Doctor of Education (EdD) Salary for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from a doctor of education (EdD) program?

You can expect a doctoral program designed for working professionals that focuses on applying research to solve practical challenges in your field. Unlike a research-heavy Ph.D., an EdD is a practitioner's degree. The curriculum is built to develop your leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to drive organizational change.

Most programs take three to four years to complete and are often structured to accommodate the schedules of full-time employees, with many high-quality online options available. The experience culminates in a dissertation or a capstone project, which typically involves tackling a real problem of practice within your organization or community. This final project is your opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and create a tangible impact.

Where can I work with after completing my doctor of Education (EdD) program?

An EdD opens doors to senior leadership roles across several sectors, moving far beyond the traditional K-12 school system. Graduates are equipped to lead in higher education, corporate environments, and non-profit organizations.

In K-12 education, the most common path is toward becoming a school superintendent, overseeing an entire district's operations and educational standards.[2] Within higher education, EdD holders often work as deans, provosts, or other high-level administrators. In the corporate world, they are strong candidates for roles like chief learning officer or training and development manager, where they shape workforce education strategies.[1] Non-profits and government agencies also seek out EdD graduates for policy and leadership positions.

How much can I make with a doctor of education (EdD) program?

Graduates with a doctoral degree have strong earning potential, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual wage of $103,960 in May 2024. However, salaries can vary significantly based on the specific career path, location, and years of experience. While some roles may start lower, top-tier positions like school superintendent can command salaries well over $150,000.

What is the average salary for someone with a Doctor of Education degree?

The average salary for someone with a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in the U.S. typically falls between $88,000 and $100,000 per year, based on national labor data and salary surveys. Most sources, including PayScale and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, place the overall median in the range of $89,000 to $99,000 annually. However, actual earnings vary widely depending on the career path, level of responsibility, and location.

For example, education administrators such as K–12 principals generally earn between $98,000 and $160,000, while superintendents in larger districts can exceed $150,000. In higher education, administrators like deans and provosts typically earn $103,000 to $169,000, with college presidents commanding salaries well above $277,000, and in some cases, surpassing $300,000.

Outside traditional education, corporate learning and development leaders—including roles like Chief Learning Officer—can expect salaries between $120,000 and $200,000. Meanwhile, curriculum directors and instructional coordinators earn more modest but still competitive ranges of $74,000 to $152,000.

Beyond the Average: Key Factors That Shape Your Salary

The median salary provides a useful benchmark, but your actual earnings will be shaped by several key factors. The sector you work in—public K-12, higher education, or the private sector—plays a major role. Your specific job title, from curriculum director to chief learning officer, will also determine your pay scale.

Furthermore, geographic location and local cost of living can have a significant impact on compensation. Finally, your prior professional experience is a critical component. An EdD is a career accelerator, and your salary will reflect the combination of your new credential and your established track record of leadership and accomplishments.

In short, the average EdD graduate earns about $90K–$100K annually, but leadership positions—such as superintendent, dean, or corporate executive—often push salaries into six figures or more. By contrast, classroom teaching roles tend to remain on the lower end, even with a doctorate.

Salary Ranges for Careers with a Doctor of Education (EdD)

How much can you make with an EdD compared to a master’s degree in education?

An EdD typically qualifies you for a higher tier of leadership positions that are often inaccessible with only a master's degree, resulting in a significant salary premium. While a master's degree is foundational for roles like teacher or school principal, the EdD is the credential that prepares you for system-level leadership, such as becoming a school superintendent. This move can result in a substantial pay increase, often in the range of 20-40%, depending on the specific roles being compared.

The Master's Degree as a Foundational Stepping Stone

Think of the master's degree as a crucial step in your professional development and a prerequisite for doctoral study. The EdD builds upon the skills and experience you've already gained, equipping you with the advanced knowledge in leadership, policy, and applied research needed to lead complex organizations. Many school districts formalize this progression with salary schedules that explicitly provide a pay bump for administrators who hold a doctorate. For those considering this path, understanding the requirements for masters in education is the first step toward this longer-term goal.

Do EdD salaries vary by education sector?

Yes, salaries for EdD graduates vary significantly across different sectors. The highest earning potential is often found in the corporate world, where a chief learning officer or a senior training and development manager can command a substantial salary. In the traditional education space, superintendents of large K-12 school districts are also among the top earners, with average salaries that can reach well over $170,000.

Higher education administration offers a wide range of high-paying roles, though the absolute ceiling might be lower than in the corporate sector. Positions like academic dean or provost at a university typically come with competitive salaries and strong benefits packages.

Understanding Total Compensation: Beyond the Paycheck

When comparing sectors, it's important to look at the total compensation package, not just the base salary. Public sector roles in K-12 and higher education often provide excellent benefits, including robust pension plans, job security, and sometimes tuition remission for family members. Private sector jobs may offer higher base salaries and performance bonuses but could have less job security and more modest retirement benefits. The right choice depends on your personal financial goals and career priorities. You can also look for the fastest EdD online program to pursue this career path.

What is the lifetime earning potential with a Doctor of Education degree?

Over the course of a 20 to 30-year career, the cumulative difference in earnings between an EdD holder in a leadership role and a professional with a master's degree can be substantial, potentially exceeding a million dollars. This isn't just about a single salary jump; it's about unlocking a steeper career trajectory with more consistent and significant salary growth over time. The doctor of education degree positions you for a career of progressive leadership and increasing compensation.

Maximizing Your Lifetime ROI

To maximize your return on investment, it's crucial to manage both the cost of the degree and your career strategy after graduation. Choosing among the many affordable online EdD programs can significantly reduce the initial financial burden, allowing you to see a positive return sooner. After graduation, the true value of the EdD is realized by actively pursuing the senior-level roles that the degree makes possible. Furthermore, many experienced EdD holders find lucrative consulting opportunities after retiring from their primary careers, further boosting their lifetime earnings.

How do EdD salaries compare in higher education vs. K–12 schools?

When comparing salaries between higher education and K-12 schools, the highest-paying positions are often found in K-12 leadership. A school superintendent in a large, well-funded district can earn a salary that exceeds most administrative roles in a university setting, with an average salary range of $146,046 to $215,726.

However, higher education offers a greater number of high-paying administrative positions overall. While there is only one superintendent per district, a university has numerous deans, provosts, and vice presidents. For example, postsecondary education administrators have a median salary of $103,960, with the top 10 percent earning more than $212,420.

Comparing Culture and Compensation

Beyond the numbers, the work environments in K-12 and higher education are quite different. K-12 leadership is often intensely public and political, requiring close work with school boards and community stakeholders. Higher education administration can be more bureaucratic and internally focused.

When weighing your options, consider not only salary but also professional culture. Similar trade-offs appear in healthcare education, where students ask "is BSN to MSN worth it?", weighing costs against faster access to higher salaries and leadership roles.

Postsecondary education administrators play a vital role in managing colleges and universities, from academic affairs to student services. The chart below highlights the median annual wages for these professionals, offering insight into their earning potential across the sector.

Do EdD graduates earn more in the public or private sector?

Whether you earn more in the public or private sector with an EdD depends on your career priorities and definition of "earning." The private sector, particularly in corporate roles like chief learning officer or in the growing EdTech industry, generally offers a higher ceiling for base salary and the potential for performance-based bonuses. These positions are often tied to business outcomes, and compensation can reflect that.

In contrast, the public sector—which includes public K-12 school districts and state universities—typically offers greater job security, more transparent salary schedules, and robust benefits packages, including strong pension plans. While the absolute highest salaries may be in the private sector, top-tier public sector jobs, like a superintendent of a major urban school district, are extremely well-compensated.

It is also important to recognize that the lines between the public and private sectors are increasingly blurring. Hybrid opportunities in EdTech companies and public systems now exist. Much like professionals exploring MSN MBA dual degree jobs, career paths that straddle multiple domains can offer higher earnings while still delivering impact in education.

Which industries outside education hire EdD graduates and what do they pay?

Several industries outside of traditional education actively seek out EdD graduates for leadership roles, and they often pay very competitive salaries. The most prominent of these is corporate learning and development (L&D). Companies need experts to design and lead training programs for their employees, and an EdD provides the perfect background for this. A training and development manager, for instance, has a median salary of $127,090 in 2024. The EdTech industry is another major employer, hiring EdD holders to inform product development and lead implementation strategies.

Other key industries include healthcare, where EdD graduates may run medical education programs, and the non-profit sector, where they can lead organizations focused on educational outreach and policy. With a doctor of education degree, you can also find opportunities in government agencies and consulting firms.

Spotlight on Corporate Learning and Instructional Design

The field of corporate learning is experiencing massive growth as companies invest heavily in upskilling and reskilling their workforce. This has created a high demand for leaders with a deep understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design. An EdD holder is perfectly positioned to become a Chief Learning Officer (CLO), a senior executive role responsible for the entire learning strategy of an organization. For those interested in this path, exploring the most affordable online master's in instructional design can be a great first step.

Do EdD graduates see faster salary growth compared to those with an MEd or PhD?

Yes, an EdD graduate typically experiences faster salary growth than someone with a masters in education because the degree unlocks a higher tier of leadership positions with a steeper pay scale. The path from a master's-level role like a teacher or principal to a district-level role like a superintendent is the primary driver of this accelerated growth.

Compared to a PhD in Education, an EdD often leads to faster initial salary growth. This is because EdD programs are designed for practitioners who can move directly into high-paying administrative and leadership roles. In contrast, a PhD is a research-focused degree, and graduates may begin their careers on a slower-growing academic track as assistant professors before moving into higher-paid tenured or administrative positions.

The difference lies in demand: practitioner-administrators are consistently needed to run schools, universities, and training departments. This immediate demand resembles how career paths in science question why major in biology for medical school, since certain degrees create more direct pipelines into advanced professional roles with faster salary acceleration.

Do EdD graduates earn as much as PhD in Education graduates?

The earning potential of an EdD versus a PhD in Education depends entirely on the career path you choose, not on the degree itself. It is a common misconception that a PhD, being more research-focused, automatically leads to a higher salary. In reality, a doctor of education holder who becomes the superintendent of a large school district will earn significantly more than a typical university professor with a PhD.

When comparing similar roles, the salaries are often comparable. For instance, a dean or provost at a university could hold either an EdD or a PhD, and their compensation would be based on the responsibilities of the position, not the letters after their name. The key is to compare role to role. Notably, in 2024, 466 doctorate recipients specialized in educational leadership and administration, reflecting strong demand for these practitioner-focused leadership paths.

Choosing the Right Doctoral Path for Your Goals

Ultimately, the choice between an EdD and a PhD should be driven by your career ambitions. If your goal is to lead organizations, solve practical problems, and work as an applied leader in settings like a school district or a corporate L&D department, the EdD is the more direct path. If you are passionate about conducting original research and want to pursue a career as a university professor or a dedicated researcher, the PhD is the better fit. To further understand this distinction, it can be helpful to explore the difference between DBA and EdD, as it highlights a similar practitioner-versus-researcher dynamic in the business world.

What is the job market outlook for EdD graduates?

The job market for skilled educational leaders is stable and growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady growth for many of the key roles that EdD graduates pursue. For example, the BLS projects an 8% growth rate for postsecondary teachers and a 29% growth rate for medical and health services managers between now and 2033. This indicates a sustained demand for qualified professionals to lead educational institutions and related organizations.

While some areas of education may face budget constraints, the need for effective leadership does not disappear. In fact, challenging times often increase the demand for highly skilled administrators who can manage resources effectively and drive positive outcomes.

Key trends shaping opportunities include leadership gaps, technological shifts, and accountability standards. Much like tracking healthcare demand trends such as what state pays gerontology NPS the highest, understanding labor market projections ensures that EdD graduates position themselves where leadership skills will be most valued.

Here's What EdD Graduates Have To Say About Their Salary

Other Things You Should Know About Doctor of Education (EdD) Salary

How long does it take to complete an EdD program?

Most Doctor of Education (EdD) programs are designed for working professionals and typically take three to four years to complete. Some accelerated programs may be finished in as little as two years, while part-time options may extend to five years. The total time often depends on the program's structure and the student's pace in completing coursework and the final dissertation or capstone project.

Are online EdD programs respected by employers?

Yes, online EdD programs from accredited institutions are well-respected by employers. The key factor is accreditation, which ensures the program meets high academic standards. Employers value the leadership and problem-solving skills gained in an EdD program, regardless of whether it was completed online or on-campus. A degree from a reputable, accredited university will be viewed as a valid and valuable credential.

What are the admission requirements for a Doctor of Education program?

Admission to an EdD program is competitive and typically requires a master's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants usually need to submit transcripts showing a strong GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and a current resume. Most programs also require several years of relevant professional experience in education or a related field, as the curriculum is designed to build on practical knowledge.

What financial aid is available for EdD students?

Financial aid is available for EdD students to help manage the cost of their education. Many students use federal student loans, which can be accessed by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some universities also offer institutional scholarships, grants, or assistantships for doctoral students. Additionally, some employers provide tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees pursuing advanced degrees.