What does a high school teacher do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
A high school teacher specializes in a subject, teaches students in grades 9 through 12 and prepares them for college or work. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median pay of $72,040 per year (May 2025). A bachelor's degree is typical, and public schools require a state license or certification.
Scope: the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook page used here covers high school teachers only. It does not cover middle school teachers, who have their own BLS profile, and it does not cover special education or career and technical education teachers. O*NET lists this occupation as secondary school teachers, except special and career and technical education.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 25-2031 (O*NET-SOC 25-2031.00), secondary school teachers |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Related work experience | None |
| Licensing | Required for public school teachers; varies by state |
| Median annual wage | $72,040 per year (May 2025 wage data) |
| Projected growth | 0 percent, 2025 to 2035 (little or no change) |
| Number of jobs | 1,087,500 (2025) |
Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook as it read on 31 October 2026. Wage data are from May 2025 and projections cover 2025 to 2035.
What does a high school teacher do?
BLS describes high school teachers as subject specialists who teach students in grades 9 through 12. Their work includes:
- Planning and delivering lessons.
- Assessing students and grading work.
- Communicating with parents.
- Preparing students for state standardized tests.
- Supervising students.
Some teach English as a second language, work with special education teachers, or coach sports and advise clubs outside class hours.
Work environment
Teachers work in schools, mostly during school hours, and often spend evenings and weekends grading and planning. Most have a 10-month school year. BLS reports about 1.1 million jobs in 2025, with local public schools employing about 81 percent and private schools about 17 percent. BLS notes that teaching can be rewarding but also stressful, and that some schools lack resources.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says at least a bachelor's degree is typically required. Many states require a major in a content area such as math or science, and some require a master's degree after certification and hiring.
Public school teachers must be licensed or certified for the grade level they teach. Requirements vary by state but generally include a minimum GPA, a student-teaching program, a background check, and passing a general teaching test and a subject test. Private schools typically do not require a state license. Alternative certification routes exist for people who already hold a bachelor's degree, which matters if you are changing careers. Start with your state's education department to see which route applies.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication skills, patience and resourcefulness as the important qualities. O*NET highlights reading comprehension, speaking, critical thinking and monitoring among the skills. For a resume, show how you explained difficult material, how you tracked whether students understood it and what you changed as a result, with no student names or records.
How much does a high school teacher make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $72,040 per year (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,780, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,600. BLS reports a median of $74,190 in local public elementary and secondary schools and $61,810 in private ones. Many teachers work a 10-month year, and some earn extra pay for summer school teaching.
Read the full pay tab on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and look up your own state or metro area in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. For how to read these numbers, see how to research pay.
Job outlook
BLS projects little or no change in employment from 2025 to 2035 (0 percent). About 63,500 openings are expected each year, mostly from replacing workers who leave the occupation, such as by retiring. BLS says public school employment depends on state and local budgets, and that projected declines in the school-age population and enrollment will limit demand. Openings still exist, so subject and location matter.
How to get hired as a high school teacher
- Check your state education department for the license route that fits you, including alternative certification if you already have a bachelor's degree.
- Complete the student-teaching program, background check and required tests.
- Pick a subject area. Your degree major may need to match it.
- Write a resume that lists your subject, grade levels, certification status and results. See our ATS resume guide, and career change resume if you are switching fields.
- Practice for panel and demonstration lessons in interview prep.
- Search jobs on LiveRec and apply early, since many openings follow the school calendar.
Related occupations
Middle School Teachers; Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers; Special Education Teachers; Career and Technical Education Teachers; School and Career Counselors and Advisors.
Frequently asked questions
Does this guide cover middle school teachers?
No. The BLS page behind this guide covers high school teachers only, grades 9 through 12. Middle school teachers have a separate BLS profile.
What degree does a high school teacher need?
BLS says at least a bachelor's degree is typically required, and many states require a major in a content area such as math or science. Some states require a master's degree after certification and hiring.
Do high school teachers need a license?
Public school teachers must be licensed or certified for the grade level they teach, and requirements vary by state. BLS says private schools typically do not require a state license.
How much do high school teachers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $72,040 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,780 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,600.
Can I become a teacher if my degree is in another field?
BLS says alternative certification routes exist for people who already hold a bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by state, so start with your state education department.
Related guides
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do? Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS pay tab: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-5 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 25-2031.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2031.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.