Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
SOC code 25-2022 · O*NET-SOC 25-2022.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Education and library
Middle school teachers cover grades six through eight, usually specialising in a subject for the first time in a student's school life. Public school teaching requires a state licence built on a degree, and most states add salary steps for postgraduate credits.
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$64,370
a year
Hourly
—
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$72,030
— per hour
Middle 50%
$58,530 – $80,490
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$48,080 – $102,540
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
620,090
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $48,080
- —/hr
- 25th percentile
- $58,530
- —/hr
- Median percentile
- $64,370
- —/hr
- 75th percentile
- $80,490
- —/hr
- 90th percentile
- $102,540
- —/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
-2%
Declining
633,700
jobs in 2024
621,300
projected for 2034
About 12,400 fewer jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education do?
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.
- Assign lessons and correct homework.
- Assist students who need extra help, such as by tutoring and preparing and implementing remedial programs.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 67% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree67%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate21%
- Less than a High School Diploma10%
- Master's Degree2%
Common questions
How much does a middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education earn?
The national median is $64,370 a year. The full range runs from $48,080 at the 10th percentile to $102,540 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Learning Strategies4.3/5
- Speaking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Active Learning3.9/5
- Monitoring3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Education and Training4.5/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Philosophy and Theology3.8/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Psychology3.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.2/5
- History and Archeology3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness.