Teacher Salary in the USA can be different depending on the state, school district, grade level, experience and type of school. In the United States, the average public school teacher salary was about $74,495 per year for 2024–25, according to the National Education Association. Some states pay teachers much higher than the national average, while in other states the average teacher salary is below $60,000. California, New York and Washington are among the highest paying states for teachers, while Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana are among the lower-paying states. This guide explains the average teacher salary, teacher salary by state, teacher salary per year, monthly and hourly teacher pay, starting teacher salary, public school teacher salary and other important factors that can change how much a teacher can earn in the USA.
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What Is the Average Teacher Salary in the USA?
The average teacher salary in the USA depends on what type of teacher we are talking about. Public school teachers, private school teachers, elementary teachers and high school teachers can all have different pay. For a general comparison, the NEA reported a national average public school teacher salary of $74,495 per year for the 2024–25 school year.
But this number should not be taken as the salary every teacher receives. A new teacher may start much lower than this amount, while an experienced teacher with many years of service, advanced education and a strong school district salary schedule can earn considerably more.
Teacher salary also changes a lot from one state to another. For example, the average teacher salary in California was above $100,000, while several states had average salaries below $60,000. This is one reason people searching for a teacher salary by state should look at local salary information instead of only using one national number.
Teacher Salary by State
The table below shows the average public school teacher salary by state. These figures are based on the NEA Rankings & Estimates data for the 2024–25 school year. The national average was $74,495. The state figures show why teacher pay can be very different depending on where a teacher works.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $62,985 |
| Alaska | $81,450 |
| Arizona | $64,291 |
| Arkansas | $59,193 |
| California | $103,552 |
| Colorado | $72,781 |
| Connecticut | $89,593 |
| Delaware | $76,570 |
| Florida | $56,663 |
| Georgia | $71,524 |
| Hawaii | $75,860 |
| Idaho | $62,786 |
| Illinois | $78,495 |
| Indiana | $61,661 |
| Iowa | $65,312 |
| Kansas | $61,470 |
| Kentucky | $60,594 |
| Louisiana | $56,785 |
| Maine | $65,621 |
| Maryland | $87,409 |
| Massachusetts | $93,554 |
| Michigan | $71,023 |
| Minnesota | $76,234 |
| Mississippi | $54,975 |
| Missouri | $57,366 |
| Montana | $59,305 |
| Nebraska | $63,326 |
| Nevada | $74,812 |
| New Hampshire | $69,432 |
| New Jersey | $84,974 |
| New Mexico | $69,736 |
| New York | $98,655 |
| North Carolina | $60,323 |
| North Dakota | $60,704 |
| Ohio | $70,586 |
| Oklahoma | $61,931 |
| Oregon | $81,657 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,078 |
| Rhode Island | $85,772 |
| South Carolina | $64,050 |
| South Dakota | $58,486 |
| Tennessee | $61,222 |
| Texas | $63,749 |
| Utah | $72,882 |
| Vermont | $71,871 |
| Virginia | $69,254 |
| Washington | $96,589 |
| West Virginia | $58,099 |
| Wisconsin | $67,794 |
| Wyoming | $65,668 |
Salary figures are average public school teacher salaries for the 2024–25 school year, based on NEA Rankings & Estimates data. The U.S. national average was $74,495.
Highest Paying States for Teachers
If you are looking for the highest paying states for teachers, California currently stands out at the top of the state average salary list. New York and Washington also have teacher salaries well above the national average. These states can offer strong teacher pay, but teachers also need to consider the cost of living because a higher salary does not always mean more money left after housing and daily expenses.
The top states are useful for someone planning a teaching career, but salary should not be the only thing to check. School district, years of experience, degree level, subject area and local demand can also make a big difference.
- California: $103,552 average teacher salary
- New York: $98,655 average teacher salary
- Washington: $96,589 average teacher salary
- Massachusetts: $93,554 average teacher salary
- Connecticut: $89,593 average teacher salary
Teacher Salary in California
California has one of the highest average teacher salaries in the United States. The average public school teacher salary was about $103,552 for 2024–25. This puts California clearly above the national average teacher salary.
California can be attractive for experienced teachers who want higher annual pay. However, housing and other living costs are also high in many parts of the state. So a teacher comparing California with another state should look at both teacher salary and cost of living.
Teacher Salary in New York
New York also has a very high average teacher salary. The state average was about $98,655, making it one of the highest paying states for teachers in the country.
Teacher salaries in New York can vary by school district. Teachers with more experience and higher educational qualifications may move through salary schedules and earn more over time. Location also matters because salaries and living expenses can be very different between New York City, suburbs and smaller communities.
Teacher Salary in Washington
Washington is another state where teachers earn much more than the national average. The average public school teacher salary was approximately $96,589 in 2024–25.
The state is therefore an important option for people researching teacher salary by state. Still, the actual salary offered to a new teacher can be lower than the state average. Experience, education level and the district salary schedule are important when checking a specific teaching job.
Teacher Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts reported an average teacher salary of around $93,554. It is one of the states where teachers earn considerably above the national public school average.
Teachers in Massachusetts can also see differences in pay from one school district to another. A teacher with a master's degree, additional credits and several years of experience may be placed higher on a district's salary schedule.
Teacher Salary in Connecticut
Connecticut had an average teacher salary of about $89,593. This is also well above the national average teacher salary of $74,495.
For teachers considering Connecticut, it is important to compare the salary with local housing and transportation costs. A higher annual salary can be useful, but the real financial benefit depends on the area where the teacher lives and works.
How Much Does a Teacher Make a Year?
So, how much does a teacher make a year? There is no single salary for every teacher in America. The national average public school teacher salary was $74,495, but actual earnings can be much lower or higher depending on state, school district, experience and education.
A new teacher normally earns less than the average because the national figure includes teachers at many experience levels. Over time, teachers may receive annual increases and move to higher steps on a school district salary schedule.
- New teachers can earn less than the state average.
- Experienced teachers can earn considerably more.
- A master's degree may increase earning potential in some districts.
- Location can have a major effect on teacher pay.
- Public school salary schedules often increase with experience and education.
How Much Does a Teacher Make Per Month?
People also commonly search for teacher salary per month when comparing this career with other jobs. If we simply divide the national average public school teacher salary of $74,495 by 12 months, it comes to about $6,208 per month before taxes.
This is only a simple annual-to-monthly calculation. Teachers may not receive their pay in exactly this way. Some school districts spread teacher pay across the full year, while others have different payroll arrangements. Taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance and other deductions can also reduce the amount a teacher actually takes home.
Teacher Salary Per Hour
Teacher salary per hour is a little harder to calculate than an ordinary hourly job because teachers are generally paid an annual salary rather than a direct hourly wage. Teachers also spend time outside the classroom planning lessons, grading work, attending meetings and preparing for students.
For this reason, an hourly calculation based only on classroom hours can give a misleading result. When comparing teaching pay with another career, it is better to look at annual salary, contracted working days, benefits and the actual amount of work required outside classroom hours.
Starting Teacher Salary in the USA
The starting teacher salary is normally lower than the average teacher salary. This is expected because the national average includes teachers with many years of experience.
According to NEA's teacher salary benchmark information, starting salaries have been increasing and many districts now offer starting salaries of at least $40,000. However, the amount a new teacher can earn depends heavily on the state and school district.
- State and local school district determine the starting salary.
- A bachelor's degree is commonly the entry education requirement for public school teaching.
- Some districts pay additional money for advanced degrees.
- Shortage subjects may sometimes offer better hiring opportunities.
- Experience and additional qualifications can increase salary later.
Elementary School Teacher Salary
An elementary school teacher salary can be different from the general average teacher salary because teachers work with different age groups and may have different education requirements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers, except special education, was $63,970 in May 2025.
The actual salary can be higher or lower depending on the state, school district, experience and education level. Local public schools generally pay more than private elementary schools in the BLS data. For example, the median wage for elementary school teachers in local elementary and secondary schools was $65,260, compared with $58,140 in private schools.
- Median elementary school teacher salary: $63,970 per year
- Local public school median: $65,260 per year
- Private school median: $58,140 per year
- Higher experience and education can increase salary.
High School Teacher Salary
The high school teacher salary is generally higher than the median salary reported for elementary school teachers. BLS data shows that high school teachers had a median annual wage of $72,040 in May 2025.
There is also a big difference between public and private schools. High school teachers working in local elementary and secondary schools had a median wage of about $74,190, while those working in private elementary and secondary schools had a median wage of $61,810.
High school teachers can also earn more when they teach subjects that have strong demand. Mathematics, science, special education and some technical subjects may provide better opportunities depending on the local school district.
Public School Teacher Salary
The public school teacher salary is one of the most searched teacher salary topics in the USA. Public school teachers normally work under a district or state salary schedule. This means their pay may increase when they gain more teaching experience, complete additional education or earn approved credits.
The national average public school teacher salary reached approximately $74,495 in 2024–25, according to the latest NEA data. This figure is an average across the country, so it should not be confused with the salary of a new teacher.
A teacher in the first year of employment may earn much less than the national average. An experienced teacher who has reached the upper end of a district salary schedule may earn considerably more.
Private School Teacher Salary
Private school teacher salary can be different from public school pay. Private schools do not all follow the same salary schedule, and the amount offered can depend on the school's budget, location, reputation and the teacher's qualifications.
In many cases, public schools offer stronger salary structures and benefits, but this is not true for every school. Some private schools can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced teachers or teachers with specialized skills.
Teachers comparing public and private schools should look beyond the basic salary. Benefits, retirement plans, health insurance, working hours, class size and professional development can all affect the real value of a teaching job.
Teacher Salary With Experience
Teacher salary with experience normally increases over time, especially in public school systems that use salary schedules. A teacher starting their career may be placed near the bottom of the pay scale, while a teacher with 10, 15 or 20 years of experience can move much higher.
Experience is only one part of the salary calculation. Education also matters. A teacher who earns a master's degree or additional approved credits may qualify for a higher salary step in some districts.
- 0–2 years: Usually near the starting salary range.
- 3–5 years: Salary may increase through annual or contractual steps.
- 5–10 years: Experienced teachers may move into a much higher salary range.
- 10–20 years: Teachers in strong salary districts may earn substantially above the national average.
- 20+ years: Senior teachers can reach the upper part of a district salary schedule.
These are general career patterns, not guaranteed salary levels. Every state and school district can have its own rules.
Teacher Salary With a Master's Degree
A teacher salary with a master's degree can be higher than the salary of a teacher with only a bachelor's degree. Many public school districts have separate salary lanes for teachers who complete graduate education or additional approved coursework.
NEA's teacher salary benchmark data shows that education can have a noticeable effect on teacher pay. In the latest data, the national average starting salary for teachers was $48,112. Teachers starting with a master's degree can qualify for a higher salary in many districts, although the exact difference depends on the local salary schedule.
A master's degree can therefore be useful not only for professional development but also for long-term earning potential. However, teachers should check the salary schedule of the school district before paying for an advanced degree because not every district provides the same salary increase.
How Much Do Teachers Make With 10 Years of Experience?
There is no single national number for a teacher with 10 years of experience. Some teachers may earn close to the national average, while others can be well above it depending on their state and school district.
After around 10 years, a teacher has normally moved several steps up a traditional salary schedule. If the teacher also has a master's degree, additional credits or other qualifications, the salary may be higher than someone with the same experience but fewer qualifications.
This is why searches such as teacher salary after 10 years are best answered using the specific state or school district rather than one nationwide figure.
Can Teachers Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, some teachers in the United States can make $100,000 or more per year. But it is not the normal starting salary for teachers. Reaching six figures usually depends on a combination of experience, education, school district salary schedules and location.
The latest NEA data shows that teacher salaries reach more than $100,000 in a significant share of U.S. school districts. Higher-paying districts are more common in states with stronger collective bargaining systems and higher overall teacher pay.
A teacher who wants to reach a six-figure salary should therefore look at the top of the salary schedule rather than only the starting salary.
- Experience can move a teacher toward the top of the salary scale.
- A master's degree or additional education can increase pay in many districts.
- Some high-paying states offer much stronger salary schedules.
- Large or high-cost school districts may offer higher salaries.
- Leadership or specialized education roles can create additional earning opportunities.
Highest Paid Teachers in the USA
The highest paid teachers are generally found in school districts where salary schedules have high maximum pay. California, New York and Washington are among the states with some of the strongest average teacher salaries.
However, the teacher with the highest salary is not always working in the state with the highest average. A particular school district can pay significantly more than the statewide average. This is important when searching for a high-paying teaching job.
Experienced teachers can also increase their income through additional responsibilities. Some move into department leadership, instructional coaching, administration or other education positions. These are not always counted as ordinary classroom teacher salaries, but they can provide a path toward higher earnings.
Teacher Salary by Education Level
Education is an important factor in a teacher's long-term salary. Most public school teachers need at least a bachelor's degree and the required state certification or license. Some teachers then continue their education with a master's degree, specialist program or other graduate coursework.
The financial benefit of additional education depends on the employer. In one school district, a master's degree may create a clear salary increase, while another district may have a smaller difference. Teachers should always check the current salary schedule before making an education decision mainly for salary reasons.
Teacher Salary Benefits and Total Compensation
Teacher compensation is not only the annual salary. A teacher may receive health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave and other benefits. These benefits can make a job more valuable even when the basic salary is not the highest.
Public school teachers may also receive benefits that are structured through state or local systems. Retirement plans can be particularly important because teachers often remain in the same education system for many years.
- Health insurance
- Retirement or pension benefits
- Paid sick leave
- Paid vacation or school breaks according to employment rules
- Professional development opportunities
- Possible salary increases for additional education
- Possible extra pay for coaching or other responsibilities
What Factors Affect Teacher Salary?
There are several factors that can affect how much a teacher earns in the United States. State and school district are two of the biggest factors, but they are not the only ones.
1. State
Teacher salaries vary strongly by state. California has a much higher average teacher salary than several states in the South and Midwest. State funding, local taxes, collective bargaining rules and cost of living can all influence teacher pay.
2. School District
Two teachers living in the same state can earn very different salaries because their school districts may have different salary schedules. This is why checking the actual job posting or district salary schedule is important.
3. Experience
Years of teaching experience can move a teacher higher on the salary schedule. In many public school systems, teachers receive regular increases as they gain experience.
4. Education
Teachers with master's degrees and additional approved credits may qualify for higher salary levels. The exact benefit depends on the district.
5. Grade and Subject
Elementary, middle and high school teachers can have different salary data. Subject shortages can also affect hiring demand and opportunities for teachers.
6. Public or Private School
Public and private schools can have different salary structures. Public schools often use formal salary schedules, while private schools may have more individual negotiation.
Is Teaching a Good Paying Career in the USA?
Teaching can be a stable career with good long-term benefits, but whether it is a good paying career depends heavily on where the teacher works. A teacher in a high-paying state or district may earn a strong salary after gaining experience, while teachers in lower-paying states may find it harder to reach the same income level.
The career also offers benefits that should be considered along with salary. For people who enjoy working with students and want a structured career path, teaching can still be an attractive profession.
At the same time, salary should be compared with workload and local cost of living. Teachers often spend time outside classroom hours preparing lessons, grading work and communicating with parents or school staff.
Teacher Salary Compared With Other Jobs
Teacher salary is often compared with other college-level careers such as registered nurse, accountant, software engineer and financial analyst. The comparison is not always simple because each career has different education requirements, benefits and working schedules.
Teaching can have a lower starting salary than some technology or professional careers, but experienced teachers in high-paying districts can earn strong salaries. Retirement and health benefits can also add value to the total compensation package.
For someone choosing a career mainly based on income, it is useful to compare both the starting salary and maximum salary, instead of looking only at the national average.
How to Become a Teacher in the USA
People searching for how to become a teacher in the USA usually want to know about education, certification and the time needed to start the career. For most public school teaching jobs, a bachelor's degree is normally required. Teachers also need a state-issued certification or license, and the exact requirements can be different from one state to another.
Someone who wants to become a teacher should first decide which grade and subject they want to teach. Elementary teachers normally work with younger students, while middle and high school teachers often specialize in one or more subjects.
- Complete a bachelor's degree or the required teacher preparation program.
- Complete student teaching or other practical training when required.
- Meet the teacher certification requirements of the state.
- Pass required exams or background checks where applicable.
- Apply for teaching positions in schools or school districts.
- Continue professional development after becoming a teacher.
Teacher Certification and License
A teacher certification is important for public school teaching jobs in the United States. Every state has its own licensing system, so the requirements are not exactly the same everywhere.
A person moving from one state to another may need to apply for a new state license or transfer an existing credential. Some states have reciprocity agreements, but teachers should always check the current rules with the state education department.
Private schools can have different requirements, and some positions may not require the same state certification as public schools. Still, having proper education and teaching credentials can make it easier to find employment.
How Many Hours Do Teachers Work?
Teacher working hours are often misunderstood. Teachers normally have a fixed school schedule, but their work does not always finish when students leave the classroom.
Teachers may spend additional time preparing lessons, grading assignments, planning activities, attending staff meetings and communicating with parents. Some teachers also coach sports or advise school clubs before or after normal school hours.
According to BLS, many teachers work a traditional 10-month school year and usually have a break during the summer, although the exact schedule varies by school district.
- Classroom teaching
- Lesson planning
- Grading assignments and tests
- Parent and student meetings
- Staff meetings
- School events and activities
- Professional development
Do Teachers Get Paid During Summer?
The answer depends on the school district and payroll arrangement. Many teachers work on a 10-month contract but may choose to have their annual salary spread across 12 months. In that situation, they still receive regular checks during the summer even though they are not teaching regular classes.
Other teachers may receive pay based on the actual contract period. Some teachers also work summer school or take another education-related job during the summer for additional income.
So, when comparing teacher salary per month, it is important to understand how the school district distributes the annual salary.
Teacher Salary During Summer School
Some teachers can earn additional money by teaching summer school. Summer programs are usually separate from the normal school-year workload and may have their own hourly or course-based payment system.
Not every teacher works summer school. Some use the summer break for travel, family time, professional development or another job. The opportunity and pay depends on the school district and available programs.
Can Teachers Earn Extra Money?
Yes, teachers may have several ways to increase their income beyond their normal salary. The opportunities are different for every school district, but additional responsibilities can sometimes provide extra pay.
- Summer school teaching
- Coaching sports
- Advising student clubs
- Tutoring
- Curriculum development
- Professional training
- Extra school responsibilities
Some teachers also create educational content, tutor students privately or work during school breaks. These earnings are separate from the normal teacher salary and should not be confused with the annual school salary.
Teacher Salary for Special Education Teachers
Special education teacher salary is another important search topic because special education teachers work with students who have different learning, physical or developmental needs.
Pay depends on the grade level, state, school district and experience. Special education teachers may also find opportunities in areas where schools have difficulty filling positions.
The BLS employment projections show around 37,100 annual openings for special education teachers across the 2025–2035 period on average. These openings include replacement needs as well as changes in employment.
Teacher Salary for Math and Science Teachers
Math and science teachers are often discussed when people search for high paying teaching jobs. Salary is still mainly controlled by the school district's salary schedule, so teaching a particular subject does not automatically mean a higher salary.
However, schools in some areas may have stronger demand for certain subjects. A teacher with a strong background in mathematics, science, technology or career and technical education may find different employment opportunities depending on local demand.
Teacher Salary in Rural and Urban Areas
Teacher pay can also change between urban, suburban and rural school districts. Large urban districts may have higher salary schedules, while some rural areas may offer other incentives to attract teachers.
Cost of living is also important. A $75,000 teacher salary can have a very different lifestyle value in a low-cost area compared with an expensive metropolitan area.
For this reason, teachers should compare salary, housing costs, taxes, transportation and benefits before deciding where to work.
Teacher Salary and Cost of Living
A high teacher salary does not always mean the teacher has more money left after normal expenses. California is a good example of why cost of living should be considered along with salary. The state has one of the highest average teacher salaries in the country, but housing can also be very expensive in many communities.
On the other hand, a teacher earning a lower salary in a smaller city or rural community may have lower housing and daily living expenses.
When comparing two teaching jobs, it is better to ask:
- What is the annual salary?
- What is the starting salary?
- What is the maximum salary after many years?
- How much does health insurance cost?
- What retirement benefits are included?
- What is the local cost of housing?
- How much are state and local taxes?
Teacher Job Outlook in the USA
The teacher job outlook in the USA is expected to be relatively stable rather than showing rapid employment growth. BLS projects little or no overall employment growth for elementary, middle and high school teachers from 2025 to 2035.
That does not mean there will be no teaching jobs. A large number of openings are expected because existing teachers retire, leave the occupation or move to another career. For example, BLS projects about 99,400 openings per year for kindergarten and elementary school teachers and around 63,500 openings per year for high school teachers over the 2025–2035 period.
Middle school teachers are projected to have about 38,800 openings per year on average during the same period.
Why Teacher Jobs Will Still Be Available
Even when overall employment is not growing quickly, schools still need teachers. Teachers retire, change careers, move to other districts and leave the workforce for different reasons.
This replacement demand creates many job openings every year. Therefore, someone researching teacher jobs in the USA should not look only at the employment growth percentage.
- Retirement creates replacement positions.
- Teachers leave the profession for other careers.
- Teachers move between school districts.
- Student enrollment changes from one location to another.
- State and local school budgets affect hiring.
Is Teacher a Good Career in the USA?
Teaching can be a good career for someone who enjoys education, communication and working with students. It offers a structured career path and, especially in public schools, can include health and retirement benefits.
The salary is not the same everywhere. A teacher in California, New York or Washington can have a very different income from a teacher in Mississippi or Florida. Experience and education can also make a large difference over a long teaching career.
For someone mainly interested in salary, it is important to research the specific school district instead of relying only on a national average.
Final Thoughts on Teacher Salary in the USA
The teacher salary in the USA is not one fixed number. The national average public school teacher salary is around $74,495, but actual pay can range widely depending on location, experience, education and school district.
California, New York and Washington are among the strongest states for average teacher pay, while several other states have average salaries below $60,000. A new teacher will normally start below the national average, while experienced teachers in high-paying districts can move toward six-figure salaries.
For anyone planning a teaching career, the best approach is to compare the starting teacher salary, maximum salary, benefits, cost of living and local job opportunities. Looking at only one salary number does not give the complete picture.
Overall, teaching remains an important profession in the USA. Even though BLS projects little or no employment growth for many school-teaching occupations through 2035, thousands of positions are expected to open every year because schools need to replace teachers who retire or leave the profession.