With so much talk of teacher pay and benefits these days, it’s important to know just how much teachers make on average. According to the National Education Association, the median salary for a full-time, elementary school teacher was $59,530 in 2017. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the teacher’s experience and education level.
The Average Teacher Salary in the U.S.
Teachers are one of the most in-demand professions in the United States. According to Glassdoor, the average teacher salary in 2016 was $59,000. This figure has remained relatively stable over the past few years. However, teacher salaries vary significantly based on location and experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average teacher salary in metropolitan areas with a population of 1 million or more was $92,000 in 2016. This figure is significantly higher than the average teacher salary in metropolitan areas with a population of less than 1 million ($59,000). In addition, teachers with more experience and degrees earn higher salaries than beginner teachers. The average teacher salary for a master’s degree recipient was $86,500 in 2016, while the average teacher salary for a bachelor’s degree recipient was $63,000.
Teachers in the private sector typically earn more than teachers in the public sector. The average teacher salary in the private sector was $92,000 in 2016, while the average teacher salary in the public sector was $70,000.
The Highest-Paying States for Teachers
Teachers in the highest-paying states make an average of $60,411 per year, according to a report released by the National Education Association (NEA) and The Chronicle of Higher Education. The report found that the top five states for teacher salaries are New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Washington. These states have a collective median salary of $61,474. Utah ranks sixth with a median salary of $57,611.
The lowest-paying state for teachers is Wyoming with a median salary of $41,392. This is despite Wyoming boasting a higher average teacher salary than any other state in the country ($56,960).
The NEA report says that rising costs are largely to blame for the wide wage disparity between higher and lower-paying states. The report cites increased costs for benefits such as pension contributions and health insurance as well as increased education funding as reasons for the disparity.
Factors That Influence How Much a Teacher Makes
Teachers in the United States make a median salary of $57,424, which is about $21 per hour. Factors that influence how much a teacher makes include their experience and education level, state and district salaries, and how many years they have been teaching.
In general, teachers with more experience and education make more money than teachers with less experience or education. Additionally, states and districts with higher salaries generally pay more than states or districts with lower salaries. Teaching for just one year can significantly decrease a teacher’s salary, as can having only a high school diploma or less rather than an associate’s degree.
The Most Common Occupations for Teachers
Teacher salaries vary greatly depending on the state, district, and school district. However, the national average salary for a high school teacher is $58,950 per year. Additionally, according to a 2016 report from the National Education Association (NEA), the top five occupations with the highest median pay are:
1. Registered nurse
2. Law enforcement officer
3. Social worker
4. Dentist
5. Teacher
Teachers also have some of the best benefits in the country. They typically receive retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits like paid leave and tuition assistance.
How Much do Teachers Make in Every State?
There is no set salary for a teacher, as their pay depends on the level of education and experience they have, as well as the location. However, the national average salary for a first-time teacher in 2015 was $45,910. The average salary for a veteran teacher was $58,950 in 2015. As you can see, teachers in every state make a different amount.
The following table shows the average salary for teachers in each state.
State Average Salary for Teachers
Alabama $42,980
Alaska $52,320
Arizona $48,120
Arkansas $41,590
California $59,280
Colorado $50,560
Connecticut $47,020
Delaware $43,620
District of Columbia $44,290
Florida $47,970
Georgia $44,780
Hawaii $49,880
Idaho $45,890
Illinois $49,540
Indiana $46,820
Iowa $46,060
Kansas $45,030
Kentucky $44,770
Louisiana $42,930
Conclusion
I hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what teachers make and some insights on ways to increase your earnings as a teacher. No one knows your worth better than you, so it is important that you know everything that is available to you in order to maximize your earning potential. If you have any questions or would like help finding the right teaching opportunity for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for reading!
