Middle School Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 620K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$68,569
$32.966/hr
▲ 4.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$65K – $128K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
620K
workers nationwide
Middle School Teacher salary in the United States averages $65,433 annually, with approximately 620,370 educators currently employed in this role. This figure represents the median earnings for professionals teaching grades six through eight across public and private institutions nationwide. Understanding this baseline helps prospective and current teachers gauge compensation expectations in this essential field.
Several factors influence individual Middle School Teacher salary outcomes, including geographic location, school district funding levels, years of experience, and educational credentials. Teachers in high-cost metropolitan areas and well-funded districts typically earn substantially more, while rural regions may offer lower compensation. Advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and performance-based pay systems can also impact earning potential, with salaries ranging from $62,380 to $123,070 depending on these variables.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,250 |
| 25th percentile | $81,010 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,569 |
| 75th percentile | $118,740 |
| 90th percentile | $128,170 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $68,569 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make per hour in the United States?
- Middle school teachers earn a median of $31 per hour in the United States. This hourly rate is based on the median annual salary of $65,433 for the profession.
What city pays middle school teachers the most?
- Washington is the top paying city for middle school teachers, with an average salary of $99,150 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $65,433.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers?
- Middle school teacher salaries in the United States range from $62,380 to $123,070 per year, depending on experience, location, and other factors.
How many middle school teachers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 620,370 middle school teachers currently employed in the United States.