Salary Outlook
On average, middle school educators earned approximately $53,130 in 2011. The highest earners took home $81,620, while the lowest-paid took home $35,760. Elementary and secondary schools are among the top-paying industries for these workers. The highest-paid teachers reside in the metro areas of Chico, Calif., Nassau, N.Y., and Napa, Calif.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $44,140.00 |
| 2004 | $46,530.00 |
| 2006 | $49,520.00 |
| 2008 | $52,620.00 |
| 2010 | $54,890.00 |
Average Middle School Teacher Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
With an annual income of $53,130, the average middle school teacher’s pay is higher than many other social services employees. Teacher assistants only rake in $23,580 annually, which is significantly lower than what middle school teachers earn. By comparison, elementary school teachers earn $51,660 and social workers take in about $40,210 annually. School counselors and speech-language pathologists, on the other hand, both out-earn middle-level educators, taking in $53,380 and $66,920, respectively.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $69,100.00 |
| School Counselor | $54,130.00 |
| Middle School Teacher | $53,130.00 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $52,840.00 |
| Child & Family Social Worker | $40,680.00 |
| Teacher Assistant | $23,580.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Middle School Teachers
The highest paid in the middle school teacher profession work in the metropolitan areas of Chico, CA, Nassau, NY, and Napa, CA. The Waterbury, CT area also pays well, as does the city of Kingston, NY.
Chico, CA
Average Salary: $95,120 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a middle school teacher working in Chico, CA is $95,120, which is $41,990 more than the average pay in the profession.
Nassau, NY
Average Salary: $90,650 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a middle school teacher working in Nassau, NY is $90,650, which is $37,520 more than the average pay in the profession.
Napa, CA
Average Salary: $80,890 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a middle school teacher working in Napa, CA is $80,890, which is $27,760 more than the average pay in the profession.
Waterbury, CT
Average Salary: $79,770 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a middle school teacher working in Waterbury, CT is $79,770, which is $26,640 more than the average pay in the profession.
Kingston, NY
Average Salary: $77,120 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a middle school teacher working in Kingston, NY is $77,120, which is $23,990 more than the average pay in the profession.
