Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
O*NET 25-2031.00 · SOC 25-2031
Secondary School Teacher is a risky career choice. Median pay is $72k a year with -0.2% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 63,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Deliver daily lessons in subjects like English, biology, or history
- →Prepare and administer quizzes, exams, and writing assignments
- →Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student learning needs
- →Maintain accurate attendance records and report student progress
- →Sponsor extracurricular clubs or activities related to subject area
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Secondary School Teacher roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Secondary School Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Secondary School Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Secondary School Teacher Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education is projected to decline 0.2% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Secondary School Teacher make?
The median Secondary School Teacher earns $72k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Secondary School Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Secondary School Teacher at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 47% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Secondary School Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 63,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Secondary School Teacher?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Secondary School Teacher roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Secondary School Teacher?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Secondary School Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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