How to Become a Middle School Teacher
Teach subject-focused classes to students in the pivotal middle grades between elementary and high school. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $64,370 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$64,370/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
40,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Subject Instruction
- Learning Strategies
- Classroom Management
- Active Listening
- Assessment
Helpful certifications
- State teaching licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Middle School Teacher make?
The median pay for a Middle School Teacher is $64,370 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Middle School Teacher?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Education, Secondary Education, English, and Mathematics.
Is Middle School Teacher a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 40,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Middle School Teacher use most?
Common skills for this role are Subject Instruction, Learning Strategies, Classroom Management, Active Listening, and Assessment.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.