Secondary School Teachers

Most teachers are contracted to work nine months out of the year, though some contracts are made for 10 or a full 12 months. (When regular school is not in session, teachers are expected to conduct summer teaching, planning, or other school-related work.) In most cases, teachers have the option of prorating their salary for up to 52 weeks.

The median annual salary for secondary school teachers was $64,530 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The lowest 10 percent earned $47,460; the highest 10 percent earned $103,860 or more. Fifty percent of secondary school teachers earned between $57,950 and $82,340.

Middle school teachers (except special and career/technical education educators) earned median salaries of $62,970 in May 2024, according to the DOL. Earnings ranged from $47,050 to $100,980 or more.

Teachers can also supplement their earnings through teaching summer classes, coaching sports, sponsoring a club, or other extracurricular work.

On behalf of the teachers, unions bargain with schools over contract conditions such as wages, hours, and benefits. A majority of teachers join the American Federation of Teachers or the National Education Association. Depending on the state, teachers usually receive a retirement plan, sick leave, and health and life insurance. Some systems grant teachers sabbatical leave.