Teacher Salaries
Teacher salaries vary according to location, years of experience, and qualifications. Generally, teachers who earn advanced degrees earn more money than those who meet the minimum educational requirements.
According to the latest figures released by the American Federation of Teachers, as outlined in the document "Survey and Analysis of Teacher Salary Trends 2007" (PDF format), the following statistics are notable when it comes to teacher salaries:
Average Teachers Salaries (2007)
| Average Annual Salary | Average Annual Entry-Level Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Public School Teachers | $51,009 | $35,284 |
| Charter School Teachers | $41,106 | $34,817 |
Average Public School Teachers Salaries By State (2007)
| Average Annual Salary | Average Annual Entry-Level Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| TOP 5 | ||
| California | $63,640 | $38,875 |
| Connecticut | $61,039 | $41,497 |
| New Jersey | $59,557 | $44,523 |
| New York | $59,557 | $39,500 |
| Rhode Island | $58,420 | $34,838 |
| WORST 5 | ||
| Missouri | $40,384 | $31,285 |
| Mississippi | $40,182 | $32,141 |
| North Dakota | $38,586 | $27,064 |
| Utah | $37,775 | $28,653 |
| South Dakota | $35,378 | $26,988 |
Top Cities fpr Average Entry-Level BA-Salaries (2007-2008)
| CITY | STATE | Average Entry-Level Salaries | % change from '06-'07 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | New York | NY | $45,530 | +16.7% |
| 2. | Los Angeles | CA | $45,637 | +10.8% |
| 3. | Chicago | IL | $42,021 | +12.5% |
| 4. | Houston | TX | $42,745 | +22.1% |
| 5. | Philadelphia | PA | $39,914 | +11% |
| 6. | San Diego | CA | $39,412 | +14.2% |
| 7. | Detroit | MI | $38,680 | +6.6% |
| 8. | Dallas | TX | $43,500 | +13% |
| 9. | Phoenix | AZ | $36,947 | +12.2% |
| 10. | San Antonio | TX | $41,525 | +8.7% |
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics is another valuable source of data and information regarding teachers' salaries and job outlook.
Average National Wage Estimates By Occupation (May 2009)
| Occupation | Average Annual National Wage |
|---|---|
| Teachers Assistant | $24,280 |
| Preschool Teachers | $27,450 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | $50,380 |
| Adult Literacy, Remedial Education, and GED Teachers | $50,390 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $53,150 |
| Middle School Teachers | $53,550 |
| Special Education Teachers (Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary School) | $53,770 |
| Special Education Teacher (Middle School) | $54,750 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $55,150 |
| Special Education Teachers (Secondary School) | $56,420 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $74,330 |
How to Increase Your Own Salary as a Teacher
There are many things that you can do as a teacher to increase the overall pay that you take home.
- Take Additional Courses – Many school systems will increase teacher salaries for every 15 additional credit hours earned. It's in your own best interest to take a additional classes and bump up your overall pay. In addition, many school districts will even reimburse teachers for the cost of additional coursework, which further increases the motivation to pursue additional learning opportunities.
- Lead an Extracurricular Activity – Most school districts will also pay teachers extra money to coach a sport or take on an extracurricular activity, such as running the yearbook or facilitating a robotics club.
- Consider Teaching in an Urban Area – According to the American Federation of Teachers, the maximum salaries of qualified and competent teachers in large cities can actually exceed $90,000.
- Tutor – Consider tutoring students in math, reading, or writing, as a way of earning some extra money. While this does not count toward your actual salary, it would certainly be a bonus to the money you're earning currently.
Be an Advocate for Increased Teacher Salaries
Each and teacher can make a difference in the future of teacher salaries by taking his or her profession seriously. Become your own advocate by attending board meetings and volunteering with your local American Federation of Teachers or National Education Association organization.
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