ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study is to compare the career orientations of rural and urban educators. An instrument entitled the ‘Career Orientations Inventory’ was administered to 377 urban and 153 rural educators. Through statistical analysis the results indicate very strong similarities in the career orientations of educators from both groups. However, two distinct groups with different values emerged: one group had a managerially and autonomy oriented value system, and the second group was more security and technically oriented. The results imply that educational organisations may need to understand and appreciate individual differences more between teachers. Teachers may also be leaving the educational sector for more reasons other than financial reasons. Rather, individual needs and values (career orientations) may be guiding and constraining the entire careers of individuals.