CANTON, Ohio (WJW) — A former teacher says he makes more money as a Walmart professional.

Seth Goshorn taught for almost six years, including in an elementary school in Canton, before deciding to change careers. It’s a move he says resulted in a salary increase of about $20,000 after bonuses were taken into account.

Dressed in his new Walmart uniform, Goshorn recorded a TikTok video acknowledging the dramatic pay gap. He said the video unexpectedly went viral.

“I didn’t think it would be this good. I might have a couple hundred likes, so just the fact that it blew up and I’ve only been on it for about a year,” Goshorn said. “It was really cool to see the power of the internet.”

Goshorn, who has a degree in early childhood education, now works as a “Walmart coach” on the management track. More than a month into his new job, he said the transition has been smooth.

“Last year I made about $43,000 in teaching, so nothing terrible, but it still left a lot to be desired,” Goshorn said.

He said he enjoyed his time as a teacher and made lifelong friendships with the families. However, he was looking for a job that would better meet his financial needs while planning an upcoming wedding with his fiancée.

Goshorn said working at Walmart allows for professional growth without requiring a second degree.

“My degree doesn’t translate exactly, but the skills that many teachers have and the leadership ability of teachers correlates with many companies,” he said. “So find a company that’s willing to train you for a position that might pay better.”

Goshorn doesn’t discourage anyone from becoming a teacher and said educators need extra support through increased salaries.

“Even though they’re scheduled for 40 hours, they work a lot more than that, whether it’s teaching or grading after school,” Goshorn said. “I coached football and athletics, so it was something else at the weekends. I took summer courses. We don’t have all the free time they think.

According to data mentioned by the Ohio Department of Education, the median teacher assignment salary statewide is $64,427. Salaries can vary widely depending on the county and school district where a teacher works.

“There are a lot of changes going on in education and the laws and rules are being passed by people who are not educators which makes it difficult because they just don’t understand,” a- he declared.

Goshorn said he hopes his story serves as a teaching moment about the power of career pivot and the importance of supporting teachers.

“I’m going to be a teacher for life,” he said. “It will always be a part of my life, whether it’s at Walmart or on social media.”