Middle School Teacher Salary in North Carolina
Based on 21K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$52,010
$25.00/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
-24.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $62K
21K employed in North Carolina
The Middle School Teacher salary in North Carolina sits at a median of $52,010 per year. This figure represents the midpoint for educators in this crucial stage of development. It's important to note that this median is approximately 24% below the national average for middle school teachers, reflecting regional economic conditions and educational funding levels.
Several factors influence the Middle School Teacher salary in North Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific school district's budget and pay scale, and the teacher's educational attainment, such as holding a Master's degree. The demand for educators also plays a role, with approximately 20,650 middle school teachers currently employed across the state.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,660 |
| 25th percentile | $47,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,010 |
| 75th percentile | $59,110 |
| 90th percentile | $61,770 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,790 |
| 2023 | $50,820 |
| 2024 | $50,340 |
| 2025 | $52,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,735 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,790 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $50,820 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $50,340 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $52,010 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,735 | $70,844 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $61,770 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Middle School Teacher ($52,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in NC | $63,340 | +21.8% | $30.45/hr |
| Librarian in NC | $61,420 | +18.1% | $29.53/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in NC | $57,650 | +10.8% | $27.72/hr |
| School Counselor in NC | $57,630 | +10.8% | $27.71/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in NC | $54,930 | +5.6% | $26.41/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in NC | $53,180 | +2.2% | $25.57/hr |
| Tutor in NC | $41,710 | -19.8% | $20.05/hr |
| Truck Driver in NC | $51,530 | -0.9% | $24.77/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in NC | $51,240 | -1.5% | $24.63/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in NC | $52,830 | +1.6% | $25.40/hr |
| Title Examiner in NC | $50,500 | -2.9% | $24.28/hr |
| Dental Assistant in NC | $50,380 | -3.1% | $24.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a middle school teacher in North Carolina?
- The median salary for a middle school teacher in North Carolina is $52,010 per year, which averages out to about $25 per hour. This median figure is 24.1% lower than the national average salary for this profession.
How much can a middle school teacher in North Carolina expect to earn?
- The salary range for middle school teachers in North Carolina typically falls between $44,660 and $61,770 annually. The median salary is $52,010 per year.
Is the salary for middle school teachers in North Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Middle school teachers in North Carolina earn salaries that are 24.1% lower than the national average. The median salary in the state is $52,010 per year.
How many middle school teachers are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 20,650 middle school teachers currently employed in North Carolina. Their median annual salary is $52,010.