Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers: $63,250 Median Salary in 2025
Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers earned a median salary of $63,250 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $70,410, which works out to about $30 per hour. That median figure sits roughly in line with the national average for all occupations, which was $48,060 in 2023.
How much Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers earn
Pay varies widely across the 4.37 million teachers in this broad category. The bottom 10% earn $44,050 or less, while the top 10% bring in $103,200 or more.
Experience and location drive the spread. A first-year teacher in a rural district might start near the 10th percentile, while a veteran high school teacher in a high-cost city can top the 90th. Many public school teachers also receive benefits like health insurance and pension contributions, which boost total compensation. Salary schedules in unionized districts typically reward advanced degrees and years of service.
Pay by state
State-level data for this combined group is not available from the BLS due to how the occupation is classified. However, individual teaching categories show clear patterns: New York, California, and Massachusetts consistently pay the highest salaries for K-12 teachers, while Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Dakota pay the lowest. For example, the BLS reports that the mean annual wage for elementary school teachers in New York is around $88,400, compared to about $47,000 in Mississippi. Special education and secondary teachers see similar spreads.
How to become Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, or Special Education Teacher
The path typically starts with a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Most states require a state-issued teaching license or certification, which involves completing an approved teacher preparation program, passing background checks, and earning passing scores on exams such as the Praxis.
For special education teachers, additional coursework or a separate license endorsement is usually required. Head Start teaching positions may require an associate degree for preschool teachers, but elementary and secondary roles nearly always demand a bachelor's and state licensure. Many teachers earn a master's degree within their first few years, which often unlocks higher pay and more job options. Some states offer alternative certification routes for career-changers with a bachelor's in another field.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in education or a subject area you plan to teach.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (often part of your degree).
- Pass required state exams (e.g., Praxis Core and subject tests).
- Apply for a state teaching license or certificate.
- For special education, add an endorsement through additional coursework or exams.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for this combined category for 2024–2034. However, employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to decline by 1% over the decade, while high school teachers are projected to shrink by 1% as well. Special education teachers are expected to grow 2%, about as fast as average. Preschool teacher employment is headed for 4% growth. Overall, openings will arise from retirements and turnover, not rapid expansion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a teacher in the U.S.?
The mean annual wage for the combined group of Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers is $70,410, according to the BLS. The median is $63,250.
Do teachers get paid during summer?
Most public-school teachers are on a 10-month contract and can choose to have their salary spread over 12 months, receiving paychecks all year. Some work summer school or other jobs for extra income.
What state pays teachers the most?
New York, California, and Massachusetts typically top the list. For example, New York elementary school teachers average about $88,400, while Mississippi averages around $47,000.
How long does it take to become a teacher?
A bachelor's degree takes four years, followed by a semester of student teaching and state testing. Many complete the process in about five years, including licensing exams and background checks.
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 Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers data.