Education & Childcare career

High School Teacher

Also called: Secondary School Teacher · English Teacher · Math Teacher · Science Teacher

What high school teachers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a high school teacher do?

Secondary school teachers teach students in grades 9 through 12 in subjects such as English, math, science, history and foreign languages, preparing them for graduation and beyond. The median pay is $72,040 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus licensing, and employment is projected to grow -0.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $72,040
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -0.2%
    2025–35, little or no change
  • Openings per year
    63,500
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years plus licensing
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    1,087,500
    Employment, 2025

What high school teachers do

High school teachers specialize in subjects and help teenagers prepare for adult life. They plan lessons, teach several classes a day, grade assignments, prepare students for exams such as AP and state tests, advise clubs, coach and write recommendations. They also help students think about college and careers.

Public school teachers need a bachelor’s degree, usually in their subject, plus a teacher preparation program and state license. Teachers in math, science, special education and career fields are in high demand.

Typical duties

  • Plan and teach lessons in a subject
  • Grade assignments and exams
  • Prepare students for state and AP exams
  • Manage classroom behavior
  • Differentiate instruction
  • Advise clubs or coach activities
  • Communicate with families and counselors

Work environment and schedule

High school teachers work in classrooms and labs, with after-school activities, meetings and events.

Schedule: Teachers work school-year schedules with evening grading and planning; summers are usually off.

A day in the life

  1. Prepare slides and materials for a chemistry unit.
  2. Teach first period and take attendance.
  3. Run a lab with second period.
  4. Use the planning period to grade tests.

See a full day in the life of a high school teacher →

High School Teacher salary

Half of high school teachers earned more than $72,040 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,780 for the lowest 10% to $107,600 for the top 10%.

Full high school teacher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a high school teacher

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete teacher preparation
  3. Pass licensing exams
  4. Get licensed
  5. Advance

Public school teachers need a bachelor’s degree, typically in their subject, a teacher preparation program with student teaching, and a state license with a subject endorsement.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a high school teacher →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Subject expertise
  • Lesson and unit planning
  • Assessment and grading
  • Classroom management
  • Test preparation

People skills

  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Mentorship
  • Organization

All high school teacher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Teach a subject you love
  • Mentor teens toward their futures
  • Summers off
  • Coaching and club opportunities

Cons

  • Large grading workload
  • Student motivation challenges
  • Testing pressure
  • After-school commitments

Certifications and licenses

  • State teaching license: Required for public school teaching.
  • Subject endorsement: Certification for each subject taught.
  • AP course training: College Board training for Advanced Placement courses.
  • National Board Certification: Advanced credential for accomplished teachers.

Career path

  1. Student Teacher: Learn to teach.
  2. High School Teacher: Teach your subject.
  3. Department Chair: Lead a department.
  4. Assistant Principal or Principal: Lead a school.

Learn the job before day one

Our High School Teacher training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as plan a unit and prepare students for an AP exam, safety and how to land your first job.

View High School Teacher trainingIs this career right for me?

Middle School Teacher

Teach students in grades 6 through 8 through big changes in learning and life.

  • $64,370
  • 4 years plus licensing

School Counselor

Help students succeed academically, socially and in planning their futures.

  • $64,330
  • Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s

Tutor

Help students master subjects and prepare for tests one-on-one.

  • $43,350
  • Weeks to months

Compare: High School Teacher vs. Middle School Teacher · High School Teacher vs. CTE Teacher · High School Teacher vs. School Counselor · High School Teacher vs. Tutor

High School Teacher FAQ

Do high school teachers need a license?

Yes, for public schools.

What subjects are in demand?

Math, science, special education and career and technical education.

Can I teach without an education degree?

Yes, through alternative certification if you have a degree in your subject.

How much does a high school teacher make?

The median annual wage for high school teachers was $72,040 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,780 and the highest 10% earned more than $107,600.

How long does it take to become a high school teacher?

Most people need about 4 years plus licensing of training. Public school teachers need a bachelor’s degree, typically in their subject, a teacher preparation program with student teaching, and a state license with a subject endorsement.

Do you need a degree to be a high school teacher?

Yes, for public schools. High school teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a state license, though many states offer alternative certification for people with degrees in the subject they want to teach.

More high school teacher questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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