Creative & Education Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Houston, Texas

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Houston, TX is $59,222 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$59,222
vs State Avg
+$2,467
vs National
$-2,468
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $59,222, which is $2,467 above the Texas state average of $56,755. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $39,744 at the 10th percentile to $96,960 at the 90th percentile — a $57,216 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,320. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,320 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

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

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$64,775
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$61,690
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$56,755
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$54,287
Pop. 1,434,625

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

Education

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

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Houston

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Houston, Texas 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 Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,222, a teacher (k-12) in Houston earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Houston's median teacher (k-12) salary of $59,222 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $56,755. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $59,222 in Houston 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 Houston? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Houston 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.