Top Human Resources Jobs for Transitioning Teachers
Jul 01, 2023
Updated: 03/24/25
If you’ve ever coached a student, mediated a parent-teacher conflict, or helped a team work more effectively, you’re already doing the kind of work HR professionals get paid (well) to do. These roles let you support adults, shape company culture, and help organizations grow.
Note: Salary ranges are general estimates based on commonly available salary information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), PayScale, and Glassdoor. Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on location, experience level, industry, and company size.
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HR Specialist
Salary Range: $40K - $70K per year
What it is:
HR Specialists handle the day-to-day operations of a company’s HR team—recruitment support, onboarding, benefits, compliance, and employee recordkeeping.Why you're a fit:
You’ve already juggled paperwork, supported a diverse group of people, and followed processes while still adapting to the human side of every situation. HR is built on exactly that combination.How to land it:
Look for roles like HR Coordinator, People Operations Assistant, or Talent Support Specialist. Use your resume to highlight your communication skills, process management, and ability to support both individuals and systems.
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Recruiter
Salary Range: $45K - $75K per year
What it is:
Recruiters find, vet, and help hire the right candidates for open roles. This includes writing job descriptions, screening applicants, running interviews, and collaborating with hiring managers.Why you're a fit:
You’ve spent your career spotting potential, motivating people, and building relationships. You know how to ask the right questions—and you’re great at making people feel seen and understood.How to land it:
Entry-level roles like Talent Sourcer or Recruiting Coordinator are your best bet. Consider contract roles at staffing agencies to get started and gain experience fast.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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Employee Relations Manager
Salary Range: $60K - $100K per year
What it is:
Employee Relations Managers focus on maintaining a positive work environment by handling conflict resolution, workplace investigations, and employee engagement efforts.Why you're a fit:
You’ve mediated classroom issues, helped students work through personal challenges, and fostered strong relationships with coworkers. You’ve built trust while holding people accountable—which is the heart of employee relations.How to land it:
You’ll likely start with an HR Generalist or Employee Engagement role before moving into management. Look for companies with structured HR departments and mentorship opportunities. Coursework in workplace law or conflict resolution can be helpful.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
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HR Consultant
Salary Range: $70K - $120K per year
What it is:
HR Consultants work independently or with firms to advise companies on HR best practices—everything from restructuring teams to improving onboarding, updating handbooks, or training managers.Why you're a fit:
As a teacher, you’ve created systems, led trainings, rolled out new policies, and handled change management. You already think in terms of people, process, and performance.How to land it:
Start by gaining experience in an HR Generalist or Business Partner role. Then explore freelance consulting work with small businesses or nonprofits. Build a simple website showcasing your services and areas of expertise.
>>> Click Here To See Current Open Roles On LinkedIn
Want more to explore?
Here are three more Human Resources & People Operations roles that make great career pivots for educators:
Talent Development Manager
Salary Range: $70K–$110K
What it is:
Talent Development Managers focus on helping employees grow within a company. They design leadership programs, develop career pathways, and ensure teams have the tools and resources to keep learning.
Why you're a fit:
You’ve mentored new teachers, designed long-term learning plans, and supported professional growth. You know how to help people build skills and confidence—while keeping performance goals in mind.
How to land it:
Look for roles that combine learning, coaching, and leadership development. Consider starting in a Learning & Development or Talent Development Specialist role, then work your way into management.
People Operations Coordinator
Salary Range: $45K–$70K
What it is:
This role supports the HR team by managing logistics—employee onboarding, team engagement programs, policy updates, and day-to-day HR support.
Why you're a fit:
You’ve managed schedules, handled school-wide communications, planned events, and created structure in a chaotic environment. This role is a perfect stepping stone into broader HR functions.
How to land it:
Apply to roles with titles like “People Operations Associate” or “HR Admin” at fast-growing startups or mission-driven orgs. Your teacher-to-people-ops story will stand out.
HR Business Partner (HRBP)
Salary Range: $80K–$120K
What it is:
HR Business Partners work directly with department heads to align HR strategies with business goals. They advise on team structure, conflict resolution, performance management, and employee development.
Why you're a fit:
You’ve coached peers, rolled out new policies, tracked performance, and kept people focused on goals. If you’ve led a grade team or department, this work will feel familiar—just with adults.
How to land it:
Most HRBPs work their way up from HR Generalist or Talent Partner roles. Consider starting there and growing into this more strategic position over time.
Enjoyed this list but not sure where you fit in all of this? Take the FREE ElevatED Educator Career Quiz to discover which roles are right for you.
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