To some extent the level of wages varies according to the type of employer. For example, colleges and universities typically pay higher average wages than elementary and secondary schools or junior colleges. Average Weekly Wages 1999 Most education jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, and many require a master's or doctoral degree. Employees often work 10 months a year when school is in session and do not work in July and August. Most occupations in the industry are professional, but there also are many administrative support, managerial, service, and blue-collar occupations.
Teachers account for the largest number of workers in the industry.
Professionals in this industry spend considerable time outside the classroom preparing lesson plans, conducting research, and furthering their education. The fastest growing occupations in the region's educational services industry include elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, special education teachers, non-vocational education instructors, preschool and kindergarten teachers, paraprofessional teacher aides, and teacher aides and education assistants. Hot teaching specialties include bilingual, vocational, math, science, English as a second language, and special education. With many teachers reaching retirement age over the next few years, demand for teachers will increase. Other openings come from growth in the industry.