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

Middle School Teachers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                    
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			middle school teachers imageMiddle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary schools to prepare them for the more difficult subjects and lessons in high school.							
						Quick Facts:     Middle School Teachers2023     Median Pay
            						$64,290     per yearTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    625,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    5,100What Middle School Teachers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Middle school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work during school hours when students are present and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most do not work during the summer.
            
                                                How to Become a Middle School Teacher
                                                
                        
Middle school teachers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for middle school teachers was $64,290 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 42,200 openings for middle 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 middle school teachers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of middle school teachers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about middle school teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Middle School Teachers Do 
            

			Middle school teachersSome middle school teachers specialize in teaching a particular subject, such as science or math.			
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grade. Middle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals taught in elementary school and prepare students for high school.
Duties
Middle school teachers typically do the following:
Create lesson plans to teach students a subject
Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class or to smaller groups
Grade students’ assignments and exams
Communicate with parents or guardians about their child’s progress
Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges
Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
Develop and enforce classroom rules
Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detentionMiddle school typically goes from sixth to eighth grades. However, in some school districts, middle school may begin in fourth grade or extend through ninth grade.
In many schools, middle school teachers are responsible for certain subjects. For example, one teacher may teach math to several different classes of students throughout the day. However, other middle school teachers instruct on every subject to a single class.
Teachers use time during the day when they do not have classes to plan lessons, grade assignments, or meet with other teachers and staff.
Some middle schools have *English as a second language*(*ESL*)**or*English for speakers of other languages*(*ESOL*)*teachers* who work with students learning the English language. ESL and ESOL teachers work with students individually or in groups to help them improve their English language skills and to help the students with assignments for their classes.
Middle school teachers may also work with special education teachers to adapt lessons. In some cases, middle school teachers may co-teach lessons with special education teachers.
Teachers must be comfortable using and learning new technology. With parents, teachers may use text-messaging applications to communicate about students’ assignments and upcoming events. With their students, teachers may create websites or discussion boards to present information or to expand on a lesson taught in class.
Some middle school teachers coach sports teams and advise student clubs and groups, whose practices and meetings frequently take place before or after school.
 Work Environment
			Middle school teachersMiddle school teachers may advise clubs or meet with students and parents before or after school.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Middle school teachers held about 625,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of middle school teachers were as follows:
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                85%Most states have tenure laws, which provide job security after a certain number of years of satisfactory teaching.
Middle school teachers may find it rewarding to watch students develop new skills and gain an appreciation for knowledge and learning. However, teaching may be stressful. Schools may have large classes and lack important teaching tools, such as current technology and textbooks. Some states are developing teacher mentoring programs and teacher development courses to help with the challenges of being a teacher.
Working with middle school students as they become adolescents also can be challenging. Teachers need to be aware of and understand what their students are going through outside of the classroom.
Work Schedules
Middle school teachers generally work during school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school. They often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons.
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 Middle School Teacher

			Middle school teachersMiddle school teachers need good communication skills in order to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators.			
Middle school teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
Education
All states require public middle school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Many states require middle school teachers to major in a content area, such as mathematics or history. Other states require middle school teachers to major in elementary education.
Middle school teachers typically enroll in their college’s teacher education program, which instructs them on presenting information to students of different abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include a student-teaching program, in which they work with a mentor teacher and get experience teaching students in a classroom setting. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.
Some states require middle school teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification and obtaining a job.
Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek middle school teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a major in elementary education or a content area.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level that they will teach. Those who teach in private schools typically do not need a license. 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 of the subject they will teach.For information about certification requirements in your state, visit Teach.org. Teachers are often 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 under the supervision of an experienced teacher. These programs cover teaching methods and child development. 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 student progress with parents.
***Patience.*** Middle school teachers must stay calm in challenging situations, such as when students struggle with material or create disturbances in class.
***Physical stamina*.** Working with middle school students can be tiring. Teachers need to keep up with the students physically, mentally, and emotionally.
***Resourcefulness.*** Middle school teachers need to get students engaged 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 lead teachers. In these positions, they help less experienced teachers to improve teaching skills.
With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals, both of which generally require additional education 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

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Middle School TeachersMedian annual wages, May 2023Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education$64,290  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 middle school teachers was $64,290 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 $47,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,410.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for middle school teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Elementary and secondary schools; local
                $64,890Middle school teachers generally work school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. Teachers who coach sports or advise clubs generally do so before or after school. Teachers often spend time in the evenings and on weekends grading papers and preparing lessons.
Many teachers work the 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.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
               Middle School TeachersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Middle 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 middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 42,200 openings for middle 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
	
			
The number of students in public middle schools is expected to decrease over the projections decade. The number of classes needed to accommodate these students will depend on class size, with larger classes requiring fewer teachers than smaller ones.
Employment growth for middle school teachers also will depend on state and local government budgets. If state and local governments experience budget deficits, they may increase class size while maintaining or reducing teaching staff levels. Conversely, budget surpluses at the state and local level could lead to additional employment growth for middle school teachers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     middle 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**Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education**
			25-2022
			625,500
			630,600
			1
			5,100
			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. Middle 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 middle 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**Childcare Workers**
            Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $30,370**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**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Instructional Coordinators**
            Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.
            Master's degree
            $74,620**Librarians and Library Media Specialists**
            Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
            Master's degree
            $64,370**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**Social Workers**
            Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
            See How to Become One
            $58,380**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**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
 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

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


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