Teacher (K-12) Salary in Springfield, IL: $52,437 (2026)

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $52,437, which is $6,169 below the Illinois state average of $58,606. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $52,437 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,691 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Springfield spans from $35,190 at the 10th percentile to $85,850 at the 90th percentile — a $50,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,700

$-9,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,200

$-13,800 vs national

Percentile	Springfield	IL State	National
10th Percentile	$35,190	$39,330	$41,400
25th Percentile	$41,480	$46,360	$48,800
Median (50th)	$52,437	$58,606	$61,690
75th Percentile	$67,320	$75,240	$79,200
90th Percentile	$85,850	$95,950	$101,000

Percentile

Springfield

10th Percentile

$35,190

25th Percentile

$41,480

Median (50th)

$52,437

75th Percentile

$67,320

90th Percentile

$85,850

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Springfield

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Springfield and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Springfield

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Springfield, IL? ▼

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Springfield, Illinois is $52,437 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $35,190 (10th percentile) to $85,850 (90th percentile).

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Springfield? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,437, a teacher (k-12) in Springfield earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼

Springfield's median teacher (k-12) salary of $52,437 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $58,606. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼

Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $52,437 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Springfield? ▼

Most teacher (k-12) positions in Springfield require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Springfield, Illinois