Secondary School Teachers earn $70,930 median salary (2024 BLS data)
The median annual salary for Secondary School Teachers hit $70,930 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $34 an hour. The middle half of the profession earned between $48,900 and $106,340, with the top 10% pulling in six figures.
How much Secondary School Teachers earn
The average (mean) wage for the nation's 1,176,620 secondary school teachers is $75,970 per year, or about $34/hour. The BLS figures show a typical range from $48,900 at the 10th percentile to $106,340 at the 90th. Actual pay depends on experience, school district, and whether you hold a master's degree—many districts give pay bumps for advanced degrees.
Geography matters, too. While the BLS hasn't released 2024 state-level data, historical patterns show teachers in the Northeast and West Coast earn more, while Southern and rural states pay less. Check the OEWS data for your state's median when it becomes available.
Pay by state
Complete 2024 state-by-state BLS data is not yet published. In previous years, the highest-paying states (like New York, Massachusetts, and California) had median salaries above $85,000, while lower-paying states (like Mississippi, West Virginia, and Oklahoma) were around $50,000. Expect similar regional variation when the new data drops.
How to become a Secondary School Teacher
Every state requires at least a bachelor's degree and a teaching license. The typical path: earn a bachelor's in the subject you want to teach (or in secondary education with a major in that subject), complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (including student teaching), and pass your state's licensing exams. Many teachers later earn a master's degree to move up the pay scale.
Alternative routes exist for career-changers—often called alternative certification programs—that allow you to teach while completing coursework. Requirements vary by state, so check your department of education.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a teachable subject (English, math, science, etc.).
- Complete a teacher prep program and supervised student teaching.
- Pass state licensing exams (e.g., Praxis).
- Apply for a state teaching license.
- Consider a master's degree for higher pay and career advancement.
Job outlook
The BLS projects about as many openings as workers leaving the field over the 2024-34 decade, with job growth still being calculated. Demand remains steady because of retirements and the need to replace teachers who leave for other careers. The 1.2 million current positions mean competition can be stiff in desirable districts, but high-need subjects (special education, math, science) often have more openings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Secondary School Teacher?
Starting salaries vary widely, but the 10th percentile (entry-level) pay is $48,900 nationally, per BLS. Many school districts start new teachers in the $40,000–$50,000 range.
Do Secondary School Teachers get paid during summer?
Most teachers are paid over 12 months, so their salary is spread across the whole year even if they don't work summer school. Some choose a 10-month pay schedule and budget accordingly.
How long does it take to become a Secondary School Teacher?
Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree plus 1 year for student teaching and certification. Some programs combine the degree and certification in 4 years. Alternative certification can take 1-2 years.
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 Secondary School Teachers data.