Employment Outlook for Teachers

Students often enroll in college with the plan of using their higher education to secure employment. As a result of this, students, regardless of degree program, will often wonder about the growth rate of a profession to see if they will be able to get a job after graduation, and keep it long enough to pay off any debts they incurred in college.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analyzes the job outlook for all kinds of professions, including teachers. Even though the BLS projects growth for teachers of all grade levels, there are variable growth rates for teachers of different grades, subject areas, and special education.

What Are the Employment Prospects for Teachers in the Next Decade?

Over the next decade, the BLS projects positive employment growth for teachers ranging from 1 to 3%, depending on what grade level the teaching positions primarily work with. Even though this rate is at or below the average expected employment growth, it's still positive growth and shows that more teaching jobs will be available in the future.

Is the Demand for Teachers Increasing or Decreasing?

Demand for teachers overall is increasing. Currently, many school systems, both public and private, are at a shortage of teachers able to fill openings. Job prospects for students in education programs will have more openings than some recent graduates.

The shortages are caused by a variety of factors, including an ongoing debate around average teacher salaries, as well as the amount of support received from school districts and governments.

Teacher Employment Outlook Overview for 2024

For each, please discuss job outlook, demand, trends, etc.

The job outlook from the BLS for teachers differs from grade to grade, as well as by specific subjects being taught. Future job growth and openings could change as teachers retire or change professions, actual job growth may exceed current expectations.

Preschool Teachers

It's becoming more common for parents to enroll younger children in preschool, compared to staying at home or enrolling them in daycare. As this trend continues, the job openings for preschool teachers will increase to meet growing demand.

The expected job growth for preschool teachers is 3%, which meets the national average for all industries.

Preschool teachers have lower levels of education required for employment than other teaching levels. Most preschool teachers have an associate's or bachelor's degree, but some states only require a certificate.

Elementary School Teachers

Elementary school teachers, which covers kindergarten through fifth grade or first grade through fifth grade (depending on the state), are expected to see job growth of about 1%, lower than the national average and even other teachers.

As students transition to elementary education, there are more specialized subjects to cover, which require more from teachers. With national teacher shortages growing, elementary teachers' job opportunities will continue to grow and the role may be in high demand sooner than projected.

Elementary school teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, as well as state-issued licenses.

Middle School Teachers

When students reach middle school, they usually begin to have specialized classes, like more advanced math and science. Although there is projected growth for all middle school teachers, teachers with math and science focus are expected to be in higher demand.

At the middle school level of education, teachers have at least a bachelor's degree, but many have master's degrees as well.

High School Teachers

Much like middle school teachers, high school teachers with specialty training will have more job opportunities and, in most cases, a higher average salary.

Teaching in a high school requires a bachelor's degree or higher as well as state-issued licenses. Many high school teachers will earn a degree with a major in a concentration like math, science, or English and then a minor in education.

The number of jobs available to high school teachers is projected to grow about 1% overall, with higher-demand subjects seeing more growth. Like some of the other levels of education, this rate will change with current teachers entering retirement.

Special Education Teachers

Because more children are being diagnosed and identified with disabilities earlier in life, there is an increased demand for special education teachers. As schools change and expand their offerings for special education students, there will likely be an increase in the number of jobs for these teachers.

To become a special education teacher can set you up to teach at any level of education, but you might need more education for a specialized teaching role like in math and science. You will need to be licensed by the state you'll be teaching in, but a bachelor's degree should open doors to most teaching positions.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Teaching?

A doctorate in education can help prepare you for roles beyond teaching, such as being a principal, superintendent, or even a teaching or administrative role at the collegiate level. If you're looking to become a teacher at the elementary, middle, or high school level, a doctorate can help you, but it's often more education than you'll be required to have.