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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
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Intelligence Metrics
Automation Risk Assessment
Low RiskWork-Life Balance Score
7.0/10Personality 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.
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 2024-05States 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