Teacher: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Teachers earn a national median of $64,580/yr with -1.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Education and Training, English Language, Customer and Personal Service.

Median Salary

$64,580

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

-1.6%

Declining

Employed Nationally

1,072,540

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Teacher

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Teacher candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Instructing 2 Reading Comprehension 3 Active Listening 4 Speaking 5 Learning Strategies 6 Critical Thinking 7 Monitoring 8 Social Perceptiveness 9 Active Learning 10 Coordination

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Teacher performance, based on verified occupational data.

Education and Training English Language Customer and Personal Service Computers and Electronics Psychology

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow -1.6% for Teacher roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's declining compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
1,072,540
Projected Growth
-1.6%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Teacher do?
Teachers apply expertise in Education and Training, English Language, Customer and Personal Service to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking.
How much does a Teacher make?
The national median salary for a Teacher is $64,580 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Teacher a good career in 2026?
Employment for Teacher roles is projected to grow -1.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — declining compared to all occupations. There are currently 1,072,540 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Teacher?
The typical entry-level education for a Teacher is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Teachers need?
The most important skills for Teacher roles based on verified occupational data: Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Active Learning, Coordination.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.