A High School Teacher specializes in educating students from ninth to twelfth grade, focusing on advanced subjects and preparing students for college and careers. They are responsible for delivering subject-specific content, as well as supporting the overall academic and social development of teenagers.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 1.0% (below average)
Annual job openings: 66,200
Direct AI exposure: 16% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 52% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $72K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $49K per year | $60K per year | $72K per year | $93K per year | $108K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $21K above the national average. | ||||
High School Teachers typically work in public and private high schools. Their environment involves classrooms, labs, and sometimes outdoor spaces, depending on the subject taught. They often have duties beyond teaching, including supervising extracurricular activities, attending meetings, and collaborating with colleagues and parents.
High School Teachers are pivotal in shaping the educational experiences of adolescents, guiding them through more complex and specialized subject matter. They are responsible for adapting their teaching methods to different learning styles and ensuring that all students grasp the curriculum. This role involves not just imparting knowledge, but also developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparing students for life beyond high school.
In addition to academic teaching, High School Teachers play a significant role in the personal development of their students. They mentor students, help them navigate academic choices, and often provide guidance on college and career decisions. Teachers in this phase are influential in helping students develop a sense of responsibility, independence, and social awareness.
Being a High School Teacher requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. It also involves a high degree of emotional intelligence, as working with teenagers can be challenging due to their developmental stage. Effective communication, patience, and adaptability are key skills for success in this profession.
Becoming a High School Teacher generally requires a bachelor's degree in education or in a specific subject area, which takes about 4 years. Additionally, a teaching license or certification is required in most states for those teaching in public schools.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.