How Much Do Teachers Make? Average Teacher Salaries & More

The career outlook for educators is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average teacher salary has increased by more than 5% since 2017. The quantity of jobs has also increased within each type of teacher; between 2017 and 2024, the number of elementary school teacher jobs increased by nearly 11%, and high school teacher jobs rose by 9%, while middle school positions saw a modest growth of 1%.

As with other industries, median teacher salary numbers can be affected by multiple factors. One of the biggest factors is location. States like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut have some of the highest annual salaries, whereas South Dakota, Mississippi, and Oklahoma represent some of the lowest annual salaries.

For example, according to the National Education Association, there is a national average starting teacher salary of $46,526 and an average teacher salary of $72,030, but significant disparities exist among states. For example, states like California and New York report some of the highest average teacher salaries in the nation, with pay well above $95,000. These contrasts underscore how geography alone can dramatically influence an educator’s earning potential.

Factors impacting teacher salaries:

• Years of experience
• Professional development (advanced degrees and certifications)
• Type of school (public, private, charter, etc.)
• Level (primary, high school, higher education, etc.)
• Subject/areas of study
• Benefit packages

Career Outlook & Opportunities for Teachers in the US

Projections by the BLS estimate that the postsecondary education field will grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emerging technologies are paving the way for better online and distance learning platforms; open source-based learning software, like Sakai and Blackboard, are just a few of the reasons why projections look positive. Another key indicator is population growth in the United States. As the population continues to grow, the desire and need for teachers and educational support also increases.

Between 2014 and 2024, the BLS projects nearly 1.9 million job openings for teachers of preschool through postsecondary school.

Comparing Wages in Public and Private Schools Based on Occupation

Teaching at a private school versus a public school also has an impact on salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public school teachers on average earn more than a comparable private school teacher. Public schools offered significantly higher wages for most teaching roles from preschool to secondary levels, especially preschool and kindergarten teachers (around $20,000 more). Other public school professionals — including administrators, counselors, psychologists, and support staff — consistently earned more than their private school counterparts, with wage differences ranging from $3,000 for childcare workers to over $15,000 for mental health counselors.

Local government and private elementary and secondary schools are often evaluated using key indicators such as the student populations they serve, the range of services provided, and their geographic distribution. Two significant measures — the mix of occupations employed and the wages associated with these roles — offer critical insight into variations of operational scope, classroom staffing, and compensation practices for educators and other personnel.

Average Teacher’s Salary by Education

Professional development, either by advanced degrees or certificates, have opened doors for teachers. They provide additional opportunities, both inside the classroom as teachers and outside the classroom as administrators. As noted above, the amount of jobs that are expected to open will be spread between preschool and collegiate positions.

Like all other professions, salary is an important criteria to consider for those contemplating a career in teaching; however, it’s also imperative to review what degrees are required to teach for each different level of education:

Average Teacher’s Salary with a Bachelor’s Degree

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the national average salary for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree is $66,600. This is roughly $17,000 above the average salary for those only holding an associate’s degree and about $13,000 below the average salary for teacher’s with a master’s degree.

Average Teacher’s Salary with a Master’s Degree

For those looking to get additional training, a master’s degree might be the right path. For example, Drexel’s online MS in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track prepares educators for a specific area of study. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, most teachers who have a master's degree will see nearly a 30% increase base salary compared to those with a bachelor's degree.

Average Teacher’s Salary with a PhD or EdD

Teachers looking to take on a larger leadership role within the teaching field can earn their Doctorate Degree in Education. Typically, educators with Doctorate Degrees are more likely to hold non-teaching positions so the pay varies greatly.

Teacher Salaries by City & State

According to the National Education Association (NEA), their 2025 Educator Pay in America

report highlights encouraging momentum across the country, with states continuing to invest in their educators through rising starting salaries, increased overall pay, and stronger student spending. This year’s national increase in starting teacher salaries is the largest the NEA has recorded in 15 years, reflecting a broad commitment to attracting new talent into the profession. Many states are also making notable progress in elevating average teacher pay, with places like California and Connecticut leading the nation in compensation and demonstrating the strong value placed on experienced educators.

States with the highest average salary:

Source: The State of Teacher Pay – National Education Association

Highest Paid Teachers by City:

Source: Payscale.com

Teacher Salaries by Subject

Teacher salaries for science, math and other STEM-related classes are higher than subjects like art and foreign languages. For example, according to PayScale, a physics teacher makes 11% more than a language arts teacher.

Subjects that usually offer a higher salary:

• Biology
• Physics
• Special Education

Subjects that usually offer a lower salary:

• Art
• Language Arts
• Spanish

Online Education Degrees at Drexel University

At Drexel University, our mission is to develop students and leaders who are creative thinkers that can solve complex problems in education. The School of Education gives students the opportunity to build skills and apply them in real world settings, preparing them to take the knowledge of their studies and apply it to their own classrooms. For active teachers, there are curated teaching resources to inspire classroom innovation. As part of Drexel’s School of Education programs, students have access to guidance on career paths, career opportunities, connections to community programs, and professional development workshops.

Drexel University's School of Education is ranked among "America's Best Graduate Schools" by U.S. News & World Report and Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

If you’re looking to get into teaching or you are a current teacher looking for an additional degree or certificate, one of Drexel’s online programs might be the right fit for you. Earning an online degree from Drexel University positions teachers for success in the field of education.

Learn more about Drexel University’s online Education Degrees today!

Depending on your situation, additional factors could impact your net take-home pay.