Teacher Salary in USA 2025
State-by-state pay, grade level comparison, and experience impact
National Average (K-12)
How Much Do Teachers Earn in 2025?
Teachers are educators who instruct students at elementary, middle, and high school levels across all academic subjects. They shape future generations—yet compensation varies dramatically depending on where they teach.
2025 teacher salaries show dramatic state variation: national average is $66,397, ranging from California at $101,100 (highest) to Mississippi at $53,700 (lowest). That's nearly a 2x pay difference for the same profession.
This variation reflects state funding priorities, cost of living, and union strength. Experience, education level (master's degree), and location within states also significantly impact earnings, with urban districts often paying 20–40% more than rural areas. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Teacher Salary
National-level statistics for K-12 teachers in 2025:
| Metric (USA 2025) | Value |
|---|---|
| National average teacher salary | $66,397 |
| Highest-paying state (California) | $101,100 |
| Lowest-paying state (Mississippi) | $53,700 |
| Pay range (high to low) | ~88% difference |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Teachers in top-paying states earn significantly above this, while those in lower-paying states earn below average despite requiring at least a bachelor's degree and state certification.
Teacher Salary by State: Complete 50-State Breakdown
State is the single biggest factor in teacher compensation. Here's the complete ranking:
Top 25 Highest-Paying States
| Rank | State | Average Teacher Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $101,100 |
| 2 | New York | $95,600 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $92,100 |
| 4 | Washington | $91,700 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $86,700 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $86,500 |
| 7 | Maryland | $84,300 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $82,900 |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $82,200 |
| 10 | Alaska | $78,300 |
| 11 | Oregon | $77,100 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $77,000 |
| 13 | Illinois | $76,000 |
| 14 | Hawaii | $74,200 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $72,400 |
| 16 | Delaware | $71,200 |
| 17 | Vermont | $69,600 |
| 18 | Utah | $69,200 |
| 19 | Michigan | $69,100 |
| 20 | Colorado | $68,700 |
| 21 | New Mexico | $68,400 |
| 22 | Ohio | $68,200 |
| 23 | Georgia | $67,600 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | $67,200 |
| 25 | Nevada | $66,900 |
Bottom 26 States (Ranked 26–51)
| Rank | State | Average Teacher Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Virginia | $66,300 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $65,800 |
| 28 | Wyoming | $63,700 |
| 29 | Arizona | $62,700 |
| 30 | Maine | $62,600 |
| 31 | Texas | $62,500 |
| 32 | Iowa | $62,400 |
| 33 | Alabama | $61,900 |
| 34 | Idaho | $61,500 |
| 35 | Oklahoma | $61,300 |
| 36 | South Carolina | $60,800 |
| 37 | Nebraska | $60,200 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $58,600 |
| 39 | Indiana | $58,600 |
| 40 | North Dakota | $58,600 |
| 41 | Arkansas | $58,300 |
| 42 | Kentucky | $58,300 |
| 43 | North Carolina | $58,300 |
| 44 | Kansas | $58,200 |
| 45 | Montana | $57,600 |
| 46 | South Dakota | $56,300 |
| 47 | Louisiana | $55,900 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $55,500 |
| 49 | Missouri | $55,100 |
| 50 | Florida | $54,900 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $53,700 |
Key Observations
Top states: California, New York, and Massachusetts offer salaries 50–90% above the lowest-paying states.
Cost of living: Some high-paying states (California, New York) have very high housing costs that offset salary premiums.
Florida anomaly: Despite high living expenses, Florida ranks 4th-lowest in teacher pay ($54,900).
Regional patterns: Northeast and West Coast states generally pay more; Southeast and Great Plains states pay less.
Salary by Grade Level
Grade level has smaller impact than state, but differences exist:
| Grade Level | National Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary (K-5) | $58,000–$65,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $60,000–$68,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $62,000–$70,000 |
Why High School Pays Slightly More
Secondary teachers often earn marginally more due to: subject specialization requirements (math, science, etc.), coaching and extracurricular stipends, and some districts offering STEM premiums. However, state variation far exceeds grade-level differences.
Salary by Experience and Education Level
Most districts use step-based pay scales where salary increases with years of experience and education level.
| Experience & Education | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Starting, Bachelor's degree | $45,000–$55,000 |
| 5 years, Bachelor's degree | $50,000–$65,000 |
| 10 years, Bachelor's degree | $60,000–$75,000 |
| 10 years, Master's degree | $65,000–$85,000 |
| 20+ years, Master's degree | $75,000–$100,000+ |
Master's Degree Premium
A master's degree typically adds $5,000–$10,000 annually to teacher salary. Many states require teachers to earn a master's within 5–10 years of hiring to maintain certification. The investment ($20,000–$40,000 for degree) pays back within 2–4 years through higher salary.
Experience Steps
Most districts provide annual step increases for the first 15–20 years, then salary plateaus. Early-career raises are typically $1,000–$2,000 annually, accumulating significantly over a career.
Teacher Benefits and Total Compensation
Benefits add significant value beyond base salary.
Pension/Retirement
Most teachers participate in state pension systems. Typical formula: 2% per year of service × final average salary. A teacher with 30 years earns 60% of final salary as annual pension—potentially $40,000–$60,000 for life.
Health Insurance
School districts typically offer comprehensive health coverage with employer contributions. Family coverage value: $15,000–$25,000 annually.
Time Off
Teachers receive summers off plus holidays and spring break. While salary is for ~180 instructional days, this schedule appeals to many despite lower hourly equivalent. Some teachers work summer jobs or professional development.
Job Security
Tenure protections (typically after 2–4 years) provide strong job security. Teaching positions are relatively recession-resistant compared to private sector.
Loan Forgiveness
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives remaining federal student loans after 10 years of qualifying payments while working full-time for a public school. This can forgive $50,000–$100,000+ in debt.
What Teachers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation.
Core Responsibilities
Teachers: plan and deliver lessons aligned to standards, assess student learning through tests, projects, and classwork, grade assignments and maintain records, communicate with parents about student progress, develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, attend professional development and staff meetings, and supervise extracurricular activities (often for additional stipends).
Actual Work Hours
While contracted hours are typically 7–8 hours daily, actual work often exceeds this. Teachers spend significant time outside school hours: lesson planning, grading, parent communication, professional development, and extracurricular duties. Surveys suggest 50+ hours weekly during school year is common.
Requirements
Becoming a teacher requires: bachelor's degree (minimum), state teaching license/certification, often student teaching experience, and background check. Many states require or encourage master's degree within first years of teaching.
Job Outlook and Challenges
Teaching offers stable employment with ongoing challenges.
Employment Outlook
Steady demand exists, particularly in: special education, math and science, bilingual/ESL education, and high-poverty schools (often offering bonuses). Teacher shortages exist in some states and subject areas.
Profession Challenges
Teachers face relatively flat wages compared to other professionals with similar education, high workload (grading, planning, meetings), student behavior and classroom management challenges, and political pressures around curriculum and testing.
Career Progression
Typical path: Classroom teacher → Department head/Lead teacher → Assistant principal → Principal → District administrator
Administrators earn significantly more ($80,000–$150,000+) but leave classroom teaching.
How to Increase Your Teacher Salary
Several strategies can boost teacher compensation.
Earn a Master's Degree
Adds $5,000–$10,000 annually in most districts. Required for permanent certification in many states. Choose programs aligned with your teaching area for maximum impact.
Relocate to High-Paying State
California ($101,100) pays nearly double Mississippi ($53,700). Consider cost of living—Texas ($62,500) offers good pay with moderate living costs.
Work in Urban/Suburban Districts
Urban and suburban districts typically pay 20–40% more than rural districts within the same state.
Gain Experience
Annual step increases add up over a career. Staying in one district maximizes step placement.
Take on Additional Roles
Stipends for: department chair ($2,000–$5,000), coaching ($2,000–$8,000), club advisor ($500–$2,000), curriculum development, and summer school teaching.
Pursue National Board Certification
National Board Certification often adds $2,000–$5,000 annual bonus. Some states offer larger bonuses ($7,500+).
Move into Administration
Principals earn $80,000–$130,000+. District administrators earn more. Requires additional credentials but significantly increases income.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average teacher salary in 2025?
The national average K-12 teacher salary is $66,397. This ranges from $101,100 in California (highest) to $53,700 in Mississippi (lowest)—nearly a 2x difference between states.
Which states pay teachers the most?
Top 5 highest-paying states: California ($101,100), New York ($95,600), Massachusetts ($92,100), Washington ($91,700), and District of Columbia ($86,700). Northeast and West Coast states dominate the top 10.
Do teachers with master's degrees make more?
Yes, typically $5,000–$10,000 more annually. Most district pay scales include separate columns for bachelor's vs. master's vs. doctorate, with higher pay at each education level.
What is the starting salary for a teacher?
Starting teacher salary ranges from approximately $35,000 in lowest-paying states to $55,000+ in highest-paying states. National average starting salary is approximately $45,000–$50,000.
Do high school teachers make more than elementary teachers?
Slightly—high school teachers average $62,000–$70,000 vs. $58,000–$65,000 for elementary. However, state variation (up to 88% difference) far exceeds grade-level differences (5–10%).
Is teaching a good career in 2025?
It depends on your priorities. Benefits include: meaningful work shaping young lives, job security and tenure, excellent benefits (pension, healthcare), summers and holidays off, and loan forgiveness eligibility. Challenges include: relatively modest pay for education required, high workload and stress, limited advancement without leaving classroom, and significant state variation in compensation.