Skip to content
Learning Success
  • Education News
  • Infographics
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
Free screener
Screener
Menu
  • Education News
  • Infographics
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
Browse by topic
Dyslexia Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Attention Deficit Disorder Auditory Processing Disorder Reading Mathematics Neuroscience of Learning Parenting IEP Education Teaching Child Health and Nutrition
Start the free screener
Home / Infographics / Teaching
Infographic

Teachers Working Second Jobs: Understanding the Prevalence and Characteristics

18% of US public school teachers work second jobs, earning an average of $5800. It's time to rethink teacher compensation and support.

Laura Lurns Last updated March 27, 2026
Teachers Working Second Jobs: Understanding the Prevalence and Characteristics
Save to Pinterest Download
Teachers Working Second Jobs: Understanding the Prevalence and Characteristics

If you’ve noticed that many teachers seem to be working multiple jobs, you’re not alone. Research reveals that a significant number of teachers supplement their income with second jobs. But what does this mean for the education system and the teachers themselves?

TL;DR
  • 18% of full-time US public school teachers work second jobs.
  • 55% of these jobs are in non-teaching fields.
  • The average earnings from a second job are $5800.
  • Subject areas like career or technical education have higher average earnings.
Share the idea

Did you know 18% of US public school teachers work second jobs? Let's value our educators' time & expertise. #teachersmatter #education

Post on X Follow

Prevalence and Types of Second Jobs

The data shows that 18% of full-time public school teachers work second jobs, with 55% of these jobs being in non-teaching fields. This suggests that many teachers are seeking additional income outside of their primary teaching role.

Understanding the types of second jobs teachers engage in can help identify patterns and potential areas of support.

The brain builds new pathways with practice, and targeted support can make a significant difference in a teacher’s ability to manage their workload and pursue additional income opportunities – Laura Lurns

Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert

Earnings and Subject Area Variations

The average earnings from a second job among all public school teachers are $5800. However, there are variations by subject area, with career or technical education teachers having the highest average earnings at $9200.

Early childhood or general elementary teachers, on the other hand, have the lowest average earnings from second jobs at $4700.

Key takeaways

  1. 1 Prevalence of Second Jobs: 18% of full-time US public school teachers have a second job.
  2. 2 Types of Second Jobs: 55% work in non-teaching fields, while 25% engage in teaching or tutoring.
  3. 3 Earnings: The average earnings from a second job are $5800, with variations by subject area.

Implications and Future Directions

The prevalence of teachers working second jobs highlights the need for better compensation and support within the education system. It also underscores the importance of understanding the diverse needs and challenges faced by teachers across different subject areas.

By addressing these issues, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for teachers, ultimately benefiting the students they serve.

Research shows that earlier intervention and support can lead to better outcomes for both teachers and students, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by educators – International Dyslexia Association

Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert

The system that undervalues teachers’ time and expertise must change. Parents and educators can advocate for better compensation and support, recognizing the invaluable role teachers play in shaping young minds. The Learning Success All Access Program offers a free trial that includes a personalized Action Plan, empowering parents to support their child’s educational journey.

See what All Access gives your child
School leaders: build an MTSS that reaches every struggling learner A practical framework for administrators and intervention teams, with the screening and tiered support pieces already mapped out. See MTSS for schools

Is your child struggling in school?

Get your free personalized learning roadmap

You describe what you see at home. We turn it into a plan you start this week.

  • Answer 5 short questionnaires about what you already notice, 30–45 minutes at your own kitchen table
  • Your child sits no test and gets no score: nothing to schedule, nothing for them to dread
  • You do the answering, the AI does the writing, and a person reviews it before it reaches you
  • Access all 40+ courses instantly: reading, math, focus, processing and more, with new ones added regularly

Why we use AI, plainly: it writes from a knowledge base our team maintains and audits. We work through it line by line and pull anything the evidence stops supporting. The roadmap you get on Tuesday reflects what we corrected on Monday, and a human still reads it before you do.

Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.

Get my free assessment & 7-day trial Cancel anytime during your trial.

Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.

A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.

References

  • National Center for Educational Statistics - https://nces.ed.gov/
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.

Keep reading

Unlocking Learning Potential: Beyond Labels Teaching Unlocking Learning Potential: Beyond Labels Learning Success infographic titled 3 Teacher Tips for Making Engaging Animated Videos. Tip one, choose a simple tool so creating the lesson stays manageable and focused on learning. Tip two, create your own background to give the lesson a tailored context that lifts engagement. Tip three, keep it short so brief, focused segments hold a child's attention and prevent cognitive overload. Closing note: pairing simple tools, custom backgrounds, and concise content turns passive screen time into active, interactive learning. Teaching 3 Rules Make an Educational Video Worth Watching. A Fourth Makes It Teach. Unlocking Learning Potential: Beyond Labels Teaching Unlocking Learning Potential: Beyond Labels
School leaders: build an MTSS that reaches every struggling learner A practical framework for administrators and intervention teams, with the screening and tiered support pieces already mapped out. See MTSS for schools
Free weekly email

The Weekly Blueprint

Neuroscience in plain language, a quick win and a 5-minute activity. Every week.

Get the free weekly email Free every week · Unsubscribe anytime
Pass it on “ADHD isn't broken focus—it's democracy of attention. Everything gets a vote until something earns devotion. Then watch the hyperfocus ignite.” — Learning Success Tap to share or download Find out why your child is struggling Takes 5 minutes and it’s free. Start the free screener Go deeper · Free course The Overly Emotional Child A free documentary course on learningsuccess.ai
Browse by topic
Dyslexia Dyscalculia Dysgraphia Attention Deficit Disorder Auditory Processing Disorder Reading Mathematics Neuroscience of Learning Parenting IEP Education Teaching Child Health and Nutrition
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Auditory Processing Disorder
  • Child Health and Nutrition
  • Dyscalculia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyslexia
  • Education
  • IEP
  • Mathematics
  • Neuroscience of Learning
  • Parenting
  • Reading
  • Teaching
  • Education News

Company

  • Contact
  • Brain Bloom System
  • Auditory Processing Program
  • 5-Minute Reading Fix
  • Privacy Policy

Free Resources

  • Dyscalculia Test
  • Dyslexia Test
  • Learning Difficulties Analysis
  • Growth Mindset Course
  • Improve Focus
  • Emotional Intelligence Course

Copyright © 2026 Learning Success | Powered by Learning Success

Embrace brilliance, unleash potential. Brains change. Learning difficulties can too.

Company
  • Contact
  • Brain Bloom System
  • Auditory Processing Program
  • 5-Minute Reading Fix
  • Privacy Policy
Free resources
  • Learning Difficulties Analysis
  • Dyslexia Test
  • Dyscalculia Test
  • Dysgraphia Test
  • Growth Mindset Program
  • Focus Foundations
  • The Overly Emotional Child
Follow
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • X
  • RSS
© 2026 Learning Success. All rights reserved. Powered by Learning Success