Elementary school teachers, except special education
SOC Code: 25-2021
Elementary school teachers, except special education carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,340 and -2.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,422,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Elementary school teachers, except special education (SOC 25-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,422,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -2.0% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $62,340, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Elementary school teachers, except special education. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- 2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- 3. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- 4. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- 5. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- 6. Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- 7. Read books to entire classes or small groups.
- 8. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- 9. Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- 10. Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
Key Skills Required
- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Elementary school teachers, except special education?
Elementary school teachers, except special education has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Elementary school teachers, except special education?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Elementary school teachers, except special education is projected to decline by 2.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,422,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Elementary school teachers, except special education?
Key skills for Elementary school teachers, except special education include Learning Strategies, Instructing, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Elementary school teachers, except special education earn?
The median annual wage for Elementary school teachers, except special education is $62,340, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Elementary school teachers, except special education?
The typical entry-level education for Elementary school teachers, except special education is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Elementary school teachers, except special education?
Elementary school teachers, except special education roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).