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The most recent mean annual salary for teachers nationwide is $67,540, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, there can be considerable variation depending on where they live, what level they teach, how much experience they have, and other factors.
Working as a teacher comes with its fair share of challenges and rewards, but being able to help shape young minds can be very fulfilling.
Want to learn more about how much teachers make and what the role entails? Read on for more insight.
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Key Points
• The average annual salary for teachers in the U.S. is $67,540, with individual earnings ranging from $32,990 for starting teachers to $105,240 for top earners.
• Teachers’ core duties include creating lesson plans, delivering instructions, grading assignments, and meeting with parents.
• Teaching can be fulfilling yet challenging, requiring constant interaction with students, parents, and faculty, making it potentially draining for introverts.
• Qualifications vary by role and location, often requiring up-to-date certifications that involve time and expense to attain.
• Full-time teachers generally receive benefits and paid time off, while substitute teachers are typically paid a day rate and don’t qualify for traditional benefits.
What Are Teachers?
Working as a teacher can look a bit different depending on whether you work in an elementary, middle, or high school setting. That being said, all teachers create lesson plans and deliver those lessons to their students. They often work individually with students who need a bit of extra support and can help foster social and emotional development. Alongside instructing pupils, teachers grade assignments, write report cards, and meet with parents to help them understand their child’s education progress.
With that in mind, teaching may not be the right career for introverts. It typically involves interacting with students, their parents, and other faculty members for much of the workday.
Worth noting: Qualifications for teaching can vary. Teachers may be required to have certificates in order to teach, which can mean time, energy, and expense to attain those credentials.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
How Much Do Starting Teachers Make a Year?
Like many chosen career paths, working as an entry-level teacher often comes with a lower salary. How much money might a teacher make a year when they’re first starting out? The mean salary for the lowest 10% of earners in this role nationwide is $32,990.
Incidentally, some teachers do earn six figures. As teachers gain years of experience, they can increase their salary (the top 10% of earners make $105,240 per year).
What Is the Average Salary for a Teacher?
Regarding how much a teacher can expect to earn on average, as briefly noted earlier, the national mean is $67,540. That being said, the state you work in can greatly impact how much you earn. The cost of living and other factors are responsible for the variation in salaries, which can be significant. For example:
• The average annual salary in Florida is $34,816.
• In Washington, the average is $52,767.
Prospective teachers can review the following chart to learn more about what their salary and hourly wage expectations should be in their state.
What Is the Average Teacher Salary by State for 2026?
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $52,767 | $4,397 | $1,014 | $25.37 |
| New York | $50,971 | $4,247 | $980 | $24.51 |
| Massachusetts | $50,882 | $4,240 | $978 | $24.46 |
| Alaska | $50,174 | $4,181 | $964 | $24.12 |
| Vermont | $49,537 | $4,128 | $952 | $23.82 |
| North Dakota | $49,296 | $4,108 | $948 | $23.70 |
| Oregon | $49,259 | $4,104 | $947 | $23.68 |
| Colorado | $48,990 | $4,082 | $942 | $23.55 |
| Hawaii | $48,405 | $4,033 | $930 | $23.27 |
| Nevada | $47,442 | $3,953 | $912 | $22.81 |
| New Jersey | $47,299 | $3,941 | $909 | $22.74 |
| Wisconsin | $47,025 | $3,918 | $904 | $22.61 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,701 | $3,891 | $898 | $22.45 |
| Delaware | $46,630 | $3,885 | $896 | $22.42 |
| South Dakota | $46,590 | $3,882 | $895 | $22.40 |
| Virginia | $46,190 | $3,849 | $888 | $22.21 |
| California | $45,979 | $3,831 | $884 | $22.11 |
| Minnesota | $45,630 | $3,802 | $877 | $21.94 |
| Rhode Island | $45,626 | $3,802 | $877 | $21.94 |
| New Hampshire | $45,309 | $3,775 | $871 | $21.78 |
| Maryland | $45,217 | $3,768 | $869 | $21.74 |
| New Mexico | $45,149 | $3,762 | $868 | $21.71 |
| Illinois | $45,146 | $3,762 | $868 | $21.70 |
| Maine | $45,108 | $3,759 | $867 | $21.69 |
| Wyoming | $44,783 | $3,731 | $861 | $21.53 |
| Nebraska | $44,421 | $3,701 | $854 | $21.36 |
| Indiana | $44,333 | $3,694 | $852 | $21.31 |
| Connecticut | $44,320 | $3,693 | $852 | $21.31 |
| Ohio | $44,293 | $3,691 | $851 | $21.29 |
| Mississippi | $44,124 | $3,677 | $848 | $21.21 |
| Idaho | $43,836 | $3,653 | $843 | $21.07 |
| Iowa | $43,760 | $3,646 | $841 | $21.04 |
| Missouri | $43,701 | $3,641 | $840 | $21.01 |
| Arizona | $43,416 | $3,618 | $834 | $20.87 |
| Texas | $43,405 | $3,617 | $834 | $20.87 |
| South Carolina | $43,233 | $3,602 | $831 | $20.79 |
| Oklahoma | $43,018 | $3,584 | $827 | $20.68 |
| Montana | $42,762 | $3,563 | $822 | $20.56 |
| Utah | $42,414 | $3,534 | $815 | $20.39 |
| North Carolina | $42,341 | $3,528 | $814 | $20.36 |
| Tennessee | $42,285 | $3,523 | $813 | $20.33 |
| Alabama | $42,228 | $3,519 | $812 | $20.30 |
| Kansas | $41,551 | $3,462 | $799 | $19.98 |
| Michigan | $40,607 | $3,383 | $780 | $19.52 |
| Kentucky | $40,464 | $3,372 | $778 | $19.45 |
| Louisiana | $39,840 | $3,320 | $766 | $19.15 |
| Georgia | $39,339 | $3,278 | $756 | $18.91 |
| Arkansas | $38,525 | $3,210 | $740 | $18.52 |
| West Virginia | $36,068 | $3,005 | $693 | $17.34 |
| Florida | $34,816 | $2,901 | $669 | $16.74 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
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Teacher Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
How much a teacher earns and what type of benefits they qualify for can depend on whether they choose to work as a full-time teacher or as a substitute teacher. If someone works as a substitute, they’re generally paid a day rate only for the days they work and don’t qualify for benefits, such as health care or retirement plans.
However, working as a substitute teacher can be a great job for retirees looking to earn a bit of extra cash without committing to a consistent part-time work schedule. It might be good for someone who has a side hustle going or can fill in free days with work as, say, a rideshare driver or babysitter.
Full-time teachers generally qualify for those benefits and other traditional employee benefits, such as paid time off for sick and personal days. Some may even still qualify for pensions, which can be a real plus when it comes to retirement planning.
There’s also the fact that school is out in the summer. Some teachers may love this time off and want that family time. Others may choose to teach summer school or at a camp or otherwise bring in extra income. Still, others may use that time for creative or entrepreneurial projects, but it’s important to note whether or not you’ll receive a paycheck during those months.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Teacher Salary
Still on the fence about becoming a teacher? These are some of the common pros and cons associated with the salary.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-time salaries available | May not receive pay during summer or holiday breaks |
| Compensation package including benefits |
Recommended: How to Negotiate for Competitive Pay
The Takeaway
The average teacher salary in the U.S. tops $67,000 per year. If you have a passion for teaching and like working with young people, you’ll likely love your job. There are also valuable benefits that may be available, such as paid vacations and summers off.
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FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a teacher?
It’s possible to make $100,000 a year as a teacher, which is a good salary. The 90th percentile of earners in this role nationwide brings home $105,240 annually. Teachers tend to see higher salaries as they gain years of work experience.
Do people like being a teacher?
Working as a teacher can be hard work, but it’s often rewarding. Those who enjoy working with children and helping them learn will find they get a lot out of being a teacher. However, if they consider themselves to be introverted, they may find this role draining.
Is it hard to get hired as a teacher?
How challenging it is to get hired as a teacher can vary by location and year. It simply depends on what the current demand for teachers is. It’s generally harder to find a role as a public school teacher, as those jobs require specific advanced degrees.
What is the difference in pay and benefits between a full-time teacher and a substitute teacher?
Full-time teachers generally qualify for traditional employee benefits, such as health care, retirement plans, and paid time off for sick and personal days. Substitute teachers, however, are typically paid a day rate only for the days they work and don’t qualify for benefits such as health care or retirement plans.
What are the general responsibilities of a teacher?
All teachers are responsible for creating lesson plans and delivering them to their students. They also grade assignments, write report cards, and meet with parents to communicate their child’s progress. Whether they work in an elementary, middle, or high school, the job may look a little different, but they all help foster students’ social and emotional development.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/baona
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