Teacher / K-12 Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$54,000
national median salary
$40,000 to $70,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$74,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$57,000
Arlington, VA
Lowest Paying
$43,000
Tulsa, OK
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Teacher / K-12 salary in the United States is $54,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $40,000 at the 25th percentile to $70,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $74,000, while Arlington offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. State and district funding levels, subject area specialization, and years of experience on the salary schedule create the widest pay differences.
Teacher / K-12 salary by city
Skills that increase Teacher / K-12 pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Teacher / K-12s based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,560 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,560 per year
≈ +$7,020 per year
≈ +$6,480 per year
≈ +$5,940 per year
≈ +$5,940 per year
≈ +$5,400 per year
≈ +$5,400 per year
≈ +$4,860 per year
What you should know
State and district funding levels, subject area specialization, and years of experience on the salary schedule create the widest pay differences. STEM and special education teachers in high-cost-of-living districts earn the most. National Board Certification adds a stipend in many states.
First-year teachers earn $40,000 to $48,000 depending on state. Teachers with 10 to 15 years and a master's degree reach $55,000 to $65,000. Department Heads and Master Teachers earn $65,000 to $80,000, while Principals and Administrators command $85,000 to $120,000.
Benefits packages including pension plans, health insurance, and summer break add significant non-salary value often worth $15,000 to $25,000. Many teachers supplement income with tutoring, coaching stipends, or summer programs adding $3,000 to $10,000.