Are you looking for the next step in your education career?
An elementary education master's degree can help you boost your compensation and take on new job responsibilities. Educators usually see salary bump when they earn a master's. And the flexibility of an online format means you can pursue a graduate degree while teaching.
Keep reading to learn more about the best online master's programs in elementary education.
Featured Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Elementary Education Degrees of 2025
What Can You Do With a Master's in Elementary Education?
Let's cut to the chase: Most teachers are woefully underpaid in this country, especially for such a highly-degreed group of workers.
None of us get in this line of work to get rich,
said Lindsay Henderson, now the principal at Alice Moore Alexander Elementary in Denton, Texas. But a master's degree is a good way to push your salary into a more comfortable place.
Several factors can affect how much you earn, including your job title, employer, years of experience, and location. Because most schools use pay scales, teachers with more experience or more education often earn substantially more. On average, educators see a 27% salary bump when they earn a master's, according to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,670 |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Elementary School Principal | $103,460 |
| Assistant Principal | $77,150 (April 2024) |
Is an Online Master's in Elementary Education Worth It?
Earning an elementary education master's degree online can pay off. For example, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your expertise, increase your earning potential, and open new career doors.
Earn a higher salary: You can increase your compensation by pursuing a master's degree. In fact, those with a master's in education earn 27% more than those with a bachelor's in education, according to NACE data. You may also qualify for higher-paying roles with a master's degree.
Boost your credentials: A master's in education can help you pursue board certification, add additional endorsements to your license, or specialize your expertise in areas such as instructional design or curriculum development. By expanding your expertise, you can stand out in the classroom or move into new roles.
Pursue leadership positions: You'll develop leadership skills during a graduate degree in elementary education. And with a master's in education, you can move into leadership roles, including as a lead teacher or instructional coordinator. A master's can also prepare you for other school administrator positions, including assistant principal or principal.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master's in Elementary Education
In addition to giving you more refined tools to be successful inside the classroom, a master's in elementary education can help you access career opportunities outside the classroom, including roles in:
School and district administration
Curriculum development
Nonprofit youth development
Educational publishing
Government education agencies
