How Much Do Teachers Earn?
One important aspect of deciding to become a teacher is knowing what type of salary you can expect. After all, you aren't going back to school to earn minimum wage, right? Luckily as a teacher you can earn a great salary, and as you build upon your experience and education, you can earn even more.
Determining what salary you can earn as a teacher depends on several factors including:
- Where you are teaching
- What level of education you have
- What type of teacher you become
Current Salary Trends
The American Federation of Teachers report of "Survey and Analysis of Teacher Salary Trends 2007" across the United States lists the average teacher salary as $51,009. Since this is an average, it is unlikely that as a new teacher will make close to the average for a few years. You'll have to make do with your entry-level salary until you gain more experience.
By State
The average salary for teachers also varies significantly by state. The top 3 states are:
- California: $63,640
- Connecticut: $61,039
- New Jersey: $59,730
The three lowest paying states for teacher's salaries are:
- South Dakota: $35,378
- Utah: $37,775
- North Dakota: $38,586
However, when you are considering your potential salary you also need to look at the cost of living in that area. If it costs much less to live in a state (housing costs, food costs, etc.), then a lower salary should not have much of an effect on how you live.
By Type of Teacher
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of (in May 2008) were:
| Preschool | Kindergarten | Elementary | Middle | High School | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Teachers | $23,870 | ranged from $47,100 to $51,180 | |||
| Vocational Educational Teachers | N/A | N/A | N/A | $47,870 | $51,580 |
| Special Education Teachers | $50,020 | $50,810 | $51,340 | ||
For more U.S. Teachers Salaries and Career information, check out:
- Education America
- Employment Spot, which boasts a Teacher Salary Calculator
Do Your Research
Benefits
Schools Offering General Teaching Courses:
Programs:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Added Authorization Certificate (ASDAA)
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies
Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.
Programs:
- B.S. in Early Childhood
- B.S. in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major)
- B.S. in Elementary Education: English
- And more...
Programs:
- BA in Early Childhood Education
Programs:
- BA in Early Childhood Education
Programs:
- Early Childhood Education - Associate in Specialized Business
Matching School Ads
