Middle school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work during school hours when students are present, and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most do not work during the summer.

The median annual wage for middle school teachers was $60,320 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,500.

In May 2018, the median annual wages for middle school teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

1. Demonstrate skill as solo and ensemble performers who can work as a professional educator.
2. Demonstrate specific knowledge in music theory, music history, and instrumental or vocal pedagogy to provide a basis for a professional career as a music educator.
3. Demonstrate the ability to think, speak, and write clearly and effectively about the art of music.
4. Work collaboratively and as leaders in music interpretation.
5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of music history within their area of specialization and an acquaintance with the history, cultural background and repertories beyond that area, including a wide selection of Western and world music literature.
6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of music technology and its application to their area of specialization.
7. Demonstrate the ability to integrate skills and knowledge acquired over the course of an undergraduate education for the purpose of effectively teaching music to K-12 students in the SDA and public schools, in compliance with the competencies established by the California Department of Education.