Subject-Area Teachingat Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Graduates earn $54,215/yr in their first year — about 30.0% above the national Subject-Area Teaching average. Base-case 10-year earnings $606K; scenarios range from $561K to $619K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Your strong showing here reflects SIU-Carbondale's established reputation for preparing educators who are ready to make an immediate impact. The program likely benefits from deep connections with K-12 districts and community colleges throughout Southern Illinois, fulfilling a consistent regional demand for highly specialized subject teachers. These aren't generalist roles; the emphasis on specific subject areas means you're developing expertise in fields where talent is often scarce, commanding stronger compensation, particularly if you pursue postsecondary teaching. Graduates often find themselves teaching critical subjects like health sciences or earth sciences, filling a vital niche in local educational institutions. To maximize your prospects, cultivate your subject matter expertise rigorously and explore opportunities for dual certification or advanced degrees, positioning yourself for the most in-demand roles, especially within higher education.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Subject-Area Teaching
How Southern Illinois University-Carbondale stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Subject-Area Teaching offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Subject-Area Teaching trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Subject-Area Teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale one of the best schools for Subject-Area Teaching?
Among 348 Subject-Area Teaching programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.