Teacher (K-12) Salary
K-12 teachers instruct students in academic subjects, develop lesson plans, assess student progress, and create supportive learning environments in schools.
Teacher (K-12) Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level teacher (k-12)s earn around $42,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $62,000. Senior-level teacher (k-12)s can earn $92,000 or more.
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The salary range for teacher (k-12)s varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $41,400, while the top 10% earn $101,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $41,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,800 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $61,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,000 |
Teacher (K-12) Salary by State
Teacher (K-12) salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $104,873, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $51,203.
| State | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | $104,873 | Details → |
| #2 California | $85,132 | Details → |
| #3 Massachusetts | $83,282 | Details → |
| #4 Alaska | $76,496 | Details → |
| #5 New York | $75,262 | Details → |
| #6 New Jersey | $70,944 | Details → |
| #7 Washington | $70,944 | Details → |
| #8 Connecticut | $69,093 | Details → |
| #9 Maryland | $67,859 | Details → |
| #10 Oregon | $67,859 | Details → |
| #11 Colorado | $64,775 | Details → |
| #12 New Hampshire | $64,775 | Details → |
| #13 Rhode Island | $64,775 | Details → |
| #14 Virginia | $64,158 | Details → |
| #15 Delaware | $62,307 | Details → |
| #16 Vermont | $62,307 | Details → |
| #17 Florida | $60,456 | Details → |
| #18 Maine | $60,456 | Details → |
| #19 Arizona | $59,839 | Details → |
| #20 Minnesota | $59,839 | Details → |
| #21 Nevada | $59,839 | Details → |
| #22 Utah | $59,839 | Details → |
| #23 Pennsylvania | $59,222 | Details → |
| #24 Illinois | $58,606 | Details → |
| #25 Montana | $58,606 | Details → |
| #26 Idaho | $57,989 | Details → |
| #27 Georgia | $57,372 | Details → |
| #28 New Mexico | $57,372 | Details → |
| #29 North Carolina | $56,755 | Details → |
| #30 Texas | $56,755 | Details → |
| #31 Wisconsin | $56,755 | Details → |
| #32 Wyoming | $56,755 | Details → |
| #33 Louisiana | $56,138 | Details → |
| #34 Indiana | $55,521 | Details → |
| #35 Michigan | $55,521 | Details → |
| #36 Nebraska | $55,521 | Details → |
| #37 North Dakota | $55,521 | Details → |
| #38 Ohio | $55,521 | Details → |
| #39 Iowa | $54,904 | Details → |
| #40 South Carolina | $54,904 | Details → |
| #41 Tennessee | $54,904 | Details → |
| #42 Missouri | $54,287 | Details → |
| #43 South Dakota | $54,287 | Details → |
| #44 Alabama | $53,670 | Details → |
| #45 Kansas | $53,670 | Details → |
| #46 Kentucky | $53,670 | Details → |
| #47 Oklahoma | $53,053 | Details → |
| #48 Arkansas | $51,820 | Details → |
| #49 West Virginia | $51,820 | Details → |
| #50 Mississippi | $51,203 | Details → |
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows Teacher (K-12)s who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $30,310 over your career trajectory.
Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →Key Responsibilities
- ● Develop and deliver lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards
- ● Assess student performance through tests, projects, and observations
- ● Create inclusive and engaging classroom environments
- ● Communicate with parents and guardians on student progress
- ● Participate in professional development and school activities
Top Skills
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook
Slower than average — projected 1% growth over the next decade
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