High school equivalency and adult secondary education: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

High school equivalency and adult secondary education classes prepare students to take the test to earn a high school equivalent diploma. Some programs are combined with career preparation programs so that students can earn a high school equivalent diploma and a career-related credential at the same time.

The high school equivalency exam is composed of four subjects: language arts, math, science, and social studies. In addition to teaching these subjects, teachers also help their students improve their skills in communicating, critical thinking, and problem solvingskills they will need in preparing for further education and successful careers.

Education Required
Most states require adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers to have at least a bachelors degree. Some community colleges prefer to hire those with a masters degree or graduate coursework in adult education or English as a Second Language (ESL). Some colleges and universities offer masters degrees or graduate certificates in teaching adult education or ESL.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: -6% (Decline)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Some states require adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers to have a teaching certificate to work in government-run programs. Some states have certificates specifically for adult education. Other states require teachers to have a certificate in elementary or secondary education.
Median pay: How much do Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers make?
$50,650 Annual Salary
$24.35 per hour

Careers for Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers

  • Adult ESL teachers
  • Adult ESOL teachers
  • Adult English as a second language teachers
  • Adult basic and secondary education and literacy teachers and instructors
  • Adult basic education
  • Adult basic studies teachers
  • Adult education teachers
  • Adult literacy instructors
  • Adult literacy teachers
  • Adult remedial education instructors
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • GED instructors
  • General educational development teachers
  • High school equivalency diploma teachers

Similar Careers