Careers in education

114 careers · typical salary €4,000 gross per month (Netherlands)

Education offers a wide range of careers focused on teaching, coaching, and guiding others in various subjects and skills. This field includes 114 different careers, from language teachers to education directors, each with its own focus and work environment. Many roles involve working closely with people, sharing knowledge, and supporting learning and development.

Most careers in education require applied bachelor's or university-level education, but some positions are available with vocational training or even without a diploma. Salaries vary depending on the role and education level, with typical monthly salaries around €4,000 in the Netherlands. Entry-level positions start near €2,300, while experienced professionals can earn up to about €5,200.

Not sure which career fits you? Take the free career test

All 114 careers

What is the work like?

Working in education means you could be teaching subjects like biology, history, or computer science, coaching sports, or managing educational programs. Your daily tasks might include preparing lessons, assessing student progress, or organizing learning activities. Some roles focus on specific age groups, such as kindergarten teachers or youth group leaders, while others involve higher education or specialized training.

Education careers often require good communication skills and patience, as you’ll be helping others understand new information and develop skills. You might work in schools, colleges, universities, sports clubs, or cultural institutions. Depending on your role, you could also be involved in curriculum development, educational research, or administration.

Who fits these careers?

Many education careers align with social and investigative personality types. You likely enjoy working with people and helping them learn, as well as exploring subjects in depth. Creativity is important for developing engaging lessons and adapting to different learning styles.

If you have a social personality, you probably find satisfaction in supporting others and fostering growth. An investigative personality suits roles that involve research, analysis, and explaining complex ideas clearly. Artistic interests can be a good fit for teaching music, drama, or art.

Education and route

Most education careers require applied bachelor's or university degrees, especially for teaching academic subjects like languages, sciences, or humanities. Vocational training is common for roles such as sports coaching or driving instruction. A few positions, like ballet or piano teacher, may not require formal degrees but benefit from specialized training and experience.

If you want to become a teacher in subjects like chemistry, history, or mathematics, you’ll typically complete a university or applied bachelor's program in your subject area and education. Vocational routes can lead to careers like group leader youth work or athletics coach. Continuous professional development is often part of working in education.

Salary

Typical salaries for education careers in the Netherlands range around €4,000 gross per month. Starting salaries can be as low as €2,300, especially in roles requiring vocational training or no formal diploma. Experienced teachers or education directors can earn up to about €5,200 monthly.

For example, a foreign language teacher or chemistry teacher with a university or applied bachelor's degree might earn between €3,200 and €5,200. Roles like driving instructor or coach start lower, around €2,300 to €3,900. Salaries depend on education, experience, and specific job responsibilities.

Tips for choosing

  • Explore different subjects and age groups to find what you enjoy teaching most.
  • Consider both your interests and personality when choosing an education career.
  • Gain practical experience through internships or volunteering in schools or educational programs.
  • Check the required education level for your chosen career and plan your studies accordingly.
  • Stay open to continuous learning and professional development in education.

Torn between two careers?

See also

Frequently asked questions

What education do I need to become a teacher?

Most teaching careers require an applied bachelor's or university degree in the subject you want to teach, combined with education training. Some teaching roles, like sports coaching or driving instruction, may require vocational training instead.

Can I work in education without a degree?

A few education careers, such as ballet or piano teacher, may not require formal degrees but usually need specialized training and experience. However, most teaching and educational roles require at least vocational or higher education.

What subjects can I teach in education careers?

You can teach a wide variety of subjects, including languages, sciences, history, art, music, physical education, and more. The field includes 114 careers covering many areas of knowledge and skills.

What is the typical salary for education careers?

Typical gross monthly salaries in the Netherlands are around €4,000. Entry-level salaries start near €2,300, while experienced professionals can earn up to about €5,200, depending on education and role.

What personality traits suit education careers?

Education careers often suit social and investigative personality types. You should enjoy working with people, helping others learn, and exploring subjects in depth. Creativity is also valuable for making lessons engaging and effective.