### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

High School Teachers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                    
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			high school teachers imageHigh school teachers prepare students for life after graduation by teaching lessons and skills students will need to attend college or enter the job market.							
						Quick Facts:     High School Teachers2023     Median Pay
            						$65,220     per yearTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    1,072,300Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    11,100What High School Teachers Do
                                                
                        
                        
High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
High school teachers work in schools. They work during school hours but may also work evenings and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most do not teach during the summer.
            
                                                How to Become a High School Teacher
                                                
                        
High school teachers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license, which may require an academic background in the subject(s) they will be certified to teach.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for high school teachers was $65,220 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of high school teachers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 67,100 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for high school teachers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of high school teachers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about high school teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What High School Teachers Do 
            

			High school teachersHigh school teachers generally specialize in a subject, such as English, math, or science.			
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market.
Duties
High school teachers typically do the following:
Plan lessons and instruct their students in the subject they teach
Assess students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
Adapt lessons to changes in class size
Grade students’ assignments and exams
Communicate with parents about students’ progress
Work with individual students to challenge them and to improve their abilities
Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
Develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies
Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detentionHigh school teachers generally teach students from the 9th through 12th grades. They usually specialize in one area. Some teach core subjects, such as math, science, or history. Others specialize in elective courses, such as art, music, or physical education. They may teach several different classes within their subject area. For example, a high school math teacher may teach algebra, calculus, and/or geometry.
High school teachers may instruct students from different grades throughout the day. For example, one class may have mostly students from the 9th grade, and another may have 12th-grade students. In many schools, students are divided into classes on the basis of their abilities, so teachers need to adapt their lessons based on students’ skills.
Outside of their instructional time, teachers plan lessons, grade assignments, and meet with other teachers and staff.
Teachers of English as a second language (ESL) or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) work exclusively with students who are learning the English language. These teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and help them with assignments for other classes.
Students with learning disabilities and emotional or behavioral disorders are often taught in traditional classes. High school teachers work with special education teachers to adapt lessons to these students’ needs and to monitor the students’ progress.
Teachers must be comfortable with using and learning new technology. With parents, they may use text-messaging applications to communicate about students’ assignments and upcoming events. With students, teachers may create websites or discussion boards to present information and to expand a lesson taught in class.
Some high school teachers take on additional responsibilities, such as coaching sports or advising academic clubs, activities that frequently take place before or after school.
 Work Environment
			High school teachersHigh school teachers who specialize in science class may spend some of their day working in a lab.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 High school teachers held about 1.1 million jobs in 2022. The largest employers of high school teachers were as follows:
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                81%Elementary and secondary schools; private
                16Most states have tenure laws, which provide job security after a certain number of years of satisfactory classroom teaching.
Teachers may find it rewarding to watch students develop new skills and gain an appreciation for knowledge.
However, teaching may be stressful. Some schools have large classes and lack important teaching tools, such as current technology and up-to-date textbooks. Occasionally, teachers must cope with unmotivated or disrespectful students. Some states are developing teacher mentoring programs and teacher development courses to help with the challenges of being a teacher.
Work Schedules
High school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school.
Many teachers work a traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work during the summer.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new school session.
 How to Become a High School Teacher

			High school teachersHigh school teachers need to explain difficult concepts in terms students can understand.			
High school teachers typically must have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
Education
All states require public high school teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree, which may be in education. Many states require high school teachers to have majored in a content area, such as mathematics or science.
Teacher education programs typically provide instruction on presenting information to students of different abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include a student-teaching program, in which prospective teachers work with a mentor teacher and get experience instructing students in a classroom. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.
Some states require high school teachers to earn a master’s degree after earning their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek high school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a major in a subject area.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level they will teach. Those who teach in private schools typically are not required to be licensed.
High school teachers typically are awarded a secondary or high school certification, which allows them to teach the 7th through the 12th grades.
Requirements for certification or licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average
Completion of a student-teaching program
Passing a background check
Passing a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates their knowledge in the subject they will teach.For information on certification requirements in your state, visit Teach.org.
Teachers often are required to complete professional development classes to keep their license or certification. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification and obtaining a job.
All states offer an alternative route to certification or licensure for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack the education courses required for certification. Some alternative certification programs allow candidates to begin teaching immediately with supervision by an experienced teacher. These programs cover teaching methods and other topics, such as resource management. After they complete the program, candidates are awarded full certification. Other programs require students to take classes in education before they can teach.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Teachers must share ideas with their students, other teachers, and school administrators and staff. In addition, they need to discuss students’ progress with parents.
***Patience.*** High school teachers must stay calm in difficult situations, such as when students struggle with material.
***Resourcefulness.*** High school teachers need to engage students in learning and adapt lessons to each student’s needs.
Advancement
Experienced teachers may advance to serve as mentors to new teachers; they may also become a lead teacher. In these positions, they help less experienced teachers improve their teaching skills.
With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals. Becoming a principal usually requires additional instruction in education administration or leadership. For more information, see the profiles on school and career counselors, librarians, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                High School TeachersMedian annual wages, May 2023Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education$65,220  Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers$63,280  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for high school teachers was $65,220 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,380.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for high school teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                $66,070Elementary and secondary schools; private
                61,290High school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school.
Many teachers work a traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Although most do not teach during the summer, some teach in summer school programs for which they are paid.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then have a break for 3 weeks before starting a new school session.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               High School TeachersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education1%  Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of high school teachers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 67,100 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Employment growth for public high school teachers may depend on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, school boards may lay off employees, including teachers. As a result, these budget deficits may limit the employment growth projected for high school teachers. Conversely, budget surpluses at the state and local level could lead to additional employment growth for high school teachers.
Projected declines over the decade in both the school-aged demographic and student enrollment should constrain demand for high school teachers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     high school teachers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education**
			25-2031
			1,072,300
			1,083,400
			1
			11,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of high school teachers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Career and Technical Education Teachers**
            Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,580**Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals**
            Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities.
            Master's degree
            $103,460**Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers**
            Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,670**Middle School Teachers**
            Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,290**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**Preschool Teachers**
            Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.
            Associate's degree
            $37,130**School and Career Counselors and Advisors**
            School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.
            Master's degree
            $61,710**Special Education Teachers**
            Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,910**Teacher Assistants**
            Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.
            Some college, no degree
            $35,550**Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers**
            Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,560
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about teaching and becoming a teacher, visit
Teach.org
American Federation of Teachers
National Education Association
For more information about teacher preparation programs, visit
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Secondary school teachers (PDF)

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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