Teacher Salary & Teacher Pay – What to Expect?

Teaching: It's a noble, rewarding profession that's long fallen short in terms of earning potential.

But in recent years, the outlook for the teaching profession looks quite different. Thanks, in part, to a national movement pushing for increased school funding and teacher pay, salaries in education are stronger than ever.

In February 2018, West Virginia educators fought for-and earned-increased funding in their schools and better pay. The shuttering of all schools in the state caught the attention of teachers nationwide, inspiring many to fight for their profession, as well. The following spring saw educators striking in Oklahoma and Arizona, walking out of classrooms in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Colorado, and shutting down learning in some of our country's largest cities, including Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and Oakland.

While not all states saw the change they had hoped for, in states like Arizona, where a statewide strike forced the legislature to give teachers a 20% pay raise, history was made.

Some call it a revolution, but it's simply a response to something that has been long overdue.

Although there's still a long way to go, today the teaching profession is stronger and more united and the prospects for becoming a teacher have never been brighter.

If you are considering becoming a teacher but want to get the lay of the land as far as compensation goes, this guide will answer your most pressing questions. It includes a teacher salary breakdown, how teachers can earn more, and other pressing questions, read on.

How Much Do Teachers Get Paid?

From elementary to middle to high school, you'll find salaries for teachers fairly consistent. As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following average salaries for teachers, according to grade level:

• Elementary school teachers: $65,420
• Middle school teachers $64,990
• High school teachers: $67,340

Early career educators with just a few years of experience can expect to earn salaries that reflect the profession's 25^th percentile:

• Elementary school: $48,350
• Middle school: $48,870
• High school: $49,990

Educators who have significant experience, a graduate-level teaching degree, and/or National Board Certification earn salaries that best reflect the profession's 90^th percentile:

• Elementary school: $100,480
• Middle school: $98,840
• High school: $102,130

You also won't find much discrepancy in earning potential when it comes to subjects taught and/or area of certification. In other words, regardless of whether you're teaching proper diet and nutrition as a middle school physical education teacher or American history to a class of high schoolers, chances are good that you'll earn a similar salary if you hold similar credentials.

That's because in the public educational system, states and/or school districts follow strict salary schedules that determine teacher salaries based on either experience alone or on a combination of experience and education. (Merit-based pay is largely unheard of in public K-12 education, with the exception of a few school districts like the Dallas Independent School District, which uses a merit-based system to determine salaries based on teacher performance.)

The only exception to this rule occurs when states or school districts offer salary incentives in an effort to fill specific teacher shortage areas (each state reports their teacher shortage areas to the U.S. Department of Education on an annual basis) and/or teaching positions in high-needs schools (defined as a certain percentage of the student population meeting specific federal poverty guidelines). However, because schools utilize pre-approved salary schedules, these salary incentives are often in the form of signing bonuses, annual stipends, or student loan repayment.

Most school districts utilize a step and lane system for their salary schedules that consists of different steps according to years of teaching experience and then lanes within each step that provide for higher salaries for those educators who have earned an education beyond a bachelor's degree.

While just three states- Connecticut, Maryland, and New York- require a graduate degree to maintain a teaching license, some states incentivize teachers to earn a master's degree or higher by offering an optional, advanced license which, of course, comes with a salary increase. The Education Commission of the States found that about one-third of all states have advanced licensure for educators.

A couple good examples of school districts that utilize a step and level salary schedule system for teachers include:

The Philadelphia School District recognizes steps for experience and then levels within each step to account for educators with bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, master's degrees +30, and doctorate degrees.

Source: https://jobs.philasd.org/opportunities/teachers/salary-schedule/

While most states leave educator compensation up to the individual school districts, about 17 states have chosen to play a large role in teacher salaries by instituting statewide teacher salary schedules in an effort to ensure minimum salaries for teachers. Like school districts, most states choose a step and lane salary schedule that takes both education and experience into account.

North Carolina is one such state that publishes a statewide teacher salary schedule through its Department of Public Instruction. The Department recognizes advanced pay for teachers with master's degrees, educational specialist (sixth year) degrees, and doctorate degrees, along with additional pay bumps for educators with bachelor's degrees and above who have earned National Board Certification.

Source: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/media/8596/download

Starting Salaries for Teachers

When reviewing the salary information included in this article, it is worth keeping in mind that teaching is a job that typically offers compensation commensurate with experience, as measured by certain benchmarks provided by the school district. However, it's not always easy to predict what one's starting salary will be: different institutions offer different models, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide data focused exclusively on starting salaries.

Indeed, starting salaries for teachers can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including the state and school district in which they are working.

Another factor that can impact starting salaries for teachers is the level of education they have completed: in general, teachers with more advanced degrees tend to earn higher salaries.

This is sometimes because they are offered rewards in the form of bonuses and stipends, and sometimes because they are eligible for higher-ranking positions which are compensated accordingly.

When thinking about your starting salary, one piece of good news: the majority of teacher credential programs put you right in the classroom at the same time that you complete your coursework, meaning you'll be earning a full-time income at the same time that you're in school. This means that by the time you have completed your program, you are likely to have leveled up into the next salary bracket.

Teachers' Salary in Each State

Where you live remains one of the biggest indicators of how much you'll earn as a teacher.

At the state level, there's a clear difference between average salaries among teachers based on geography alone, with cost of living remaining a major indicator.

As of August 2023, teachers earned the highest average salaries in the following states:

Elementary School Teachers

• California: $90,470
• New York: $89,580
• Washington: $85,580
• Connecticut: $84,580
• Massachusetts: $82,690

Middle School Teachers

• New York: $93,380
• California: $93,000
• Washington: $86,000
• Massachusetts: $85,460
• Connecticut: $82,600

High School Teachers

• California: $92,960
• New York: $91,290
• Washington: $88,530
• Massachusetts: $82,960
• Connecticut: $80,230

The following May 2020 BLS tables provide a glimpse into what teachers are earning at every level (25^th percentile = early career, 90^th percentile = experienced) in each state:

Elementary School Teacher Salaries by State

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	44640	52150	63680
Alaska	61190	73920	102850
Arizona	39850	46280	64710
Arkansas	42080	48490	64240
California	65030	85970	122210
Colorado	44420	53250	80270
Connecticut	62540	79920	106060
Delaware	51950	65310	92740
District of Columbia	60830	76090	118360
Florida	43850	56540	82840
Georgia	49730	60840	82040
Hawaii	55090	64210	85310
Idaho	40810	49730	72270
Illinois	48550	62780	101720
Indiana	42090	50050	77330
Iowa	43850	54680	77180
Kansas	44660	51850	76480
Kentucky	44910	53250	67220
Louisiana	43930	48700	62200
Maine	41880	52000	77110
Maryland	58990	75820	112940
Massachusetts	64760	82520	123700
Michigan	49110	66260	100730
Minnesota	48040	60210	91190
Mississippi	36730	43470	57390
Missouri	37980	46730	81810
Montana	38980	48940	73940
Nebraska	50320	60300	86340
Nevada	46630	55080	79280
New Hampshire	48380	60060	81830
New Jersey	59790	70920	100760
New Mexico	47150	58060	92110
New York	59020	80040	131730
North Carolina	42030	49300	65340
North Dakota	44920	52530	77940
Ohio	50110	65210	91920
Oklahoma	38280	45810	71760
Oregon	52310	69580	110540
Pennsylvania	54780	67210	99930
Rhode Island	56980	74570	99920
South Carolina	41460	50920	76720
South Dakota	37950	44670	59500
Tennessee	44490	51530	73390
Texas	51800	57690	68760
Utah	43850	53940	92120
Vermont	49510	60310	87040
Virginia	49670	67830	117080
Washington	59040	73260	103720
West Virginia	41680	47330	62280
Wisconsin	46970	56970	79620
Wyoming	52180	59210	77010

Middle School Teacher Salaries by State

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	46130	53880	64210
Alaska	65920	78580	108150
Arizona	39030	45310	62450
Arkansas	43280	50270	67600
California	64160	82810	111180
Colorado	44420	52730	80160
Connecticut	64150	82480	108130
Delaware	52150	64920	84830
District of Columbia	62230	78160	109560
Florida	46200	57280	84940
Georgia	48960	59980	83560
Guam	38660	47630	64570
Hawaii	54610	64150	86890
Idaho	43790	51370	74610
Illinois	48830	61830	99560
Indiana	43510	51590	78630
Iowa	45210	55650	80210
Kansas	46410	55130	82850
Kentucky	45570	53660	69520
Louisiana	44250	49490	62660
Maine	48140	59310	79000
Maryland	57750	75020	118230
Massachusetts	64840	80730	115230
Michigan	47410	63950	90600
Minnesota	47250	60640	96800
Mississippi	39670	46570	64510
Missouri	39870	49260	82330
Montana	39660	55230	80380
Nebraska	50580	60990	85930
Nevada	48970	59380	81840
New Hampshire	48980	60970	83470
New Jersey	60630	73160	101860
New Mexico	43040	51210	69600
New York	64250	85370	134170
North Carolina	43120	50450	66640
North Dakota	47840	57290	86970
Ohio	48360	64740	93680
Oklahoma	39140	46600	71140
Oregon	51870	66100	99380
Pennsylvania	53150	66480	108780
Puerto Rico	27920	32940	48080
Rhode Island	66090	78490	100670
South Carolina	43820	53150	74970
South Dakota	39070	45400	59990
Tennessee	44840	51780	72760
Texas	51710	57770	70620
Utah	49300	64480	98180
Vermont	48270	60690	90400
Virginia	50360	69360	118340
Washington	60730	75740	105410
West Virginia	42440	48230	63900
Wisconsin	48530	58240	81200
Wyoming	53480	60400	79020

Secondary School Teacher Salaries by State

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	45690	53440	64910
Alaska	62960	75600	104160
Arizona	43440	50780	76200
Arkansas	43760	51310	70840
California	70650	88420	119990
Colorado	45480	55270	82510
Connecticut	60550	78240	106950
Delaware	56130	68360	89200
District of Columbia	48020	64020	101170
Florida	47790	60470	86270
Georgia	50090	61360	82470
Guam	40130	49830	70130
Hawaii	55490	64750	88840
Idaho	40970	50520	74070
Illinois	53100	70740	122320
Indiana	42600	50940	77610
Iowa	45960	57140	81550
Kansas	44570	53140	78840
Kentucky	46810	55540	74130
Louisiana	44910	50810	65440
Maine	45730	57020	78100
Maryland	59260	76840	112500
Massachusetts	66050	83680	118890
Michigan	48480	62210	88390
Minnesota	49930	62410	91080
Mississippi	37950	45400	63250
Missouri	37920	45290	67560
Montana	39800	50720	78590
Nebraska	51450	62090	81730
Nevada	47430	57090	80560
New Hampshire	50130	62170	82440
New Jersey	63420	77790	107200
New Mexico	45870	55740	80820
New York	65600	86230	133150
North Carolina	42750	50360	68070
North Dakota	45510	54200	78600
Ohio	51250	66420	93460
Oklahoma	41270	48370	68890
Oregon	54870	72370	108930
Pennsylvania	54590	67180	100240
Puerto Rico	27940	32700	48500
Rhode Island	63860	79010	101250
South Carolina	42580	53180	77040
South Dakota	38660	45320	61070
Tennessee	45250	52770	75630
Texas	52290	58400	74230
Utah	49670	61570	101030
Vermont	51810	63080	97750
Virgin Islands	42790	48670	64400
Washington	61970	76820	105300
West Virginia	42970	48780	64150
Wisconsin	48280	58630	80630
Wyoming	53920	61730	79540

Job Growth for Teachers

Jobs for elementary school teachers are projected to grow at a rate of 4% between 2021 and 2031, in line with the national average for all occupations. The same goes for jobs for middle school teachers. Job opportunities for high school teachers, meanwhile, are projected to grow at a rate of approximately 5% between 2021 and 2031.

However, demand for preschool teachers during this time is projected to increase by about 15%, largely due to an increase in state- and federally funded preschool programs.

Preschool Teacher Salary

Preschool teachers may work in a variety of settings, from public and private PreK-12 schools to private daycare centers, federally funded preschool programs, and church- and community-based preschool programs. Because of this, salaries for preschool teachers tend to vary widely.

According to the BLS, preschool teachers earned an average salary of $38,640 as of May 2021. Early career preschool teachers earned about $26,220 (25th percentile), while experienced preschool teachers earn about $58,230 (90th percentile) during this time.

Preschool teachers working in elementary and secondary schools earned the highest average salary during this time, at $53,200, while those working outside of the public school setting earned significantly less:

• Child daycare services: $34,480
• Individual and family services (family social services, counseling, etc.): $39,470
• Religious organizations: $40,960
• Civic and social organizations (e.g., YMCA): $37,040
• Social advocacy organizations (e.g., Head Start): $54,250

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, preschool teachers earned the highest average salaries in the following states:

• District of Columbia: $59,110
• California: $48,410
• New York: $46,420
• New Jersey: $45,750
• Massachusetts: $43,750

The following BLS table provides a closer look at what preschool teachers are earning at every level (25^thpercentile = early career, 90^th percentile = experienced) in each state, as of May 2020:

Preschool Teacher Salaries by State

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	17840	20730	34180
Alaska	25850	33250	53660
Arizona	25730	29930	47470
Arkansas	23400	30390	49820
California	30510	36420	57400
Colorado	28280	33570	59550
Connecticut	29150	35080	66930
Delaware	24210	28230	39090
District of Columbia	36070	43210	64120
Florida	22160	25740	44670
Georgia	23420	29850	57020
Hawaii	32900	39170	61560
Idaho	21480	24490	35020
Illinois	26550	30960	52760
Indiana	22830	27580	39730
Iowa	23360	28720	46720
Kansas	23770	34840	63000
Kentucky	24320	35250	59440
Louisiana	23020	29250	44300
Maine	31080	36070	53410
Maryland	27750	34380	79080
Massachusetts	33010	38560	65760
Michigan	23790	30430	53210
Minnesota	33120	37900	56720
Mississippi	22910	29120	45130
Missouri	25530	32730	49990
Montana	23410	29660	50330
Nebraska	29280	37770	62080
Nevada	25140	28280	54270
New Hampshire	27350	30680	43180
New Jersey	28280	39440	81570
New Mexico	22480	31100	58830
New York	30700	39850	70900
North Carolina	23080	28260	46950
North Dakota	22760	26080	39430
Ohio	23570	28470	46920
Oklahoma	22590	29270	54550
Oregon	26560	31310	44770
Pennsylvania	24260	29340	45760
Rhode Island	25930	29800	59090
South Carolina	21260	25060	54820
South Dakota	26290	31180	44110
Tennessee	22570	30190	54970
Texas	26610	37050	64670
Utah	23100	27800	39190
Vermont	33140	37030	52630
Virginia	25120	34360	65060
Washington	29930	32450	47960
West Virginia	22680	30720	56990
Wisconsin	22980	27080	40190
Wyoming	22950	26320	52220

Learn more about how to become a preschool teacher.

How Will Education Affect a Preschool Teacher's Pay?

There's been a seismic shift in preschool education in recent years. No longer is the education of our youngest students viewed as optional or unimportant. Thanks to a number of studies (including this one from the Harvard Graduate School of Education) finding that quality early childhood education is vital for the long-term success of students, both state- and federally funded preschool programs are on the rise.

With a renewed importance placed on preschool education, more often than not, today's preschool teachers hold credentials that mirror their K-12 counterparts. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), 78% of all state-funded public preschool programs, 56% of state-funded private preschool programs, and 75% of state-funded preschool programs that serve both public and private settings required teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a teaching certification.

Master's degrees in early childhood education are also becoming more commonplace, particularly among educators in public school systems and those seeking to attain leadership positions.

How Will Experience Affect a Preschool Teacher's Annual Pay?

Experience nearly always plays a part in a preschool teacher's salary. In fact, it is quite common for preschool teachers in public school settings to be paid according to K-12 salary schedules which are, more often than not, structured to account for years of teaching experience.

Elementary School Teacher Salary

Elementary/primary school teachers are those that typically teach grades kindergarten through five, though some schools may also include sixth grade or preschool programs. These teachers are responsible for teaching every subject area each day to a single class of students.

Learn more about how to become an elementary school teacher.

Average Teachers Salary for Elementary School

According to the BLS, as of May 2021, elementary school teachers earned an average salary of $68,000.

In public schools, elementary school teachers earned an average salary of $68,050, while in religious-based private schools, they earned significantly less, at just $48,770. Elementary school teachers working outside of the classroom in educational support services earned an average salary of $54,580 during this time.

How Will Education Affect an Elementary School Teacher's Pay?

Elementary school teachers working in the public K-12 system must hold a bachelor's degree that's part of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn state licensure to teach. The vast majority of private schools also require elementary school teachers to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree to teach.

However, a master's degree or higher has become a standard pursuit among elementary school teachers who want to increase their earning potential and qualify for more career opportunities.

How Will Experience Affect an Elementary Teacher Salary?

Experience continues to play a major role in what you can expect to earn as an elementary school teacher. Nearly all schools/school districts pay educators according to the number of years of relevant teaching experience.

Middle School Teacher Salary

Middle school teachers, who usually teach children grades 5-8, teach a single subject to multiple classes a day. Middle school teachers are certified to teach subjects like English, science, social studies, math, foreign languages, music, and physical education.

Learn more about how to become a middle school teacher.

Average Salary for a Middle School Teacher

According to the BLS, middle school teachers earned an average salary of $67,790 as of May 2021.

The average salary for middle school teachers in the public school setting was $67,820 during this time, while those in religious-based (private) schools earned significantly less, at $48,030. Middle school teachers providing instruction outside of the traditional classroom setting earned the following average salaries during this time:

• Educational support services: $46,280
• Other Schools and Instruction: $53,350
• Residential care facilities: $41,390

How Will Education Affect a Middle School Teacher's Pay?

To teach at the middle school level in the public school system, you'll need a minimum of a bachelor's degree within an approved teacher preparation program to earn state licensure. In private school settings, residential care settings, and in other settings outside of the public school system, a bachelor's degree remains the minimum educational requirement for middle school teachers.

However, a master's degree or above often results in a higher salary and more professional opportunities. Most school districts recognize middle school teachers with graduate degrees by offering them higher salaries or other financial incentives like annual stipends or bonuses.

How Will Experience Affect a Middle School Teacher Salary?

In nearly all cases, salaries for middle school teachers increase along with years of experience. Seasoned middle school teachers with years of experience on their resume will always earn more than mid-career professionals, and mid-career professionals will always earn more than their early-career colleagues.

High School Teacher Salary

High school teachers most often teach a single subject to multiple classes throughout the day. These classes may be of one grade level or of different grade levels, depending on the school or district.

Learn more about how to become a high school teacher.

Average Salary for a High School Teacher

As of May 2022, the BLS reported an average salary of $69,480 for high school (secondary) teachers.

High school teachers working in the public K-12 system earned an average salary of $69,520 during this time, while those in religious (private) schools earned an average salary of $58,950.

Outside of the traditional classroom setting, the BLS reports the following average salaries for high school teachers, as of May 2022:

• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $73,760
• State government: $98,120
• Other residential care facilities: $47,270
• Educational support services: $65,100

How Will Education Affect a High School Teacher's Annual Income?

While a bachelor's degree in secondary education remains the minimum educational requirement to become a high school teacher, it's become quite commonplace for high school teachers to pursue a graduate degree in education. In most school districts, a master's degree or higher results in a salary increase or annual stipend or bonus.

How Will Experience Affect a High School Teacher's Yearly Income?

Experience remains the biggest indicator of what you'll earn as a high school teacher. In fact, you'll find that the vast majority of all salary schedules are based on steps according to years of relevant experience. In many school districts, the difference between an early-career educator and an experienced one can be as much as $30,000-$40,000 more annually.

Special Education Teacher Salary

A special education teacher works with students who have exceptionalities in various areas related to education. These teachers may work with students with physical, emotional, behavioral, or mental limitations. Special education teachers may even work with students who are highly gifted and talented.

According to the BLS, special education teachers earned the following average salaries as of May 2022:

• Preschool: $69,620
• Elementary School: $68,580
• Middle School: $69,530
• High School: $71,290

Special education teachers outside of the traditional classroom earned the following average salaries during this time:

Preschool

• Child daycare services: $88,000
• Individual and family services: $69,800
• Offices of other health practitioners: $67,240
• Educational support services: $85,390

Elementary School

• Educational support services: $68,620
• Vocational rehabilitation services: $61,270
• Other residential care facilities: $59,010
• Individual and family services: $60,950
• Other residential facilities: $59,010

Middle School

• Local government: $73,730
• Other residential care facilities: $52,510

High School

• Educational support services: $66,000
• Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities: $57,350
• Other residential care facilities: $51,600
• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $62,060

The following May 2020 BLS tables provides more insight into what special education teachers are earning at every level (25^th percentile = early career, 90^th percentile = experienced) and at every grade level, by state:

Salaries by State - Special Education Teachers, Preschool

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	38370	46780	62380
Alaska	59950	72570	93120
Arizona	42620	48630	66640
Arkansas	33330	46550	63600
California	42110	50200	99720
Colorado	47520	57600	83070
Connecticut	53100	63270	99310
District of Columbia	52920	65020	104310
Florida	44380	60630	97980
Georgia	25020	43820	75060
Hawaii	47980	60200	81800
Illinois	42490	54200	89380
Indiana	35570	44430	68060
Iowa	43110	48800	76780
Kansas	47180	57240	82450
Kentucky	53550	59330	77600
Maine	27690	31550	39900
Maryland	29590	66360	107820
Massachusetts	43920	60920	109590
Michigan	52590	66690	81780
Minnesota	49300	60970	93420
Mississippi	36440	42690	66810
Missouri	39010	46090	73550
Montana	58860	70960	99470
Nebraska	42670	55030	76430
Nevada	48520	56080	64530
New Hampshire	50660	59470	72130
New Jersey	59910	70580	96590
New Mexico	40670	47300	66010
New York	58330	81000	154420
North Carolina	43240	54060	76810
North Dakota	49960	61930	80090
Ohio	46180	64100	103180
Oklahoma	33910	37880	51770
Oregon	63860	84740	132600
Pennsylvania	34970	47210	86280
Rhode Island	27800	30390	75990
South Carolina	27700	51970	84110
Tennessee	41520	50480	75850
Texas	45390	55960	70500
Utah	29260	37380	62440
Vermont	39470	56080	82090
Washington	56380	69470	101030
Wisconsin	44450	52290	67570
Wyoming	37890	53570	77870

 

Salaries by State - Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	43570	51230	63960
Alaska	63710	75200	103180
Arizona	40530	47300	65890
Arkansas	43030	49390	64850
California	54300	75950	122200
Colorado	45370	53870	80350
Connecticut	61390	78720	105080
Delaware	50410	61070	86630
District of Columbia	58990	74960	119190
Florida	49670	65400	86850
Georgia	50520	61860	86440
Hawaii	53650	60670	80010
Idaho	40680	51430	75540
Illinois	51520	63530	102590
Indiana	38130	48100	81340
Iowa	44490	54820	79120
Kansas	47680	58080	84090
Kentucky	44980	52890	65640
Louisiana	44040	49070	62210
Maine	44110	52640	76530
Maryland	51480	73180	110130
Massachusetts	57440	74770	112700
Michigan	49830	63140	91810
Minnesota	46050	56880	82290
Mississippi	40930	46940	63700
Missouri	43630	54070	97120
Montana	40850	48720	70400
Nebraska	45270	56990	81320
Nevada	46860	55040	78950
New Hampshire	48470	59290	82030
New Jersey	59190	69130	101080
New Mexico	45170	55550	92810
New York	56690	74530	124540
North Carolina	43080	50250	68130
North Dakota	49650	59730	88870
Ohio	45570	58910	84540
Oklahoma	41010	48990	77320
Oregon	63870	77200	113950
Pennsylvania	52640	63650	91730
Rhode Island	60390	78080	100960
South Carolina	41950	51450	75680
South Dakota	38410	44990	60510
Tennessee	45870	52980	75670
Texas	52840	58090	69330
Utah	35530	49510	81230
Vermont	49280	59370	81570
Virginia	48720	63880	107660
Washington	58180	70070	100680
West Virginia	35440	45380	63060
Wisconsin	45410	53440	77330
Wyoming	52910	60130	77950

 

Salaries by State - Special Education Teachers, Middle School

State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	38370	46780	62380
Alaska	59950	72570	93120
Arizona	42620	48630	66640
Arkansas	33330	46550	63600
California	42110	50200	99720
Colorado	47520	57600	83070
Connecticut	53100	63270	99310
District of Columbia	52920	65020	104310
Florida	44380	60630	97980
Georgia	25020	43820	75060
Hawaii	47980	60200	81800
Illinois	42490	54200	89380
Indiana	35570	44430	68060
Iowa	43110	48800	76780
Kansas	47180	57240	82450
Kentucky	53550	59330	77600
Maine	27690	31550	39900
Maryland	29590	66360	107820
Massachusetts	43920	60920	109590
Michigan	52590	66690	81780
Minnesota	49300	60970	93420
Mississippi	36440	42690	66810
Missouri	39010	46090	73550
Montana	58860	70960	99470
Nebraska	42670	55030	76430
Nevada	48520	56080	64530
New Hampshire	50660	59470	72130
New Jersey	59910	70580	96590
New Mexico	40670	47300	66010
New York	58330	81000	154420
North Carolina	43240	54060	76810
North Dakota	49960	61930	80090
Ohio	46180	64100	103180
Oklahoma	33910	37880	51770
Oregon	63860	84740	132600
Pennsylvania	34970	47210	86280
Rhode Island	27800	30390	75990
South Carolina	27700	51970	84110
Tennessee	41520	50480	75850
Texas	45390	55960	70500
Utah	29260	37380	62440
Vermont	39470	56080	82090
Washington	56380	69470	101030
Wisconsin	44450	52290	67570
Wyoming	37890	53570	77870

 

Salaries by State - Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

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State	Annual 25th Percentile Wage	Annual Median Wage	Annual 90th Percentile Wage
Alabama	46880	54950	64730
Alaska	62800	76250	105280
Arizona	43620	50420	72300
Arkansas	43230	49920	66040
California	65460	84340	116800
Colorado	46350	56200	81790
Connecticut	58830	78050	110260
Delaware	56000	68150	96840
District of Columbia	62140	78390	121500
Florida	46960	57950	97150
Georgia	51940	59750	80730
Idaho	47100	53960	65440
Illinois	52150	66150	110210
Indiana	37910	48750	77680
Iowa	50740	59360	80470
Kansas	48750	59220	84000
Kentucky	46480	54860	66930
Louisiana	45720	51890	64190
Maine	40350	50680	76830
Maryland	65590	82710	112130
Massachusetts	61130	77190	111850
Michigan	51300	65890	82270
Minnesota	46870	61510	98650
Mississippi	42150	48150	66230
Missouri	38840	45940	64110
Montana	48270	59850	80250
Nebraska	53370	61210	83110
Nevada	46760	55210	79330
New Hampshire	50930	61120	81220
New Jersey	63400	76600	105530
New Mexico	44170	54990	81480
New York	63930	80270	126570
North Carolina	44090	52680	68990
North Dakota	52370	60050	79890
Ohio	43260	56550	84380
Oklahoma	41420	48890	74930
Oregon	61800	81220	124090
Pennsylvania	54140	66710	97590
Rhode Island	70270	83630	101810
South Carolina	33110	40140	63180
South Dakota	39430	46320	61870
Tennessee	46530	54540	77300
Texas	52660	58400	73000
Utah	21860	47570	74460
Vermont	54180	64930	82190
Virginia
Washington	61920	75580	104130
West Virginia	39050	51450	71950
Wisconsin	46040	54990	79220
Wyoming	54990	61770	80150

 

Learn more about how to become a special education teacher.

How Will Education Affect a Special Education Teacher's Pay?

Special education teachers, like their general education colleagues, must earn, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree within an approved teacher preparation program to teach in the public or private school setting.

However, many special education teachers pursue a master's degree or higher to earn a higher salary, earn another endorsement to their teaching certificate, and gain advanced skills in a specific area of special education, such as:

• Blind/visually impaired
• Deaf/hard of hearing
• Speech/language or communication
• Autism
• Adaptive special education
• Emotional disabilities
• Behavioral disorders
• Orthopedic/physical disabilities

How Will Experience Affect a Special Education Teacher's Annual Income?

Like their general education counterparts, special education teachers earn salaries that are directly related to their experience level. While some school districts recognize advanced degrees, all follow a salary schedule that is based on the number of years of relevant teaching experience.

Salary for Teacher Assistants

Teacher assistants work alongside teachers in public, private, and religious schools, and in other settings like child daycare centers to provide additional instructional support and personal attention to students. Many times, teacher assistants work with special education students who learn in mainstream classrooms.

As of May 2022, the BLS reported an average salary of $33,740 for teacher assistants.

As of May 2022, early career teacher assistants earned about $27,760, which reflects the 25th percentile, while the most experienced earned about $46,840, which reflects the 90th percentile.

These educational support professionals earned the following average salaries according to setting:

• Elementary and secondary schools: $34,230
• Child daycare services: $29,290
• Educational support services: $34,610
• Religious organizations: $31,800
• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $41,850

Learn more about how to become a teaching assistant.

How Will Experience Affect a Teacher Assistant's Pay?

Experience always plays a role in the earning power of a teacher assistant. They are often paid according to a school district's salary schedule for support professionals which, like the general teacher salary schedule, includes salary increments based on years of experience.

Public School Pay vs. Private School Pay

Teachers in public schools earn salaries that are supported by federal, state, and local funds, while teachers in private schools earn salaries that are supported solely by student tuition and private contributions. Therefore, you won't often find private school teachers earning salaries that are comparable to their public school colleagues.

However, teachers in private school settings often find the atmosphere of a private school, which usually includes smaller class sizes and less oversight (public schools must adhere to strict school district and state guidelines regarding curriculum, course design, and more), to be well worth the smaller salaries.

What Can Teachers Do to Earn More Money?

For many working teachers, earning more money is a question of being enterprising. Many teachers decide to pursue and develop side careers at the same time that they teach, choosing gigs that dovetail with some of the insights and responsibilities they've developed as teachers. While this can require added effort, it can pay off in the long run, providing extra revenue and the opportunity to easily pivot to another profession if you ever leave the teaching field.

So how can teachers earn more? In fact, there are several promising ways for teachers to earn more money beyond their traditional teaching salaries.

One option is to take on extra teaching assignments such as summer school or after-school tutoring programs. These additional assignments are among the most popular teaching side hustles, and can provide teachers with a supplemental income while also allowing them to further develop their classroom skills.

Another way for teachers to earn more money is to take on leadership roles within their schools or districts. This may include becoming a department head, serving on a curriculum committee, or taking on an administrative position. These roles often come with higher salaries and can also provide teachers with valuable experience in leadership and management.

More than ever, teachers have also begun taking on freelance work in their areas of expertise. This is something that has been made significantly easier to do thanks to the rise of remote work capacities, which allow working teachers to set their own hours and fit their side gigs into their schedules.

There is a wide range of freelance opportunities for working teachers, including offering tutoring services outside of school hours or writing educational materials for publishing companies. These are some of the best ways teachers can make extra money. For those who excel in writing (for example, English teachers), these can be terrific opportunities, with opportunities like ebooks and blogging expanding the field even further. Additionally, some teachers may choose to teach online courses or offer workshops or seminars to earn extra income.

Finally, teachers can also consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to qualify for higher-paying positions within the education system. For example, earning a master's degree in education can open up opportunities for higher-level administrative positions or specialized teaching roles. Additionally, teachers can pursue certifications in areas such as special education, English as a second language, or technology integration, which may also lead to higher-paying positions.

Benefits Associated with a Teacher's Annual Income

Teacher unions have long provided educators with the right to engage in collective bargaining that allows them to negotiate both their salaries and benefits. Today, collective bargaining is legal for teachers in 34 states and optional in another ten states.

Most teachers enjoy generous benefits packages that include health insurance, pension benefits, paid time off, life insurance, and local credit union benefits. Many school districts also offer student loan repayment to qualified educators, and many states offer grants and loan repayment to aspiring teachers earning their first degree or practicing teachers furthering their education.

Let us help you decide if becoming a teacher is right for you.

May 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market trends for elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, secondary school teachers, preschool teachers, teaching assistants, special education preschool teachers, special education elementary school teachers, special education middle school teachers, and special education secondary teachers.

National and state job growth projections for preschool teachers, elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, high school teachers, special education preschool teachers, special education elementary school teachers, special education middle school teachers, and special education secondary teachers sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored O*Net database (2022-2032).

Figures represent state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

FAQs

Does it significantly affect your salary to hold a bachelor's vs. master's in education?
While a master's degree is not a requirement to become a teacher, those who do hold master's degrees are eligible for higher-level teaching and administrative positions, which in turn tend to earn higher salaries. Some programs are also in place within certain school districts to reward those with master's degrees, including bonuses and stipends. However, it is important to note that not all schools seek out candidates with master's degrees, meaning they are unlikely to offer higher compensation. This means that if you do hold a master's degree, you must seek out the opportunities and contexts that will value your expertise.

Do teachers get raises?
While teachers do generally receive raises, the amount and frequency of those raises can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. Typically, schools do not offer an increase in teacher salary based on performance. In many cases, teachers may receive annual raises based on their level of experience and education. Some school districts also offer salary increases for teachers who obtain additional degrees or certifications, or who have been with the district for a certain number of years. Some teachers may receive bonuses or other incentives for meeting certain performance goals or working in high-need areas such as special education or STEM fields.

Are all teachers on a salary step schedule?
No. Step schedules are among the most common plans offered by school districts, but this does not mean that they are what is offered across the board. It is therefore important if you are a working teacher to look carefully at the payment structure of any institution offering you employment.

What are other ways teachers can make extra money?
Though the responsibilities of a teacher are already vast, many within the profession have branched out into side hustles, parlaying their expertise in the classroom into consulting, writing, tutoring, and other professional opportunities. (Some even choose to pivot from classroom teaching into these fields, whether for a change of pace or more lucrative prospects.) There are numerous ways that teachers can be entrepreneurial, expanding their professional repertoires to improve their earnings. A more complete guide to alternative teaching careers can be found within our guide to education careers here.