Education & Childcare career

Middle School Teacher

Also called: Junior High Teacher · Math Teacher (Middle School) · Science Teacher (Middle School) · English Teacher (Middle School)

What middle 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 middle school teacher do?

Middle school teachers teach students in grades 6 through 8, usually specializing in subjects such as math, science, English or social studies. The median pay is $64,370 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus licensing, and employment is projected to grow -0.4% from 2025–35.

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

  • Median pay
    $64,370
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -0.4%
    2025–35, little or no change
  • Openings per year
    38,800
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years plus licensing
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    630,100
    Employment, 2025

What middle school teachers do

Middle school teachers guide students through a time of big change. They teach a subject to several classes a day, plan lessons, grade work, help students build study habits, manage classrooms and support social and emotional growth. They also work with teams, families and counselors.

Public school teachers need a bachelor’s degree, a teacher preparation program and a state license with subject endorsements. Math and science teachers are in especially high demand.

Typical duties

  • Plan and teach subject lessons
  • Grade assignments and tests
  • Manage classroom behavior
  • Support study skills and organization
  • Differentiate instruction
  • Communicate with families
  • Collaborate with grade-level teams

Work environment and schedule

Middle school teachers work in classrooms and labs, moving between classes, meetings and duties.

Schedule: Teachers work school-year schedules with grading and planning after hours, plus summers off.

A day in the life

  1. Set up a science lab for first period.
  2. Teach a lab on chemical reactions.
  3. Teach the same lesson to another class, adjusting the pace.
  4. Meet with the grade-level team about struggling students.

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

Middle School Teacher salary

Half of middle school teachers earned more than $64,370 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,080 for the lowest 10% to $102,540 for the top 10%.

Full middle school teacher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a middle school teacher

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

Public school teachers need a bachelor’s degree, a teacher preparation program and a state license with subject endorsements.

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

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Subject expertise
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Assessment and grading
  • Differentiation

People skills

  • Patience
  • Humor
  • Communication
  • Consistency

All middle school teacher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Teach a subject you love
  • Help students through a key age
  • Summers off
  • High demand in math and science

Cons

  • Behavior and motivation challenges
  • Grading workload
  • Testing pressure
  • Varied student needs

Certifications and licenses

  • State teaching license: Required for public school teaching.
  • Subject endorsement: Certification in math, science, English or other subjects.
  • Praxis subject exams: Content knowledge tests.
  • National Board Certification: Advanced teaching credential.

Career path

  1. Student Teacher: Learn to teach.
  2. Middle School Teacher: Teach your subject.
  3. Department Chair or Team Leader: Lead teachers.
  4. Assistant Principal or Principal: Lead schools.

Learn the job before day one

Our Middle School Teacher training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as start class with a bell ringer and run a science lab safely, safety and how to land your first job.

View Middle School Teacher trainingIs this career right for me?

High School Teacher

Teach teenagers a subject and prepare them for college, careers and life.

  • $72,040
  • 4 years plus licensing

Special Education Teacher

Teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.

  • $65,120
  • 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

Compare: Middle School Teacher vs. Elementary Teacher · Middle School Teacher vs. High School Teacher · Middle School Teacher vs. Special Ed Teacher · Middle School Teacher vs. School Counselor

Middle School Teacher FAQ

Do middle school teachers specialize?

Usually, yes, in one or two subjects.

Is there demand for middle school teachers?

Yes, especially in math, science and special education.

Can I teach with a degree in my subject?

Yes, through teacher preparation or alternative certification.

How much does a middle school teacher make?

The median annual wage for middle school teachers was $64,370 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,080 and the highest 10% earned more than $102,540.

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

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

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

Yes, for public schools. Middle school teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a state license with subject endorsements, though alternative certification can help career changers.

More middle 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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