Middle School Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 620K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$68,569
$32.97/hr
▲ 4.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$50K – $90K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
620K
workers nationwide
The median Middle School Teacher salary in the United States is $68,569 per year, which equates to about $33 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these dedicated educators who play a crucial role in shaping young minds during a formative period.
Several factors influence the Middle School Teacher salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the specific school district's budget and pay scales, and the teacher's level of education, such as a Master's degree. Geographic location also plays a significant role, with some states offering considerably higher compensation than others.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,125 |
| 25th percentile | $57,584 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,569 |
| 75th percentile | $80,198 |
| 90th percentile | $89,942 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Middle School Teacher
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $102,140 | +49.0% | 11K |
| 2 | California | $98,950 | +44.3% | 37K |
| 3 | New York | $94,840 | +38.3% | 39K |
| 4 | Connecticut | $93,610 | +36.5% | 8K |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $92,760 | +35.3% | 2K |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $89,450 | +30.5% | 17K |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $79,900 | +16.5% | 2K |
| 8 | Utah | $79,180 | +15.5% | 6K |
| 9 | Alaska | $78,940 | +15.1% | 1K |
| 10 | New Jersey | $78,770 | +14.9% | 24K |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Industry
How much Middle School Teachers earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($65,240 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | -4.9% | — |
| 2 | Educational Services | $64,390 | -6.1% | 619K |
| 3 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | -14.9% | 560 |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | -20.7% | 290 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Middle School Teacher
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Middle School Teacher roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah Chatham County Public School System | $60,124 | 25 |
| 2 | Milwaukee Board Of School Directors | $54,386 | 24 |
| 3 | Dallas Independent School District | $66,000 | 8 |
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,855 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,584 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,569 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,198 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,942 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Middle School Teacher salary in the US?
- The median Middle School Teacher salary in the United States is $68,569 per year. This means half of Middle School Teachers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The hourly rate for this median salary is approximately $33.
What is the salary range for Middle School Teachers?
- The salary range for Middle School Teachers in the United States typically falls between $50,125 and $89,942 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and other compensation factors.
Which state pays Middle School Teachers the most?
- Washington is the top-paying state for Middle School Teachers, with an average annual salary of $102,140. This is significantly higher than the national median salary.
How many Middle School Teachers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 620,080 Middle School Teachers employed across the United States. This substantial workforce contributes to the education of millions of students each year.