Creative & Education Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Virginia

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Virginia is $64,158 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $61,690.

Median Salary
$64,158
vs National
+$2,468
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

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

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for teacher (k-12) pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $64,158 per year, teacher (k-12)s in Virginia earn $2,468 more than the national median of $61,690.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning teacher (k-12) salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: teacher (k-12)s at the 10th percentile earn $43,056, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,040 — a $61,984 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $81,431.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,680 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,480
+$2,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,680
+$3,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $43,056
25th Percentile $50,752
Median (50th) $64,158
75th Percentile $82,368
90th Percentile $105,040

Teacher (K-12) Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for teacher (k-12)s in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

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

Education

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

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Data shows Teacher (K-12)s who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $31,522 over your career trajectory.

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Virginia? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Virginia is $64,158 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $43,056 (10th percentile) to $105,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,158, a teacher (k-12) in Virginia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for teacher (k-12)s? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level teacher (k-12)s earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $95,680.
How does Virginia compare to other states for teacher (k-12) salary? ▼
The highest paying state for teacher (k-12)s is Hawaii at $104,873. Virginia's median of $64,158 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($64,775) and Rhode Island ($64,775).
What is the entry-level teacher (k-12) salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level teacher (k-12) in Virginia earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,680.
What city in Virginia pays teacher (k-12)s the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for teacher (k-12)s, with a median salary of $81,431. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.