Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
O*NET 25-3011.00 · SOC 25-3011
Adult Basic Education is a risky career choice. Median pay is $62k a year with -13.9% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 3,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach adult learners to read, write, and perform basic math.
- →Prepare students to pass the GED or high school equivalency exam.
- →Assess incoming students' literacy and numeracy skill levels.
- →Instruct non-native English speakers in conversational and written English.
- →Connect adult students with community resources supporting their education.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Adult Basic Education roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Adult Basic Education involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Adult Basic Education?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Adult Basic Education Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors is projected to decline 13.9% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·48% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Adult Basic Education make?
The median Adult Basic Education earns $62k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Adult Basic Education jobs?
Our model puts Adult Basic Education at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 48% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Adult Basic Education a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 13.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 3,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Adult Basic Education?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Adult Basic Education roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Adult Basic Education?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Adult Basic Education career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes