Mid-Level

Secondary Science Teacher

Secondary science teachers cover topics in biology, chemistry, physics, or general science — usually in middle or high school — through lectures, labs, and inquiry work.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
S
A
C
I
R
E
Socialhelping, teaching
Artisticcreative, expressive
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Secondary Science Teachers
Employment concentration · ~372 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Secondary Science Teacher

A typical day cycles through multiple class periods with mixed lecture, lab work, and assessment. Lab setup and safety oversight add real time outside teaching.

Collaboration involves other science teachers, lab staff, and parents. What's harder than expected is the safety dimension of lab work — managing students with chemicals or equipment requires constant attention.

Those who thrive tend to be knowledgeable, curious, and good at making complex topics accessible. If you find satisfaction in students engaging with science, the role often feels meaningful.

RelationshipsHigh
AchievementAbove avg
Working ConditionsAbove avg
IndependenceAbove avg
SupportModerate
RecognitionModerate
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Secondary Science Teachers (SOC 25-2031.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Secondary Science Teacher career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$47K–$105K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
1.1M
U.S. Employment
-1.6%
10yr Growth
66K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$74K$72K$69K$67K$65K201920202021202220232024$65K$74K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

InstructingActive ListeningLearning StrategiesSpeakingReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessMonitoringCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingActive Learning
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
25-2031.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.