Primary School Teachers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Primary School Teachers teach a range of subjects within a prescribed curriculum to primary school students and promote students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
Specialisations: Primary School Teacher-Librarian.
A bachelor degree in education majoring in primary education is usually needed to work as a Primary School Teacher. An alternative pathway is a degree in a relevant field followed by a postgraduate qualification in primary education.
Tasks
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teaching literacy, numeracy, social science, creative expression and physical education skills to primary school students
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presenting prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials
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developing students' interests, abilities and coordination by way of creative activities
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guiding discussions and supervising work in class
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preparing, administering and marking tests, projects and assignments to evaluate students' progress and recording the results
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discussing individual progress and problems with students and parents, and seeking advice from Student Counsellors and senior teachers
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maintaining discipline in classrooms and other school areas
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participating in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops
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liaising with parent, community and business groups
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maintaining class and scholastic records
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performing extra-curricular tasks such as assisting with sport, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs
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supervising student teachers on placement
Characteristics
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University
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Creative
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Administrative
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Helping
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Sedentary
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Light
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow moderately
- is likely to reach 157,300 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 138,600 |
2012 | 152,000 |
2013 | 148,500 |
2014 | 144,900 |
2015 | 143,600 |
2016 | 153,400 |
2017 | 163,800 |
2018 | 166,800 |
2019 | 149,300 |
2020 | 167,500 |
2021 | 149,600 |
2026 | 157,300 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 65% of people employed as Primary School Teachers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is similar to the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 45 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
More than two-thirds of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $1,984 per week, this is much higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,616
- 1 in 4 earn more than $2,067
Median hourly earnings are $54, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Primary School Teachers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,984 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Primary School Teachers work in the Education and training industry.
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Primary School Teachers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 31.1 | 31.6 |
VIC | 26.0 | 25.6 |
QLD | 20.2 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.1 | 7.0 |
WA | 10.8 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.1 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.7 | 1.9 |
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Around 42% of Primary School Teachers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Primary School Teachers is 41 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 85% of the workforce. This is 37 percentage points above the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Primary School Teachers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.1 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 5.6 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 28.7 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 25.4 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 20.8 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 10.2 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 6.7 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.5 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 41 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A bachelor degree in education majoring in primary education is usually needed to work as a Primary School Teacher. An alternative pathway is a degree in a relevant field followed by a postgraduate qualification in primary education.
Registration or licencing is required.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Primary School Teachers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 22.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 68.9 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 7.1 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 0.3 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 1.2 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 0.1 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 0.1 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Primary School Teachers who demonstrate an enthusiastic and positive attitude, can connect well with others and work well in a team.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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63%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
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59%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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57%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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55%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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55%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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55%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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54%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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52%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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52%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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52%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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50%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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50%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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50%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
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46%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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46%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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46%
Systems evaluationMeasuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
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45%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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43%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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41%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
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37%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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67%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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64%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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57%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
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57%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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56%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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53%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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53%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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52%
Sociology and anthropologyGroup behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
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51%
History and archeologyEvents of the past, their causes, how we learn about them, and how they influence the way we live today.
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50%
Philosophy and theologyPhilosophical systems and religions, including their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and impact on society.
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49%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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44%
Therapy and counsellingDiagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and career counselling and guidance.
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43%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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40%
BiologyPlant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
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39%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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37%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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35%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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33%
Fine artsCompose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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28%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
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20%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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61%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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59%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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57%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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57%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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55%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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55%
OriginalityCome up with unusual or clever ideas, or creative ways to solve a problem.
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55%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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55%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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55%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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54%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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50%
BrainstormingCome up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
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50%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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50%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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48%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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48%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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45%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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43%
MultitaskingDo two or more things at the same time.
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39%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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39%
MemorizationRemember things like words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
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34%
MathematicsChoose the right maths method or formula to solve a problem.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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78%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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73%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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72%
Coaching and developing othersWorking out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.
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72%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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72%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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69%
Coming up with systems and processesDeciding on goals and figuring out what you need to do to achieve them.
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68%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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66%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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65%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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64%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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63%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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63%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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61%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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61%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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60%
Negotiating and resolving conflictsHandling complaints and disagreements, and negotiating with people.
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56%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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52%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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52%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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50%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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49%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
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62%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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57%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
52%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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33%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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19%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
Values
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90%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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81%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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76%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
71%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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62%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
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99%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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96%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
94%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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94%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
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93%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
-
93%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
90%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
88%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
87%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
-
85%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
84%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
84%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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84%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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83%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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82%
Contact with the publicWork with customers or the public.
-
79%
Public speakingTalk to a group of people.
-
75%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
75%
Conflict situationsDeal with conflict or disagreements.
-
74%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
68%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 25-2021.00 - Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.