How to become a secondary school teacher, except special and career/technical education

Q: How do I become a secondary school teacher, except special and career/technical education?

The typical entry-level education is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..

Q: How much does a secondary school teacher, except special and career/technical education make?

The median pay in the United States is $72,040 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.Typical entry-level education

$72,040Median pay a year

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education do

Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
Instruct and monitor students in the use of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.

Skills that matter most

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Learning Strategies
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Active Learning
Writing

Is secondary school teacher, except special and career/technical education a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 41% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

Washington $102,670
California $101,370
New York $97,070
Massachusetts $95,260
Rhode Island $92,610

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.