Salary of a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Canada: 2025-26 Career & Pay Outlook

The need for advanced education leaders in Canada is increasing as educational institutions deal with new challenges in leadership, policy, and innovation. A Doctor of Education (EdD) prepares professionals for senior-level roles across schools, universities, government agencies, and workplace learning. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Canada is CAD 97,000, which increases with experience and designation.  

EdD programs promote leadership development and serve as an eligibility criterion for leaders in the field of education. Many professionals and learners are increasingly inclined towards EdD programs to pursue strong, effective EdD careers. In this blog, we will discuss the Salary for Doctorate in Education professionals and the career outlook available to them. 

Take your skills to the next level — Explore Online Programs on Education

Salary of a Doctorate in Education in Canada: Career Paths & Pay Outlook 2025 

Obtaining a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Canada enables entry into senior leadership positions in schools, educational ministries, and the corporate learning sector. In 2025, EdDs are credentialed to lead change initiatives, advocate for education systems, and enhance organizational capacity. 

Here is a look at common career sectors for EdD holders, average salary ranges, and key advantages of pursuing this graduate program.

Career Paths	Average Annual Salary
School Principal	CAD 101,138
Postsecondary Dean/Administrator	CAD 131,144
Superintendent	CAD 103,009
Education Policy Analyst	CAD 75,000
University Professor (EdD holder)	CAD 244,648
Corporate Learning & Development Director	CAD 122,000
Curriculum & Instruction Director	CAD 145,565

Career Paths and Pay Outlook 

In Canada, having an Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) can lead to salaries that vary from approximately CAD 55,000 to CAD 200,000 per annum, depending on experience and career path. The highest-paying roles are generally found in senior academic and leadership administration.

Here are some positions to explore:

Administrative and Leadership Positions:

1. Chief Learning Officer (CLO)
2. College/University Professor 
3. College/University President

K-12 School Administration Positions:

1. School Superintendent
2. High School Principal
3. Curriculum Developer

Positions in Other Sectors:

1. Executive Director (Education)
2. Educational Researcher
3. Education Consultant

Also read: Career Paths after Completing an Ed.D

Why Pursue an EdD? Beyond Salary and Paycheck 

Pursuing an EdD can be a significant professional investment for those interested in exploring leadership, consulting, or policy work in education. Whether you aspire to be a superintendent, university president, education consultant, or policy advisor, this degree provides the research experience, strategic thinking, and professional credibility to foster significant change in education.

• Acquire Skills to Facilitate Organizational Change: An EdD equips you with advanced skills in communication, assessment, and management to drive change in your school or organization.
• Strengthen Administrative Skills: By understanding contemporary trends, including digital literacy and collaborative learning, you’ll gain tools to pave paths to improve our existing educational systems.
• Enhance Your Resume for Career Advancement: You’ll improve your résumé by learning about and discovering new pathways in public education, government, or industry. There are various ways to deepen your expertise in areas such as curriculum design or higher education leadership.
• Integrate Technology to Enhance Teaching Methods: You will learn to leverage a variety of emerging educational technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and the learner’s collaboration.
• Qualify for Business Leadership Positions: An EdD is an incredible opportunity to advance your credentials for senior administrative roles within your program and beyond, including superintendent, dean, or president positions projected to grow faster than average in the near future.

Also read: Ed.D vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference and Which One is Best?

Advance Your Career in Education Leadership through upGrad

For working professionals, an online EdD program allows complete flexibility to combine work and personal life. You will be able to undertake coursework while applying your research directly to your professional setting. Throughout the program, faculty with administrative experience in your field provide action research and mentoring, and give you access to a network of educational leaders in your area. 

Also read: Organizational Psychology vs. Educational Leadership

With a focus on innovation and confidence in re-envisioning education, upGrad facilitates online Doctor of Education (EdD) program that provides experienced educators the opportunity to develop their leadership and research skills while continuing their careers. With flexible, globally recognized programs, upGrad enables Canadian professionals to make meaningful changes in the education systems and advance how education is conducted now and in the future.

Here are some relevant and in-demand online doctoral degrees in education offered via the upGrad platform:

• Dual Master of Education and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree Program by Edgewood University
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D) by Edgewood University

FAQs About Salary After Doctorate in Education in Canada