Creative & Education Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Pennsylvania

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Pennsylvania is $59,222 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $61,690.

Median Salary
$59,222
vs National
$-2,468
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Teacher (K-12) Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for teacher (k-12) pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,222 per year, teacher (k-12)s in Pennsylvania earn $2,468 less than the national median of $61,690.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning teacher (k-12) salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: teacher (k-12)s at the 10th percentile earn $39,744, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,960 — a $57,216 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $62,924.

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for teacher (k-12)s across the country.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,320 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,520
$-2,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,320
$-3,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $39,744
25th Percentile $46,848
Median (50th) $59,222
75th Percentile $76,032
90th Percentile $96,960

Teacher (K-12) Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for teacher (k-12)s in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

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

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Pennsylvania's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Pennsylvania is $59,222 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $39,744 (10th percentile) to $96,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,222, a teacher (k-12) in Pennsylvania earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for teacher (k-12)s? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level teacher (k-12)s earn $40,320, while senior professionals earn $88,320.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for teacher (k-12) salary? ▼
The highest paying state for teacher (k-12)s is Hawaii at $104,873. Pennsylvania's median of $59,222 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($59,839) and Utah ($59,839).
What is the entry-level teacher (k-12) salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level teacher (k-12) in Pennsylvania earns approximately $40,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,320.
What city in Pennsylvania pays teacher (k-12)s the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for teacher (k-12)s, with a median salary of $62,924. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.