when it comes to applying permanent images to people's skin. In addition to sketching out ideas and coming up with new designs, tattoo artists have to follow proper sterilization procedures and teach their clients how to care for their new tattoos and avoid infection. Some states require tattoo artists to be licensed.

Creative Jobs in Multimedia

1. Special effects artist

Bringing seemingly impossible scenes to the screen is what special effects artists do every day. They use things like miniature models, animatronic robots, and computer-generated images (CGI) to create actions, events, or characters that would be too expensive or dangerous to film in real life. You could work for film or television companies or dedicated visual effects firms.

2. Mobile app developer

As more and more people rely on smartphones to run their lives, developers who can come up with new and innovative mobile applications will continue to be in demand. This job requires creative prowess along with good analytical, problem-solving, and computer coding skills. Being well-versed in multiple programming languages and platforms is also important.

3. Animator

Many movies, music videos, commercials, and video games need animators to create the illusion of movement through a rapid succession of images. You might draw each frame by hand or create digital pictures on a computer; some animators also photograph and manipulate physical objects like clay figures or puppets. A blend of creative and technical skills is important in this field.

4. Web developer

Creating appealing websites that fulfill a specific purpose involves analyzing user needs, developing the technical framework, and designing the site's layout and look. Some web developers perform all of those tasks, while others focus on specific areas such as front-end design. This is a hot field. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook jobs for web developers are expected to grow 13 percent between 2018 and 2028.

5. Video game designer

Did you know that in 2023, more than 212 million Americans played video games? Game designers are key players in the creative concept development process for a new game. They invent new worlds, develop plots and storylines, and determine the look of various scenes and characters. They also work closely with the game developers who do the actual programming.

6. Videographer

Videographers shoot and edit small-scale videos. They might record live events such as weddings or charity functions or create business-specific films such as marketing or training videos. They also integrate music, computer graphics, or special effects to enhance the intended mood or message. Training in broadcasting or video production is a good way to get started.

Creative Jobs in Writing and Communication

1. Marketing manager

Marketing managers direct and control all communication between a business and its customers. They analyze market trends and establish strategies for pricing and promoting their company's products and services. They also coordinate and oversee the work of sales, advertising, and public relations teams. You'll need a degree in marketing and several years of experience to get into this job.

2. Advertising director

Generating interest in a company's products is the role of an advertising director. These creative professionals use targeted promotional campaigns to make people want to buy what their company is selling. While marketing is concerned with the overall public perception, advertising is about inspiring consumers into immediate action. Part of this job involves supervising the work of copywriters and graphic designers.

3. Technical writer

Can you translate geek-speak into plain English? Technical writers are in charge of developing user guides, instruction manuals, and software documentation. They frequently use diagrams, charts, graphics, videos, and written text to communicate complex concepts. Journalism or communications training can give you a good foundation for this career.

4. Screenwriter

Developing scripts for movies and television productions can be an exciting way to use your creative energies. Screenwriting is about telling a story visually; the focus is on moving the plot along through action and dialogue rather than thoughts and reflections. An active imagination and a good understanding of the filmmaking process can be very useful.

5. Public relations specialist

In an age of social media and 24-hour news, public relations specialists who can think creatively can find themselves in demand. These professionals manage and control the public image of a company or organization. That might mean writing speeches, drafting press releases, or responding to media queries. In addition to training in public relations, coursework in journalism, communications, or business can be helpful.

One of the editor's primary tasks is to shape and polish a piece of written content to make it the best it can be. That generally involves assessing the story's overall structure or article and checking for errors or inconsistencies in logic, spelling, tone, style, and grammar. Creativity and an eye for detail are essential in this job. You could work for publishing houses or news organizations or go out on your own as a freelancer.

7. Copywriter

Can you write captivating content that inspires people into action? Copywriters use the written word to promote products and services. They are responsible for the text that appears in print ads as well as on promotional websites, brochures, billboards, and product packaging. They might create slogans, write radio jingles, or craft social media ads. An internship can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Creative Jobs in the Performing Arts

1. Director

Directors are the creative bosses of stage and screen productions. They select the cast and determine how the script will be brought to life. They oversee and approve everything from production design and actors' performances to music selection and cinematography. You need top-notch leadership and communication skills to succeed in this kind of work.

2. Film editor

Assembling the various elements of a film into one cohesive product takes creativity, patience, and technical skill. The film editor's job is to carefully choose the best shots or camera angles for each scene and add things like sound effects or music where required. The idea is to make sure the film's final version flows properly and adheres to the director's vision.

3. Makeup artist

As a makeup artist, you could use your creative flair to bring out a bride's natural beauty, transform an actor into a hideous monster, or help politicians look their best for television appearances. You need to have a solid grasp of color theory and application techniques. It's also important to understand how to choose the right combination of cosmetics for different face shapes and skin types.

4. Music composer

Composers create original music in a variety of styles for a variety of purposes. You could compose pop tunes for a mass audience, arrange classical compositions for an orchestra, or create a movie or TV show score. You need a thorough understanding of music theory. Many composers also play the piano or other instruments.

5. Choreographer

Ballet companies, theaters, and movie studios rely on choreographers to invent and implement dance routines for their performers. Your job is to choose appropriate music and design the steps and movements for each dancer to follow to get an entertaining, coordinated final product. You need excellent communication and teaching skills for this career.

Immersing yourself in a character can be very creatively rewarding. An actor's job is to portray a role authentically and convincingly to draw the audience into the story. That requires researching the part you are playing to fully understand the character's motivations and mannerisms. Formal education is not required, but many actors do undertake drama, acting, or theater training.

Do you envision yourself belting out tunes for audiences in nightclubs and concert halls? Whether you have a solo act or perform as part of an ensemble, you can use your vocal abilities to create an entertaining and engaging experience for your listeners. Getting experience in a wide range of musical styles—classical, country, jazz, rock, etc.—can boost your job prospects.

Design Your Future

As you can see, the range of creative jobs that are available is vast. Do you have the skills you need to realize your career ambitions? The job-focused training offered by vocational colleges and trade schools can prepare you to find success in a wide variety of creative and artistic occupations. And these types of schools are easy to find. Just enter your zip code into the following search tool to explore convenient programs near you!

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36 Jobs for Teachers Who Want To Leave the Classroom but Not Leave Education Entirely

Take stock of your skills and make your move.

Are there jobs for former teachers that don’t take place in the classroom? Of course there are! Facilitating learning can take place in a myriad of different settings and in different industries. Education in all its forms impacts lives. The sad reality is, more teachers than ever are opting out of the traditional classroom for the sake of their mental health, physical health, life balance, or other reasons. Yet most who leave still want to remain connected to teaching and learning. After all, that is where their passion and experience lie.

Worried your skills won’t transfer? Not true. Teachers are smart and skilled workers who would easily qualify for a wide variety of jobs in a variety of industries. In order to make a successful transition, it’s a matter of presenting your experience differently and highlighting skills instead of teaching jobs. To help get you started, check out Leaving Teaching? How To Make Your Resume Stand Out in the Corporate World .

Here are 36 jobs for former teachers, many suggested by our community of teachers in our HELPLINE group on Facebook, that will get you out of the classroom but not entirely out of the teaching profession.

*Note: Job listings are continually being updated so please check websites for real-time listings. All salary average estimates provided by Glassdoor .

1. Educational Policy Expert

If you’re considering leaving the classroom, there’s a chance it’s because you don’t agree with a mandated policy … or 30. Be the change by becoming a policy expert,  a person who has hands-on administrative experience with a desire to review and adjust policies within educational institutions. Average salary: $90,089. Sample job listings .

2. Curriculum Writer/Creator

Want to improve the quality of what students learn? Interested in working with teachers? Informing curriculum is a great way to directly impact what goes on in the classroom without actually being in it! Whether that means going with one of the big education curriculum companies or producing your own content on paid teacher sites, it’s a great opportunity to share your knowledge with other teachers. Average salary: $81,037. Sample job listings.

3. Instructional Coach/Mentor

Many districts promote senior teachers to positions where they mentor and coach new and struggling teachers. Some coaches work at only one school, and some travel throughout the district. In these jobs for former teachers, you’ll get to spend time in classrooms but not be responsible for your own kiddos. Meghann R. reveals, “I’m a literacy coach for ELA educators. I coach teachers who are new to the profession or immensely struggling with their instructional strategies.” She started her coaching business after seeing how desperate fellow educators had become to simply keep their heads above water. “As someone who personally experienced those same struggles in my earlier years of education, I felt I could make a tremendous impact on others by offering my expertise where some are really struggling.” Contact your local school districts for sample job listings. Average salary: $58,773.

4. Educational Technology Consultant

There are several different ways in which an educational technology consultant helps schools and businesses. Kela L. says, “Lots of ed-tech and consulting jobs out there need a teacher’s experience. Think about all the software we used to transition to distance learning. All those companies are booming and may be hiring.” Average salary: $93,827. Sample job listings.

5. Online Educator

Red tape and pressure still apply, but one of the best jobs for former teachers is an online educator . It’s been a game changer for many people, especially now that we’ve all done it during quarantine. The pay, even when salaried, is less, but so is the stress. Kellie T. agrees. “I’m still teaching but virtually on a virtual platform. I’ve been working for a couple of years. I enjoy it because I teach what I want and how I want.” Average salary: $56,773. Sample job listings.

6. Community Director

Think of your local YMCA or youth center—anyplace kids go for extracurricular enrichment. Who better than a former teacher to organize and facilitate educational and athletic programs and events? In addition, this position allows you to impact your community on a larger scale. Average salary: $68,714. Sample job listings.

7. School Counselor

School counselors are in a unique position to help students and make improvements to the school. While still working within a school district, counselors serve as personal advocates for students in need and are responsible for organizing programs to help the student body. It may take further education, but the investment is worth it. Contact your local school districts for job listings. Average salary: $47,338.

8. Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers are like teachers that work in corporate or other professional settings to promote employee growth and development. They may train teams in person to develop their skills or create entire training programs used to teach and train employees. According to WGU , the career path of a corporate trainer can be rewarding for those with a passion for teaching. Anyone who is outgoing, loves being around people, and likes to teach would be an excellent fit for this position and can take simple steps to get started. Average salary: $67,431. Sample job listings.

9. Para-educator

Still want to work one-on-one or in small groups with children? Being a para gives you the opportunity to teach and connect with kids, without all the additional stressful responsibilities like staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, etc. The downside, of course, is the move comes with a significant pay cut. Average salary: $48.771. Contact your local school districts for job listings.

10. Addiction Counselor

Addiction counselors provide support, counseling, and treatment for people with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Many of the skills required to be a good teacher—empathy, listening, being able to develop a personalized plan—apply nicely. Average salary: $60,486. Sample job listings.

11. Career Coach

A career coach is a development professional who helps people adjust and improve their career paths through one-on-one guidance and advising. You may consider a career coach for several reasons, including to find a new job, to change careers, or to work toward a promotion. Average salary: $67,752. Sample job listings .

12. Driving Instructor

If you love working with teens looking to build valuable life skills, this might be a good position for you. It’s the instructor’s job to analyze a student’s current ability and tailor driving lessons in a way that leads to success and minimizes the seriousness that potential mistakes could lead to. Average salary: $54,719. Sample job listings.

13. Education Manager

Big corporations are a great place to look for jobs for former teachers. An education manager typically works within a company to facilitate teaching and learning activities. They may have administrative duties like organizing educational programs, obtaining funding, instructing, and more. Karen L. says, “I’m an education manager for a nonprofit farm-to-school organization. I create, edit/revise lessons, and teach young adults how to teach garden lessons to students.” Average salary: $59,462. Sample job listings.

14. Educational Curator for the Public

Do you have a passion for culture? This role helps create and implement educational events and programs at places like museums and zoos. You still get to work with curriculum and learning and, best of all, kids. Average salary: $53,809. Sample job listings.

15. Disability Services Coordinator

This type of job helps support individuals with disabilities to live independently in the community. Melissa M. shares, “If you have any medium- to large-size companies that employ people with disabilities, maybe start there. City and county offices and child protective services need SPED-educated folks all the time.” Average salary: $52,311. Sample job listings.

16. Event Planner

Were you the teacher who liked to plan all the events and functions at your school? If so, extend that passion to the event-planning space. You’ll still get to interact with others and plan and lead projects through to fruition. Average salary: $55,830. Sample job listings .

17. Life Coach

Life coaching is similar to teaching in that you’ll be helping someone find their strengths and work to meet the goals they create. The big difference is you’ll be working with adults outside of a classroom setting. Average salary: $63,828. Sample job listings.

18. Prison Educator

Many people shy away from this because they fear for their safety. Teacher Melissa E. says otherwise. “It’s a great gig! You get the best, most motivated students. They will go out of their way to keep you safe because they value you so much. Go for it!” Average salary: $80,162. Sample job listings.

19. Freelance Writer

If you love to write and are a hard worker who will do the detective work to land writing gigs, then freelancing is an awesome option for you. There are lots of education-related publishers looking for contributors . You can work from home, write when it fits your schedule, and make decent money. Susan G. says, “I became a copywriter when I retired after 32 years because I love to write and it combined my English and journalism major.” Average salary: $55,515. Sample job listings.

If you don’t feel much like writing but still want to facilitate the distribution of content, you may want to look at becoming an editor. An editor typically works with writers to develop content that fits within the editorial guidelines of an online or print publication. Writing and management skills are a must! And if you worked within a particular subject, you may find your knowledge is even more in demand for editorial work. Average salary: $72,362. Sample job listings.

21. Nutritionist

Dietitians and nutritionists counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits. They are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. These are perfect jobs for former teachers because you can put your lesson planning and instruction skills to use by planning and conducting food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives. Average salary: $67,391. Sample job listings.

22. College Academic Advisor

As a teacher, you’re well versed at looking at the big picture when it comes to helping students succeed—both academically and personally. Being an academic advisor is often a good match for people who’ve left the teaching profession but don’t want to leave the education sector altogether. Note: Most universities prefer candidates with master’s degrees and relevant higher-education experience. Average salary: $58,738. Sample job listings.

23. Curriculum Service Rep

Publishing companies that create curriculum for school districts often employ former teachers as service representatives. Your job is to connect with and train educators on using the company’s products. The advantages of this position are that you get to use the knowledge you’ve gained as a classroom teacher (which makes it easier to connect with clients), you can usually work part-time, you control your schedule, and you make a lot more money. Average salary: $76,321. Sample job listings.

24. User Experience Designer

A User Experience (UX) Designer’s role is to make a product or service usable, enjoyable, and accessible—skills that teachers work on every day. After all, good teachers create lessons with their students’ experience in mind. This role is particularly suited for teachers with strong tech skills. While many companies design user experiences, the term is most often associated with digital design for websites and apps. Average salary: $94,472. Sample job listings.

Use your expertise as an instructor and start your own tutoring business. Yes, tutoring jobs are some of the most obvious jobs for former teachers. However, if you build up your own clientele, you can make serious money, with experienced tutors charging anywhere from $35 to $50 per hour. Tap into those good relationships you’ve built over the years and make the transition to working at your own pace and on your own terms. Michele T. shares, “I resigned after 20 years of teaching, and I’ve never been happier! My school families started reaching out to me almost immediately to ask if I’d be interested in becoming a personal tutor for their children. I designed individual plans based on their needs.” Average salary: $50,546. Find a tutoring job.

26. Librarian

For those who love books and/or encouraging research or a love of reading, this position might be for you! Librarians select books and educational material for schools as well as business, law, and public libraries. Generally, you’ll need a master’s degree in Library Science (MLS). China R. says, “Now I work in the children’s department of the local library, and I have never been happier.” Average salary: $53,599. Sample job listings.

27. Health Coach/Personal Trainer

A health coach works to be a mentor and wellness authority to assist individuals in making food and lifestyle changes. Wendy A. shares, “I left teaching because I replaced my income within six months health coaching, and I am impacting so many lives. Most rewarding career I have ever had and freedom to work from anywhere.” Average salary: $60,599. Sample job listings.

28. Foreign Language Interpreter/Translator

Did you teach a foreign language? Why not pivot those skills to being an interpreter or translator? You’ll be working on converting the spoken or written word in at least two languages, so your fluency level must be high. Average salary: $58,210. Sample job listings.

29. Interpreter for the Deaf

Look within your school district for job opportunities for former teachers. If you have the skills, serving as an interpreter for the deaf is a great way to work one-on-one with students in a classroom setting. Average salary: $70,508. Sample job listings.

30. Technical Instructor

Technical instructors provide a variety of training in fields such as auto repair, health care, culinary science, and more. They design curricula, encourage class discussion, and teach technical skills to students (for example, auto repair tech instructors might teach how to fix a damaged car frame or replace a tire). Average salary: $100,401. Sample job listings.

31. Dog Trainer

Love animals and want to use your teaching skills in a setting where students don’t talk back? Dog trainers work with dogs to teach them basic obedience, and in some cases, advanced performance activities. Dogs are often used for emotional support following school crises. Some dog trainers may work primarily with dogs to correct behavior, and others may work with dogs to prepare them for shows or competitions. Average salary: $56,255. Sample job listings.

32. Adult Education Teacher

This job is perfect for the educator who wants to work in a different environment and with nontraditional students. These teachers work with adults who have not yet finished high school and are ready to get the skills to advance in their careers. It is an opportunity to work with students who are usually highly motivated and appreciative of the chance to learn to read or to qualify for their general equivalency diploma (GED). Average salary: $55,882. Sample job listings.

33. Adult ESL Teacher

Maybe you’ve got the skills to teach English-language learners but are tired of working in the public school system or with children. Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. In addition, they may help newcomers to our country with customs and everyday life questions. Average salary: $56,863. Sample job listings.

34. College Admissions Coach

Choosing a post-secondary destination is often an overwhelming process. The options seem endless and there are many factors to take into consideration. College coaches provide students with college admissions services like help with college essays, applications, and SAT/ACT prep. College admissions coaches can also help with financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Average salary: $59,914. Sample job listings.

35. Parenting Coach

Sometimes parenting can be a challenge. A parent needs to not just care for their child but to understand their emotions, behavior, and psychological state of mind. Parents are not experts in every subject and often need a little help along the way. As a parenting coach, you can work hours that suit your schedule while you put your leadership and mentoring skills to good use. In order to work with young children, you will require a background in Early Childhood Education. Average salary: $77,038. Sample job listings.

36. Post-Secondary Educator

Post-secondary teachers work in colleges, including community colleges, and universities. They may provide instruction or conduct and publish research. A master’s degree is often sufficient to work at the community college level, but a doctoral degree is necessary to have a future at the university level. Average salary (community college) $53,988. Sample job listings.

Have you found success outside of the classroom? Come share your job recommendations for former teachers in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Also, check out these resume tips for teachers ..

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40+ Companies That Hire Former Teachers in 2024

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• Closing at: Jun 4 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

PBS Wisconsin Education's Education Producer develops and produces classroom media for upper elementary and middle school science, social studies, local history and culture, and English Language Arts studies. This may include identifying topics, themes, and/or learning goals, conducting research, writing scripts, interviewing guests, or directing hosts. This position primarily produces in video format, but may also produce interactives, animations, and educational text supports. In this hybrid role you will bring your aesthetic and creative skills to select stories and generate ideas for in-classroom learning media, manage logistics for and lead in the production of that media, and oversee and/or participate in post-production tasks all the way through media publishing. We are looking to fill two Education Producer positions. One position will primarily be focusing on producing science education content, while the other position will focus on Arts and Culture content produced for ELA classrooms. Both producers will be expected to assist with the production of media that focuses on other curricular content areas produced by our team. This position works with colleagues across the educational ecosystem to ensure that the content we create is aligned with educational standards in use in Wisconsin and works with advisors to ensure that the content is accurate and inclusive. This position reports to the Executive Producer of Education.

Responsibilities:

• 25% Researches and develops production strategy for one or more programs across broadcast and digital platforms
• 35% Produces, develops, and edits content that may include identifying topics, themes, guests, conducting pre-interviews and/or interviews, writing, and/or integrating content for multimedia platforms
• 10% Performs daily operational activities for live and pre-recorded content, and may direct the editorial and creative process of production activities
• 15% Collaborates with other content creators in pre- to post-production processes, prepares materials, and handles logistics for broadcast and/or digital publications
• 5% Maintains familiarity with studio equipment and/or applicable technology for production
• 5% May schedule and direct operational activities for content production, including live/recorded studio or field productions
• 5% Collaborate with project partners, educators, and cross-department units to ensure produced media aligns with agreed upon or desired learning goals.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred Bachelor's Degree in media production and/or science education/ELA curricular areas.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience producing video and/or creating educational resources. - Competency in video production; experience with pre-production, production, and/or post-production processes. - Strong written communication skills as needed for the pre-production process. e.g. Script development, curriculum development etc. - Proven ability to translate topics into easily understood material, with an ability to employ engaging, creative approaches. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Technical cinematography skills, including knowledge of DSLR and/or cinema-style cameras, lenses, and lighting. - Technical knowledge of video editing post-production, including familiarity with Adobe Premiere and motion graphics. - Familiarity communicating topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state standards - For the Education Science Producer; experience communicating science topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state science standards, and familiarity with environmental education and climate science. - For the Education Arts & Culture Producer, familiarity communicating ELA topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state ELA standards, and familiarity with ELA education.

Full Time: 100% This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $56,112 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications We expect to pay in the mid to high 50's to low 60's. Actual pay will depend on qualifications.

Additional Information:

The person in this position will be required to comply with the Ethical Guidelines for All Staff of Wisconsin Public Radio and Television located here: https://www.wpr.org/wpr-ethical-guidelines , in addition to the UW-Madison code of ethics. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. #PBS

How to Apply:

The following must be received for your application to be complete: 1) Resume 2) A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, including additional information on any of the required or preferred experience bullet points that connect to your experience and background. 3) A portfolio that includes two to four video pieces that you have worked on. We will also accept other media formats, such as animations, interactives, or other educational media. Choose samples where the intent of the piece is to explain or educate on a topic. Include a paragraph explaining your exact role in creating the resource or media, what aspects you were not directly responsible for or involved in, and what you think is successful about the work. 4) Optional (not required to complete application): Samples of lesson plans or curriculum development, or a cinematography reel. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (including at least one supervisory reference). Note that references will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.

Amanda Vinova [email protected] 608-262-0598 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Multimedia Producer II(PB007)

Department(s):

A46-PUBLIC MEDIA/PBS WISCONSIN

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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The 7 Best Jobs in Educational Technology

A re you interested in an educational technology career? EdTech offers numerous job opportunities for tech enthusiasts, educators, and experts. It's a booming market poised for greater growth in the coming years. Here are some career paths to consider if you want to pursue an EdTech role.

1. Instructional Technology Specialist or Educational Technology Specialist

One of the pressing needs in education is to close the digital skills gap in education. The digitalization of learning creates a huge demand for skilled workers using EdTech tools. As an instructional or educational technology specialist, you help close this gap.

Your goal is to increase teachers' technological skills through training and tech support, so they can effectively use tech tools in the classroom. You might also coordinate with teachers, support staff, and administrators to ensure technology is successfully integrated into learning experiences. Expect to conduct demo lessons and workshops as part of your primary duties.

Proficiency in the best technology-based training methods , learning management systems (LMS), presentation software, and collaboration tools is essential. Examples of tech tools to master include Google Classroom, Canvas , Microsoft Teams, and SMART Boards. Be ready to recommend the best software and hardware and troubleshoot them as needed.

Depending on the school or district's needs, you can find work as a consultant or full-time specialist. You can also work in any educational setting from elementary through college or university.

Estimated total pay for Instructional Technology Specialists, according to Glassdoor : $60,000/year

2. Subject Matter Expert

Do you have in-depth knowledge of a specific field or subject? Consider becoming a subject-matter expert or SME. As an SME, you'll be tapped to lend your expertise to schools, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. You'll collaborate with instructional designers and curriculum developers to provide content expertise and validate learning materials.

For instance, an environmental NGO might need to revise an online course they offer to the public. Or a tech company might need to deliver training projects that require mastery of new technology. These duties require the know-how and experience of an SME.

SMEs use various tools depending on their area of specialization. You should know how to use web conferencing apps, word processing software, email, and project management tools to collaborate with others. If you're tapped as a trainer in a company, you need to have excellent presentation skills and knowledge of adult learning theories.

Estimated total pay for Subject Matter Experts, according to Glassdoor : $78,000/year

3. Instructional Designer

Instructional designers play a crucial role in developing engaging and compelling learning experiences. You need to collaborate with subject-matter experts to design learning materials, create interactive multimedia content, and structure the content of virtual and face-to-face courses.

Instructional design is one of the in-demand freelance skills to land more gigs . Inside Higher Ed asserts that the instructional design field has been on the rise since 2004, with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing it to even greater heights. However, it's not only schools that will benefit from your expertise.

Corporations, businesses, and nonprofits are also on the lookout for skilled instructional designers. You'll create training materials and help facilitate in-house training programs, conduct research analysis on learners, and develop measurable instructional goals and objectives.

As an instructional designer, you should be knowledgeable in instructional design and learning theories. Master e-learning content tools such as Articulate Storyline 360 , Adobe Captivate , and Camtasia to create training videos, screencasts, quizzes, and multimedia content.

Estimated total pay for Instructional Designers, according to Glassdoor : $78,000

4. Curriculum Developer

Instructional design and curriculum development are related fields and are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the duties differ depending on the employer or industry, though they may also overlap.

According to a LinkedIn post by Khianna Wheeler, a curriculum development expert, the difference is that curriculum developers focus on "What will learners learn?" Meanwhile, instructional designers are more concerned about "How will learners learn?"

Curriculum developers enhance existing course content. You might be asked to update an old curriculum or create a new one from scratch, ensuring it adheres to educational standards. You'll also collaborate with educators and instructional designers to create engaging training materials.

You should know how to select the most appropriate training approach and content to help your audience learn. Companies or schools might ask you to develop a curriculum for synchronous or asynchronous remote learning, blended classroom learning, or in-person learning using interactive modules, videos, and other resources.

To succeed in this role, master curriculum mapping software, different LMS, and multimedia tools. The e-learning apps you use will vary depending on the company or school. However, you can start with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite, LMS like Moodle , and curriculum management systems like Atlas .

Estimated total pay for Curriculum Developers, according to Glassdoor : $61,000/year

5. Online Teacher

If direct interaction with students excites you, consider being a teacher. Educators incorporate digital tools to deliver content, engage students, and promote interactive learning. EdTech has transformed even traditional classroom settings. As a traditional classroom teacher, you don't have to be limited by the chalk and blackboard.

There's space for you to use digital technology such as AI-assisted research tools, YouTube videos, and social media to help your students learn. In many classrooms, digital tools have transformed how students learn and teachers teach, blurring the lines between traditional and digital learning and giving rise to the blended learning approach.

Remember that the best curriculum, content, and learning technologies aren't enough to succeed in a teaching career. With a skilled teacher who truly cares about students, all efforts in educating learners will succeed. Arm yourself with passion, patience, and excellent teaching skills. If you work in the school setting, be ready to work long hours.

Schools differ in the tech tools they use. But you'd want to familiarize yourself with using LMS like Canvas or Google Classroom, interactive whiteboards, and presentation slides. Explore the best apps for teachers to use in the classroom to make your lessons more engaging.

Aside from applying for a teaching job in an educational institution, consider putting up your own tutoring business. You only need a Zoom or Google Meet account, online slides, and a laptop. Alternatively, you can also explore the best platforms to start an online tutoring career .

Estimated total pay for Teachers, according to Glassdoor : $44,000

6. Learning Program Manager

A learning program manager develops the skills of employees in an organization. You're expected to use technology, adult learning strategies, and post-training evaluations to enhance learning outcomes and boost employee performance.

Designing and conducting innovative learning environments through workshops, training programs, and e-learning courses are just some tasks you can expect from this role. To succeed, you should be passionate about empowering others to learn.

You should also have excellent interpersonal skills as you'll be working closely with leaders, business partners, SMEs, instructors, and other staff in the company. Ideally, you should have experience in training or e-learning, human resources, and project management.

Familiarize yourself with different training modalities such as instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (VILT), e-learning, and the blended learning approach. Create collaborative learning experiences using authoring tools and LMS like iSpring , TalentLMS , or Docebo .

Estimated total pay for Learning Program Managers, according to Glassdoor : $112,000

7. Education Writer

Education writers research, write, and edit content on various educational topics. You'll craft informative articles, blog posts, textbooks, reading guides, video scripts, and other educational materials. You'll often collaborate with educators, administrators, subject matter experts, and policymakers who can provide you with insights and guidance.

Skills required for education writing include strong research abilities, excellent writing and editing skills, and a deep understanding of educational concepts and trends. You should be adept at distilling complex information, making it more engaging and reader-friendly. You'll also benefit from interpersonal skills as you collaborate with various stakeholders.

Proficiency in authoring tools, editing and proofreading apps, content management systems, and storyboarding platforms is essential in this role. Tech tools you use depending on your task include Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Canvas, and Storyboarder .

Total pay for Education Writers, according to Glassdoor : $53,000/year

Explore Exciting Career Paths in Educational Technology

Educational technology offers numerous career paths that cater to diverse interests and skill sets. Whether you're an instructional technology specialist, subject-matter expert, curriculum developer, teacher, learning program manager, or education writer, you'll contribute to better learning outcomes.

By harnessing the power of tech tools and your passion for learning, you can shape the future of education and the workplace. If you're interested in pursuing an EdTech career, start with this list and explore other online tools that make learning more engaging.

Why Special Education Teachers Quit—and What Schools Are Doing About It

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Solutions to the perennial crisis of special education staffing must extend beyond training and recruiting more teachers to the more complex work of retaining educators who’ve already entered the field, experts say.

Twenty-one percent of public schools reported that they were not fully staffed in special education at the start of the 2023-24 school year, higher levels of reported shortages than for any other teaching specialty, federal data show. And about 8 percent of teachers who work with children who qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are not fully certified .

All teachers juggle layers of practical and pedagogical responsibilities, but special education teachers carry an unusually complex workload that involves case management, teaching students in multiple grades and subjects, and cooperating with fellow teachers to help students meet educational goals.

“I just felt like I couldn’t meet all of my students’ needs with the resources and support that I had, no matter how hard I worked,” said Elizabeth Bettini, an associate professor of special education at Boston University who previously taught special education in K-12 schools.

Here are three ways states and districts are trying to keep current special education teachers on the job—and to improve their chances of retaining new recruits.

1. Districts experiment with higher pay for special education teachers

When special education teachers leave their roles, they aren’t always leaving teaching altogether, said Roddy Theobold, the deputy director of the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research. Rather, special education teachers with multiple teaching endorsements often shift into another position, like elementary education, he said.

To quantify the trend, Theobold and other researchers analyzed 10 years of Washington state data collected from 2009 to 2019. They found that, in every year studied, the number of certified special education teachers in the state exceeded the number of teachers actually working in special education positions by more than 50 percent. They also found that dual-certified teachers were less likely to remain in special education placements than their peers who only carried special education credentials, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Exceptional Children .

Districts like Detroit have sought to recognize the challenges of the special education role by providing annual incentive pay of up to $15,000 for special education teachers.

But it can be politically challenging to pay teachers different salaries depending on their role, and it can require changing teacher contracts. Plus, researchers are still identifying what incentive structures could best move the needle on staffing challenges.

Starting in 2020, Hawaii’s statewide school district offered a $10,000 bonus for special education teachers, with larger bonuses for those who teach in schools deemed hard to staff. That’s on top of a base salary of $50,000.

Theobold and fellow researchers studied that state’s 2022 data. They found that, after the bonuses started, special education vacancies continued to increase alongside teacher vacancies in general, but they made up a lower proportion of total unfilled positions than they had before. They largely attributed the shift to teachers who were motivated by the incentive to move from general education classrooms to special education placements, not by increased retention of existing special education teachers.

While Hawaii’s special education teacher shortage hasn’t been erased, students within special education programs are now more likely to be taught by qualified teachers because of the bonuses, they concluded.

2. States and districts prepare new special education teachers with retention in mind

Advocates for grow-your-own programs and teacher apprenticeships—which allow candidates to earn teaching credentials while learning on the job—say the approach may allow new special education teachers to enter the role with a greater awareness of the challenges they will face. And that may help schools retain them longer.

Many participants in the University of North Dakota’s Special Education Resident Teacher Program complete their training at schools where they will later work full time, director Amy Jacobson said. The program allows candidates to earn a master’s degree in special education while working with a mentor in a partner district as well as a mentor at the university to learn the ropes.

Organizers recently developed an option that allows candidates without four-year degrees to get a bachelor’s and a master’s degree simultaneously. That opened the door for paraprofessionals, who often have years of hands-on experience in special education, to become full-time teachers.

“They are already vetted by the school districts, and they have an interest and a passion to work in special education,” Jacobson said.

Similarly, a unique teacher residency program led by the Washington Education Association draws former paraprofessionals and emergency substitute teachers with experience in special education classrooms, organizers recently told Education Week.

The program rotates participants through four different special education settings, including teaching alongside general education teachers, to better prepare them for a variety of potential roles.

“When you become a special ed. teacher, there’s so much variety within that, and you don’t know what you don’t know,” Annie Lamberto, the special populations coordinator for WEA, told Education Week. “We wanted our residents to be able to find not just what they’re good at and what their strengths are, but what they’re passionate about.”

3. Administrators combat special education teachers’ workplace isolation and burnout

Special education teachers are usually stressed because they lack the support and resources to do their jobs well, not because of the students they serve, Bettini said.

They have fewer in-school peers than their general education colleagues, and they are often led by principals without experience in special education, she said. That can lead to a feeling of isolation.

A lack of special education funding, inadequate support staff and school psychologists, and other systemic problems can lead teachers to feel like they are failing the very students they want to help, Bettini said.

Administrators can address these stressors by seeking their own professional development on how to support special education teachers and by inviting regular feedback about how to include special education teachers in curriculum purchasing decisions, planning schedules, and schoolwide policy conversations, she said.

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