Guides
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Teacher pay comparisons built from the same official schedules as our state and district guides.
First-Year Teacher Salary: What New Teachers EarnThe average first-year teacher salary is $48,112 nationally, and the median first-step bachelor's salary across 435 large districts is $52,800.
Highest-Paid Teachers in the US: Top-Paying DistrictsRochester City School District in New York has the highest top-of-schedule teacher salary at $171,142. See the 25 highest-paying districts.
How Much Do Teacher Salaries Increase Each Year?Across 235 district salary grids, the median raise per step is $1,000. See how much teacher pay grows each year and how many steps it takes to top out.
How Much Do Teachers Make Per Hour and Per Month?How much do teachers make per hour? Arlington Public Schools in Virginia lists starting pay at $39.62 an hour. See hourly and monthly pay by state.
How Much Do Teachers Make? Average, Starting and Top PayHow much do teachers make? The national average is $74,495 a year and average starting pay is $48,112. See average teacher pay in all 50 states.
Lowest-Paying States for Teachers: 2024-25 RankingAmong the lowest paying states for teachers, Mississippi ranks last, with an average salary of $54,975 in 2024-25, or $19,520 below the national average.
Teacher Salary Schedule Explained: Steps and LanesA teacher salary schedule is a grid that sets pay by experience step and education lane. See how to read one, with real district examples.
Teacher Salary With a Master's Degree: How Much More?A master's degree raises the median starting teacher salary by $4,361 across 397 districts, and the median premium at the top of the schedule is $10,359.
Teacher Starting Salary by State: 2024-25 Averages for All 50 StatesTeacher starting salary by state for 2024-25: Washington is highest at $60,658 and Montana lowest at $36,682. See all 50 states and state minimums.
Which State Pays Teachers the Most? 2024-25 Rankings for All 50 StatesCalifornia pays teachers the most at $103,552 (2024-25 average), followed by New York and Washington; Mississippi pays least at $54,975.