Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Middle school teachers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license. PayThe median annual wage for middle school teachers was $64,370 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 38,800 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.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for middle school teachers was $64,370 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 38,800 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.
Job Outlook
Employment of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 38,800 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 They 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 $64,370 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 38,800 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.
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 $64,370 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of middle school teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 38,800 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.
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.
More Information
Learn more about middle school teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.