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Middle School Teachers

SOC: 25-2022 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Middle School Teachers typically perform the following tasks: • Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities. • Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health. • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies. • Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress. • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students. • Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students. • Assign lessons and correct homework. • Assist students who need extra help, such as by tutoring and preparing and implementing remedial programs. • Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems. • Maintain accurate, complete, and correct student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations. • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate. • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests. • Enforce all administration policies and rules governing students. • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks. • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations. • Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of middle school programs. • Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests. • Meet or correspond with parents or guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs. • Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injury and damage. • Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.

Key facts

Median: $62,970
Employment: 12,400
Growth (2024–2034): -2.0%
Education: Bachelor's degree

Career Intelligence Metrics

Automation Risk Assessment

Low Risk
10.0% probability of being automated in the next 10-20 years. This job is relatively safe from automation due to its creative, social, or complex problem-solving requirements.

Work-Life Balance Score

7.0/10
Good work-life balance based on typical work schedules, stress levels, and time demands.

Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)

3.8
Realistic
6.6
Investigative
7.6
Artistic
9.4
Social
5.2
Enterprising
6.0
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling

Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.

O*NET Official Logo Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor

Top Skills

Communication skills Patience Physical stamina Resourcefulness

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

Median Salary Comparison

Employment projection (2024–2034)

Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis

BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05
View Interactive BLS Maps

States with Highest Employment

  • Texas 75,640
  • California 46,530
  • New York 34,830
  • Florida 32,460
  • Ohio 26,780
  • Georgia 26,760
  • New Jersey 26,510
  • Pennsylvania 25,980
  • Illinois 24,230
  • Virginia 18,420
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

  • Texas -2%
    $61,760
  • California +54%
    $96,820
  • New York +31%
    $82,620
  • Florida -18%
    $51,680
  • Ohio +6%
    $66,790
  • Georgia 1%
    $63,880
  • New Jersey +23%
    $77,630
  • Pennsylvania +22%
    $76,740
  • Illinois 3%
    $64,800
  • Virginia -3%
    $60,930
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Elementary and secondary schools; state
85%
Elementary and secondary schools; local
70%
Elementary and secondary schools; private
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South