Subject-Area Teachingat University of South Alabama
Graduates earn $26,888/yr in their first year — about 36.0% below the national Subject-Area Teaching average. Base-case 10-year earnings $529K; scenarios range from $501K to $533K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Alabama
This program at the University of South Alabama provides a pathway into teaching, often preparing graduates for K-12 roles within the regional public school systems. The earnings data reflects the realities of the labor market for educators in Alabama, where salaries, particularly for entry-level and early-career teachers, are typically lower than national averages, even when accounting for a lower cost of living. You'll likely find employment within Mobile County Public Schools or surrounding districts, where a strong demand for qualified teachers exists.
While the page lists high-paying postsecondary roles, the typical graduate from this specific program often enters elementary, middle, or high school classrooms. The "High AI risk" rating might seem surprising for teaching; it likely refers to curriculum development or standardized assessment aspects, rather than direct classroom instruction, which remains a deeply human-centric profession. To maximize your earning potential, consider specializing in high-demand subjects like math, science, or special education, which often come with salary differentials.
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 University of South Alabama'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 University of South Alabama stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Alabama
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Alabama, 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 University of South Alabama
What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Subject-Area Teaching at University of South Alabama?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Subject-Area Teaching programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Subject-Area Teaching at University of South Alabama?
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 University of South Alabama a good choice for Subject-Area Teaching despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of South Alabama's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.