The start of another academic year often brings to mind images of teachers and principals, but a closer look at federal data reveals a surprising trend: the fastest-growing education jobs aren’t in classrooms. Instead, roles such as substitute teachers, therapists, and technologists are poised for the most significant expansion over the next decade.
This shift is driven by two key forces: declining student enrollment in some areas and the expiration of pandemic-era emergency funding, which is forcing school districts to reassess their staffing needs amid growing budget deficits. The result is a labor market where some positions remain stubbornly unfilled, even as districts cut hundreds of jobs overall.
Fastest-Growing Roles: A Detailed Look
According to recent data, short-term substitute teachers will lead the way, with over 10,000 additional positions expected by 2034. Other high-growth areas include:
- Teacher assistants and paraeducators : Particularly in states like Utah, where increased funding supports student behavior and early literacy programs. However, these positions often suffer from low wages (as low as $9/hour) making them difficult to fill.
- Speech language pathologists, social workers, and occupational therapists : Demand for these roles is rising as schools prioritize early identification and intervention for students with disabilities.
- School IT staff : Districts are struggling to retain technology professionals as federal relief money dries up, threatening IT infrastructure in many schools.
The Rise of Specialized Health Roles
Beyond substitute teaching, the most significant job growth is concentrated in health therapy. Physical therapist assistants, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists are projected to see double-digit percentage increases in demand. This trend reflects a broader push to provide comprehensive support services for students with disabilities as early as possible, sometimes starting at age three.
However, these professionals also have alternative career paths in hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies, creating competition for school districts.
Enrollment Decline and Funding Cuts
The overall outlook for education job growth is complex. While non-teacher roles are expanding, student enrollment is decreasing in many areas, leading to fewer teaching positions and reduced funding. Some schools are even closing due to financial pressures.
As Utah State Board of Education’s executive coordinator of education licensing Malia Hite points out, “There’s no way that education jobs are going to grow” in some sectors due to these factors. Even in specialized fields, growth may be limited in absolute numbers. For example, the audiologist workforce in one state grew from two to eleven employees in six years—a five-fold increase, but still a relatively small number overall.
The takeaway is clear: while some education jobs are growing, the fastest expansion is happening outside traditional classroom roles, driven by shifting demographics, budget constraints, and an increased focus on specialized student support.
