Creative & Education Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Philadelphia, PA is $62,924 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$62,924
vs State Avg
+$3,702
vs National
+$1,234
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $62,924, which is $3,702 above the Pennsylvania state average of $59,222. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Philadelphia spans from $42,228 at the 10th percentile to $103,020 at the 90th percentile — a $60,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,840, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,840. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $42,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,840
+$840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,240
+$1,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,840
+$1,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $42,228
25th Percentile $49,776
Median (50th) $62,924
75th Percentile $80,784
90th Percentile $103,020

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$57,989
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$57,372
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$54,287
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$51,820
Pop. 94,831

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

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Philadelphia, PA:

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $62,924 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $42,228 (10th percentile) to $103,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,924, a teacher (k-12) in Philadelphia earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median teacher (k-12) salary of $62,924 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $59,222. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $62,924 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Philadelphia? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Philadelphia 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.