Choose a Career in Education for Yourself and Your Community
Whether you’re just beginning your career journey or contemplating a change, the Central Coast offers a wealth of education and employment opportunities in this vital and high-need profession.
California faces persistent teacher shortages
Whether you’re starting your career journey or considering a change, the Central Coast offers a wealth of meaningful and growing opportunities in education.
California is experiencing ongoing teacher shortages—especially in math, science, special education, bilingual education, and, in recent years, the growing need to staff Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classrooms and Arts education programs. These gaps are most severe in high-need schools, which often rely on underprepared substitute educators or emergency permit holders to fill roles (Learning Policy Institute).
Meanwhile, teacher preparation in the state has declined: substandard credentials and permits have tripled between 2013 and 2023, signaling an urgent need for fully credentialed educators (Learning Policy Institute).
As of April 2025, there were approximately 468,000 active teaching credentials in California, yet only 316,000 educators employed in public K–12 schools (CDE/CTC). This gap represents a substantial opportunity for qualified individuals to enter the profession and make an immediate difference (CTC).
The education sector supports tens of thousands of jobs across the Central Coast and contributes significantly to the region’s economy—helping strengthen schools, families, and communities.
Education Sector Opportunities
From classrooms and libraries to after-school programs and community learning centers, you’ll find a wide range of diverse career opportunities in the education sector across the Central Coast—supported by local training programs and career development pathways to prepare you.
Education career opportunities available through these pathways include the following fields:
- Classroom Support & Paraprofessional Roles
Instructional aides, special education aides, and bilingual classroom assistants supporting teachers and students. - After-School & Enrichment Program Staff
Coordinators and instructors for arts, music, STEM, sports, and tutoring programs. - Early Childhood & Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Support
Teacher assistants and program aides supporting early learning and TK classrooms. - Career Technical Education (CTE) Instructors
Industry experts teaching specialized skills in fields such as arts, media, construction, technology, or culinary arts—often without a traditional teaching credential. - Arts & Music Education Roles
Visual and performing arts instructors working in schools, after-school programs, or community arts organizations. - School Office & Administrative Support
Secretaries, registrars, and administrative assistants keeping schools running smoothly. - Educational Technology Support
Specialists who manage classroom tech, learning platforms, and digital curriculum tools. - Student Support & Wellness Services
Behavioral aides, peer mentors, and school counseling support staff.
Careers
Career Fields Across the Sector
- Credentialed Positions
- Teachers (e.g., early childhood/TK, special education, STEM, arts, bilingual)
- Principals / School Administrators – building- or district-level leaders
- Postsecondary Education Administrators – roles like registrars, deans, and academic support staff
- Non-Credentialed or Partially Credentialed Roles
- Paraprofessionals / Instructional Aides
- TK & Early Childhood Assistants
- After-School Enrichment & Arts Instructors
- CTE Instructors (arts, tech, culinary, media, etc., often via industry credentials)
- School Office & Administrative Support
- Educational Technology Specialists
- Student Support & Wellness Staff
Career Fields & Current Wage Snapshot in California (2025)
↔ Swipe horizontally to see all columns.
| Role | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Teacher | $48.60 | $101,084 | NEA, CDE (nea.org, cde.ca.gov) |
| Starting Teacher Salary | $28.08 | $58,409 | NEA (nea.org) |
| Elementary–High School Principal | $50.00 | $104,070 | BLS (bls.gov) |
| School Administrator (avg) | $50.75 | $105,558 | ZipRecruiter (ziprecruiter.com) |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $49.98 | $103,960 | BLS (bls.gov) |
| Full-Time Paraprofessional | $16.26 | $33,821 | ZipRecruiter (ziprecruiter.com) |
| Educational Support Professional (ESP avg) | $19.71 | $41,013 | NEA (nea.org) |
Find out which field is right for you and take the first step on your pathway into the profession by completing the Education Pathway tool. Your personalized pathway will be provided for you upon completion, at no cost.