How much does a Teacher make in 2026?
The national median Teacher salary is $63,680 per year. K-12 teachers educate students in core subjects, develop lesson plans, and prepare the next generation for high school, college and careers.
Teacher salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $90,400 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $82,800 | View → |
| New York, NY | $81,500 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $73,200 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $71,300 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $70,000 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $67,500 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $66,200 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $63,000 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $62,400 | View → |
What does a Teacher do?
K-12 teachers educate students in core subjects, develop lesson plans, and prepare the next generation for high school, college and careers.
- Plan and deliver lessons
- Grade assignments
- Meet with parents
- Attend faculty meetings
- Develop curriculum
How to become a Teacher
A bachelor's degree plus state teaching certification is required. Many states also require a master's degree within 5 years.
FAQ — Teacher salary
What is the average Teacher salary in the United States?+
The national median Teacher salary is $63,680 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Teachers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $90,400/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Teacher make?+
Entry-level Teachers typically earn around $58,800 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Teacher job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about average growth of +1% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Teacher?+
A bachelor's degree plus state teaching certification is required. Many states also require a master's degree within 5 years.
Are you being paid fairly?
Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.
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