Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School Salary (2025): $65,030 Median
Middle school Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers earn a median salary of $65,030, according to the latest BLS data. The typical range spans from $49,200 at the 10th percentile to $101,890 at the 90th, with a mean wage of about $71,590 — roughly $31 per hour. This occupation employs 16,870 workers nationwide, though it's a small field facing a projected decline.
How much Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School earn
The median salary for middle school CTE teachers is $65,030. That's the midpoint: half earn more, half earn less. The bottom 10% make around $49,200, while the top 10% exceed $101,890.
Pay varies widely by location and experience. The lowest-paid teachers are concentrated in states like North Dakota ($46,530), North Carolina ($52,270), and Missouri ($52,630). At the top end, salaries in Washington average $103,290 — nearly double the median.
Pay by state
Where you teach dramatically affects your paycheck. The five highest-paying states for middle school CTE teachers are:
Washington: $103,290
Rhode Island: $97,240
Connecticut: $95,680
Massachusetts: $93,260
Utah: $86,890
The three lowest-paying states are:
North Dakota: $46,530
North Carolina: $52,270
Missouri: $52,630
These figures are mean annual wages from the BLS. Keep in mind that cost of living varies, so a higher salary in an expensive state may not go as far as a moderate one elsewhere.
How to become Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
Becoming a middle school CTE teacher typically requires a bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., engineering, information technology, health sciences) plus a state teaching license. Many states offer an alternative route for industry professionals who lack a traditional education degree.
Key steps include:
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a CTE subject area (or complete a teacher preparation program).
- Complete a student teaching internship at the middle school level.
- Pass state-required exams (e.g., Praxis II in your subject area).
- Apply for a state teaching license with a CTE endorsement.
- Consider a master's degree for higher pay and advancement opportunities.
Job outlook
Employment for middle school CTE teachers is projected to shrink by 2% from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. That's a decline, but roughly 900 openings still arise each year due to retirements and turnover.
Because the field is small (just under 17,000 jobs), even small changes in funding or school budgets can affect demand. Teachers with certifications in high-demand subjects like computer science or healthcare may have better prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School?
The national median salary is $65,030. The typical range is $49,200 (10th percentile) to $101,890 (90th percentile). Mean annual wage is $71,590, about $31 per hour.
How do you become a middle school CTE teacher?
You need a bachelor's degree in a technical subject, plus a state teaching license with a CTE endorsement. Many states offer alternative certification for experienced industry professionals.
What is the job outlook for middle school CTE teachers?
Projected to decline by 2% from 2024 to 2034. However, about 900 job openings are expected each year due to workers leaving the occupation.
Which states pay middle school CTE teachers the most?
Top-paying states are Washington ($103,290), Rhode Island ($97,240), Connecticut ($95,680), Massachusetts ($93,260), and Utah ($86,890).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School data.