Middle School Teachers (Except Special & Career/Technical Education): 2025 Salary Guide and Career Outlook
The median salary for middle school teachers (except special and career/technical education) is $64,370, according to the latest BLS data. Full-time workers average $72,030 per year, or roughly $31 an hour. Most earn between $48,080 and $102,540 (10th to 90th percentile).
How much Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn
Nationally, the median pay for these educators sits at $64,370. The top 10% earn over $102,540, while the bottom 10% make less than $48,080. Employment is large: 620,090 people hold this job across the country.
Pay by state
Where you teach matters enormously. The highest-paying states are Washington ($102,140), California ($98,950), New York ($94,840), Connecticut ($93,610), and Rhode Island ($92,760). At the other end, South Dakota ($50,980), Mississippi ($50,790), and Oklahoma ($48,440) pay the least.
How to become Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
The typical path is a bachelor's degree in education or a specific subject like math or English, followed by a state-issued teaching license or certification. All states require licensure, which usually involves passing exams and completing a student-teaching internship. Some states offer alternative certification for career changers.
Job outlook
Employment of middle school teachers is projected to decline 2% from 2024 to 2034, a loss of about 40,500 openings per year mostly due to retirements and turnover. Despite the shrinking field, replacement needs will still create job opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for middle school teachers?
The median salary is $64,370 per year, with a typical range from $48,080 to $102,540.
How do you become a middle school teacher?
You need a bachelor's degree, state licensure, and completion of a teacher preparation program including student teaching.
Is the job market for middle school teachers growing?
No, employment is projected to decline 2% from 2024 to 2034, though about 40,500 openings occur each year from replacements.
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 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education data.