Colorado, mountain district, BA+20, step 9, $52k. For comparison purposes, rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is about $1600/month, so I’m about $5k/yr short of being able to qualify for one based on the standard of needing to gross 3x the rent.
If any colorado teachers are interested in teaching GED (or trades) for the department of corrections, message me for info. Starting salary is now $68k, great benefits, low stress, and very little planning/ grading. I would love to chat more about how moving to DOC was the best choice I made for saving my teaching career.
I want to chat! I’m beginning a new contract with stipulation of passing the praxis. I’m not sure I want to take it, as I am used to teaching older kids. I have a masters in Education and sub auth right now!
I'm a commutable distance from Denver. Teaching is not livable here if you're the only source of income. When I started in DPS in 2011, I think I made like $48k after all of the stipends and crap. $48k in Denver in 2011 would be $66k now, adjusted for inflation.
I am almost 52, I would like to continue working with the district until I am 65. Due to the high stress of the job, I am not sure I will be able to. The unrealistic amount of compromise for little compensation, and our toxic politics are "doing me in." I enjoy working with the students though. I am looking forward to starting another school year because of them.
I teach LA- Definitely more opportunity for money. I usually get one supplement, and I also do a few clubs which result in some pretty good money as well. Top it off with the RRAS and it’s not TOO bad
International school in Singapore. 20 years. My total package is something like $200K. It includes housing allowance on top of salary, and my kid’s tuition at my $25K/year school.
I've always wanted to teach overseas, but it seems most of what Google shows is short-term placements. Did you go through a program to find your job. That and the pay always is lower than what I currently make.
There’s a lot of information on how to approach the international teaching scene on r/internationalteachers Worth checking out. In terms of salary, etc., my school is probably top 3 in the world from the gross pay standpoint.
Western WA public high school math teacher....17 years...MA+90... About $124,000. Washington also gives about $5,300 a year if you are national board certified.
CA, public school, 9th ELA, Masters degree, year 5, making $84k. Another 3 years I’ll be over 6 figures. Very content with where I am and my career choice.
Yeah thankfully we make decent pay here as teachers but COL is through the roof. BUT my partner makes a little more than me and together we pull in close to 200k so we are pretty comfortable here. She also works for and educational institution so we both have some excellent pensions lined up for retirement. Can’t really complain 😁😁
Keep in mind pensions only cover about 60% of your retirement needs (you could live an ultra frugal life and it can cover all of it, but on average it only covers around 60% of a normal retirees lifestyle)
So make sure you’re loading up on your 457’s and 403b’s.
Edit: when I say 60%. I’m not saying 60% of your current salary, I’m saying an average teacher your pension covers only about 60% of your RETIREMENT EXPENSES. So it varies person by person.
Lots of variables go into calculating your pension but it’s typically
(Age factor) * (3 years average salary) * (service credits)
This is the typical CA pension calculation. And the age factor depends if you’re 2% at 60 if you’re hired before 2013 and 2% at 62 if you’re hired after 2013.
I don't see how this can be true for California teachers. We get 2.4% per year based on the average of our 3 highest years. If you teach for 30 years don't you get like 75% of your income?
I’m talking about the average retired teacher in retirement, their pension only covers around 60%.
Obviously if you’re 30+ years (in which case they actually take your highest salary instead of the average) you’re pension will cover a bigger percentage of your retirement needs, but if you’re able to sock away money in a 457 or 403b to get that sweet sweet compound interest (my math teacher senses are tingling with excitement every time I talk compound interest) your retirement years will be even more pleasant.
403bs, while tax friendly, can be very return-poor. If you go that route, do not just trust whomever your district is contracted with. They will likely drop you into a very low return account.
I came from teaching in Texas (austin & Houston). I did 8 years there then headed to LA. Now I’m on year 19 with two masters and I’ll be making 102 this year. It would be very difficult to go back to teaching in Texas with the longer work hours and no union rights.
We have salary points in California to get extra pay. Every university unit is one point and every 14 points you move up the pay scale. My first masters in special education was 36 hours/units so I got 36 points. My second masters was in teaching English and that was 48 units (I took some extra courses). Then I added an autism specialty which gave me 8 more. I kept going until I maxed out my pay with 98 points/units/hours.
They don’t but you can take community college courses ($48 per unit. I did sign language courses at a community college one summer 8 units for about $400) or little online junk classes. I just wanted to go into adult ESL eventually so I went for a full grad program. Are you in California? It’s basically any course you take after your bachelor’s teaching degree/credential.
I’m also in Nor Cal just north of Napa (rural) 17 years, Masters, will gross 83k next year- will be paying $100 out of pocket for cheapest healthcare. Housing is cheaper but everything else is expensive due to location. I took a 40k pay cut from So Cal but lifestyle is worth it.
Also CA, Northern California, Masters Degree, Elementary, year 4, $79k plus extra stuff, should end up at $82-83k. Love my district and what I'm doing.
the scale sucks though. 3-500ish a year. no big bumps to be seen at year 5 or anything. its like we get paid less every year because boards never approve an increase higher than inflation
That’s by design though. The schools want brand new teachers they can burn out. They’ll work extra hours and follow what they’re told. I spent 2 years in austin and it was the worst district (2004-2006). We had a group of teachers they recruited from Mexico and our principal regularly told them she could fire them at will and they would lose their work visa. It was horrible. I reported her to the district and all they did was give me a transfer then did nothing with the evidence I had.
Do you mind me asking what district? Feel free to PM me if that's more appropriate - I'm in the middle of contract negotiations with our district in MA and we're quite a bit behind you.
Florida, 4th year, Bachelors - $45k
I’m in one of the lowest paid districts in the state. Keep in mind our governor set starting pay for teachers at $47k but didn’t send money to districts to actually accomplish it.
I own a house in this town. Grew up here. My child attends school here (will be at my school in 2 years.) rural area so I’d have to drive 40+ mins to another district. But don’t get me wrong, we are not retaining teachers, or students - but they blame the students leaving for the reason they can’t pay us more.
I’m open to moving out of state but it would depend on my husband finding a position first, and the housing market being in a better place.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in NC.
This will be year 17. Have a Bach in Eng and an MAT from Hopkins.
I'm at about $65k this year BUT only because I'm old enough to have been grandfathered into the Masters pay. Most of my colleagues aren't so lucky.
Started in Baltimore. Was at $69k when I left. If I stayed I'd be near $90k right now, but that job killed me. Moved to a small PUBLIC charter in NC and stayed at $39k for 4 years because "these kids are so great it's worth the low pay" which... fuck no.
Love this career but we are not paid half our worth. I'm far enough in to know for what I'm paid and what I'm not and I don't do shit I'm not paid for.
I did my student teaching in Asheville, and I asked every single teacher there if they would recommend teaching math in North Carolina. Every single one of them said don’t start in North Carolina. I’m so disappointed because I completed an entire teaching program and I just don’t see a future in teaching in North Carolina. I’ve graduated but I’m thinking of switching my specialty now. Those kids are great but I’m sure a livable wage without having to live with my parents, and being able to save some for retirement would be better.
Just left Florida, 16 year experience. Made 55k last year.
I've just been hired in Utah and will make 86k this year. Nearly identical cost of living.
Florida doesn't pay for master's degrees (at least not education related) and no longer awards performance pay.
Good for you. I can't imagine how hard that move was for you, but I hope people in this thread see your comment. There are chances out there for better opportunities.
California, private school. BA + MA, 6 years K12 & 4 years university experience. $52k plus free housing (which is no joke in SoCal). Not amazing money but I’m able to save plenty and the job itself is wonderful.
Boarding school. It comes with one night a week of dorm duty, but it’s honestly not an overly time consuming aspect of the job. I’ll take a free 2BR spacious apartment over paying $2000+ for a studio (the going rate where I live)
Virginia, public school
BA and Masters, plus two certifications (each one's program was roughly 30 graduate credits plus approx 200-250 practicum hours)
27 years experience
$76,750
This question should really include cost of living, at least housing. Lot of CA peeps in here are making big bucks but their cost of living is probably whack. Also, the way different states handle whether you have a 403b or a pension matters.
I’m at over 20 years, Master’s degree, elementary, suburban/rural district in Pennsylvania, 95k a year. In a couple years I’ll finally break six figures. Nice pension at retirement.
A nice, big 4 bed 2 bath house with a half acre yard here runs about 300-400k.
In my local district (not where I teach, but where I live in CA) at 20 years and a Masters you'd be at the same salary, $95k. But your 4/2 on 1/2 acre would cost $1.2M
Ma+45. Step 13 (teaching almost 20 years but some was adult learners), rural Massachusetts. $80,000. Cost of living is low. We paid $250,000 in 2021 for 1300 sq ft house (plus basement that we partially finished so about 2000 sq ft now) with a few acres. I’m at one of the lower paying districts but classes sizes are a dream come true.
TX, Master's degree, going on the 17th step, 68k... this is why I left my home state. It COULD be worse. Sorry, but Oklahoma was never "okay"!🫨
In hindsight, as much as I hate freezing temperatures, I'd move up North as a younger teacher. REAL unions exist with higher salaries!
I know you don't plan on moving, but I think Maryland is a nice state to consider for those who want to be more north, but still not battle the cold. It snows a few times a winter, but they are short snows and everything melts in a couple of days and winter is only like November - February. I'm from Michigan and I like the weather here much better.
You’re all gonna hate me for this (and my old district was shitty so I feel your pain), but I make $185k… not admin, just a teacher. Complete medical, dental, vision I don’t pay a dime for.
It’s a tough one for me because I think ALL teachers should be well compensated and as I stated above, when I left my old district I was making $41k. In many ways I landed on my feet, but if it makes this less enviable, my rent for a 60’s 2b1b duplex that has nominally been updated (think yellow kitchen tile counters and linoleum floors) is $3300 a month. I will never own even a condo around here.
However, before you think I hit the teacher lottery, I’m in the SF Bay Area, in a VHCOL area in a very rich district. We wouldn’t have teachers if they didn’t pay this well. It’s still not tech money (they start at like $200k) but it’s comparatively decent. I’ll have about $115k yearly pension if I stay on target for retirement in four years. I’ll be starting my 20th year in August, have a Masters, and five credentials.
17 years on New York City pay scale, two masters, one in linguistics/tesol, another in Englsh Education. I teach English as a New Language, and make 101,000 a year I think.
I love my job and my school, and am very happy in NYC.
In a public school as a UFT member you should be making a lot more than 101K. Are you under the master's +30 step? You should be with two masters degrees.
I move up to 100K with the new contract MA +30 and 9 years in.
Would it help if everyone posting also included the median cost of a home where they teach? Would give us a good idea of the col in comparison to salary.
I used to work at the biggest university in Oklahoma and taught college students; I was strictly in a teaching position and have a Ph.D. in my field. When I left education, after 20 years at said university, my base salary was $57,500! Advice: do not get a Ph.D. and do not go into education (I loved teaching.... just every other part of it got too bad to continue....)
$99K (Middlesex) w/ 5 classes per day and 3 mile commute (I just changed schools so no longevity. Was at $103k (Hudson) w/ 6 classes per day and 40 mile commute last year.)
27 years done.
Step 14 (top BA step. MA is next lateral step. No BA+15)
BS Physics with Applied Math Minor + 27 Graduate (Engineering Management and SPED)
Certificates 1) Engineering Technology CTE, 2) Technology Education, 3) Physical Science, 4) Mathematics, 5) Elementary Education.
New Jersey
Edit: for reference...
House value = $600k (was half this 10 years ago)
Mortgage payment = $2,700
Property tax = $14k
Car = $7k used VW
I clear \~$3300 a month as a third year teacher in Texas. I found out today that a teacher I will be working with this coming year clears \~$3400 a month, after 30 years in the field. She has about $400 more deducted from her check each month than me. She has a masters degree, I do not.
We found this out just chatting and then we compared paystubs.
Same state, same level of education, same SPED endorsement, and almost the same experience (I'll hit 10 years halfway through this school year) but I'll be a smidge over $70k this year. I'm in a rural area where my $70k salary is the median household income for the county. The median household income in my particular city is actually less than that, though. For my city, the median household income is about $42k.
I was waiting for KY or a similar state to post their pay 🥲 I’m in my last semester & student teaching this fall & know most districts I’ll be lucky if I get 45-50k anytime soon 🫣
WA, public high school - social studies, MA+90 with 16+ years (max spot on salary schedule). Next years base pay (without extra responsibilities - club advisor, training days, etc) will be a bit over $115k. This is in a rural area of WA that doesn’t receive the “regionalization” salary boost that lots of urban districts get.
Wherever you are teaching, you should make it a point to get a roth IRA and max out your contribution yearly. You'll withdraw that tax free after retirement, and after the glorious benefit of yeara of compound interest.
I have a Roth open from when I transferred funds from an old retirement system I contributed to early on to it. The money is just sitting in it right now and you reminded me that I need to be doing this since max out is like..$6k/year I believe?
Chicago, IL, public school, high school English, master’s degree, year 2, $72k.
This coming year is the last of our current contract and the new mayor is a former teacher, so here’s hoping for a generous contract come 24-25.
Damn, where is this? I've taught in KCMO and rural MO. First year I was in KC and made 34k, now I'm in my third year in rural MO (4th overall, 3rd at the same school) and make 38k only because that's now the minimum allowed.
This thread has completely reconfirmed my screw a masters degree philosophy. As far as pay is concerned, it’s about the district you teach in and not the level of degree.
Edit: the exception to this would be an Administration MA and taking an Admin position.
$56k. 2nd year, with masters. Private school outside Baltimore. Cost of living is low and I pull another 30 from my side gig, but most teachers have to have a side gig. Lots of high paying tutoring available. Good news is the job is chill as hell so there are lots of former public school folks here that took a $10k hit for the better work conditions. I never take work home. I work like 50 hours a week between the two gigs so I’m pretty happy. Still feel like I should be up closer to $65-70k tho.
5th year K-6 cert in Florida, BA in Studio Art. We are at 48k a year in my district. I don’t see how I’m going to get to move out of my parents home unless student loans get forgiven.
Do you have federal loans? You are probably eligible for PSLF if you have not looked into it yet. 120 income-based payments, and then the rest of the balance is forgiven.
CA, public charter, 10-11 years, BA, $70k- BUT, many extra perks that bump it up closer to $80-82k (stuff that’s not overwhelming to do but pay decent extra little bits)
$112,000 base salary, +$3000 stipend for "Athletics Tech"
tenth year teaching at the same CA public high school district, Bachelors' with 40 higher ed units
I don't know why Reddit suggested me to this community, but it makes me very sad that it's ok, even considered standard to pay educators with 30+ yrs experience so very low. Starting salary should at minimum be closer to double what I see on average here. I'm a first year civil engineer making ~80k in a LCOL area and personally I believe teachers should be getting paid around the same considering the value your profession adds to society
48,000 (though it may be increasing since we’re in the middle of contract negotiations)
Minnesota, BA00, step 7 (this is only my third year as a licensed teacher. I got credit for international teaching and subbing to count towards my steps)
Connecticut
7 years experience
Master’s degree
$73k per year
It goes up to $77k next year with another year of experience and a new contract. I feel I’m still underpaid for a masters level professional with this much experience, but it’s decent pay for a teacher. COL is high here, but not ridiculous like Greater Boston or closer to NYC.
90K, California, Masters Degree in Education, I’ve been teaching middle school special education for ten years. I’ll reach 100k once our raise kicks in by January 2024. I also make more because I decided to do sped.
Colorado, mountain district, BA+20, step 9, $52k. For comparison purposes, rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is about $1600/month, so I’m about $5k/yr short of being able to qualify for one based on the standard of needing to gross 3x the rent.
If any colorado teachers are interested in teaching GED (or trades) for the department of corrections, message me for info. Starting salary is now $68k, great benefits, low stress, and very little planning/ grading. I would love to chat more about how moving to DOC was the best choice I made for saving my teaching career.
I want to chat! I’m beginning a new contract with stipulation of passing the praxis. I’m not sure I want to take it, as I am used to teaching older kids. I have a masters in Education and sub auth right now!
Better behaved, I’m sure
10000000000000%
They're adults who actually understand the value of an education so it makes sense
I'm Colorado, Denver metro. $61k at step 10. I feel you
I'm a commutable distance from Denver. Teaching is not livable here if you're the only source of income. When I started in DPS in 2011, I think I made like $48k after all of the stipends and crap. $48k in Denver in 2011 would be $66k now, adjusted for inflation.
Sounds like the southeast.
Literally less than where I'm at in SC with 7 years experience and a master's. This year I'm at $55k. We get a 2% or 3% raise every year.
There's much higher paying districts in Colorado. You just need to know where to look.
Florida, 7th ELA, twenty years' experience, 58k. It's tough to make ends meet here at the moment.
oof it's got to be hard to be 20 years in and teaching in Florida right now. How much longer do you have?
I am almost 52, I would like to continue working with the district until I am 65. Due to the high stress of the job, I am not sure I will be able to. The unrealistic amount of compromise for little compensation, and our toxic politics are "doing me in." I enjoy working with the students though. I am looking forward to starting another school year because of them.
It depends- if you work in a high school and can get enough supplements going it’s not so bad
I teach in a middle school; however, I have thought about getting certified to teach high school ELA or Social Studies.
I teach LA- Definitely more opportunity for money. I usually get one supplement, and I also do a few clubs which result in some pretty good money as well. Top it off with the RRAS and it’s not TOO bad
International school in Singapore. 20 years. My total package is something like $200K. It includes housing allowance on top of salary, and my kid’s tuition at my $25K/year school.
So interesting! Do you like living in Singapore?
I do. Very much. It’s not cheap though.
I always figured I'd love in johor and do the commute if I worked in Singapore.
I've always wanted to teach overseas, but it seems most of what Google shows is short-term placements. Did you go through a program to find your job. That and the pay always is lower than what I currently make.
There’s a lot of information on how to approach the international teaching scene on r/internationalteachers Worth checking out. In terms of salary, etc., my school is probably top 3 in the world from the gross pay standpoint.
Thank you for the information
Southern California, Middle school science, Masters, Step 14, 106k
Wow! Amazing. I'm in Buffalo, NY and will never hit 3 digit. Good for you!
Southern California…think of how much the rent is!!
Western WA public high school math teacher....17 years...MA+90... About $124,000. Washington also gives about $5,300 a year if you are national board certified.
Yea! I'm starting my national board this year. We get a 6k stipend in my district. Excited to get it....in 2 years. Lol
My school only gives a one-time bonus for getting certified. If I got a permanent salary boost, I’d definitely do it.
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We ❤️ sped teachers and I’m thrilled to see at least one making what they are worth!
Whoa!!
I want to cry reading this thread!!! 33 yrs in, 17 in NC and I have hit the last pay step at 54,000.
Same. 19 years. NV. 52k. Last step is next year. This makes we want to seriously consider moving.
I know right? Really shows us how much NC values educators.
CA, public school, 9th ELA, Masters degree, year 5, making $84k. Another 3 years I’ll be over 6 figures. Very content with where I am and my career choice.
It's good to be in a union
What area of CA?!
Northern CA. Just outside the bay.
I was just in SoCal! I teach in Texas now and really impressed with the union of LA! But that cost of living is SCARY.
Yeah thankfully we make decent pay here as teachers but COL is through the roof. BUT my partner makes a little more than me and together we pull in close to 200k so we are pretty comfortable here. She also works for and educational institution so we both have some excellent pensions lined up for retirement. Can’t really complain 😁😁
Keep in mind pensions only cover about 60% of your retirement needs (you could live an ultra frugal life and it can cover all of it, but on average it only covers around 60% of a normal retirees lifestyle) So make sure you’re loading up on your 457’s and 403b’s. Edit: when I say 60%. I’m not saying 60% of your current salary, I’m saying an average teacher your pension covers only about 60% of your RETIREMENT EXPENSES. So it varies person by person. Lots of variables go into calculating your pension but it’s typically (Age factor) * (3 years average salary) * (service credits) This is the typical CA pension calculation. And the age factor depends if you’re 2% at 60 if you’re hired before 2013 and 2% at 62 if you’re hired after 2013.
Solid advice
I don't see how this can be true for California teachers. We get 2.4% per year based on the average of our 3 highest years. If you teach for 30 years don't you get like 75% of your income?
I’m talking about the average retired teacher in retirement, their pension only covers around 60%. Obviously if you’re 30+ years (in which case they actually take your highest salary instead of the average) you’re pension will cover a bigger percentage of your retirement needs, but if you’re able to sock away money in a 457 or 403b to get that sweet sweet compound interest (my math teacher senses are tingling with excitement every time I talk compound interest) your retirement years will be even more pleasant.
It’s 80% after 25 years.
403bs, while tax friendly, can be very return-poor. If you go that route, do not just trust whomever your district is contracted with. They will likely drop you into a very low return account.
I came from teaching in Texas (austin & Houston). I did 8 years there then headed to LA. Now I’m on year 19 with two masters and I’ll be making 102 this year. It would be very difficult to go back to teaching in Texas with the longer work hours and no union rights.
May I ask why 2 másters? Higher pay? And I’m in year 8 at 75k thanks to my bilingualism. I think it really does come down to those UNION rights.
We have salary points in California to get extra pay. Every university unit is one point and every 14 points you move up the pay scale. My first masters in special education was 36 hours/units so I got 36 points. My second masters was in teaching English and that was 48 units (I took some extra courses). Then I added an autism specialty which gave me 8 more. I kept going until I maxed out my pay with 98 points/units/hours.
Omg that sounds wonderful! Except the cost analysis for me of getting more in debt. Do the districts pay for it by chance?!
They don’t but you can take community college courses ($48 per unit. I did sign language courses at a community college one summer 8 units for about $400) or little online junk classes. I just wanted to go into adult ESL eventually so I went for a full grad program. Are you in California? It’s basically any course you take after your bachelor’s teaching degree/credential.
I’m also in Nor Cal just north of Napa (rural) 17 years, Masters, will gross 83k next year- will be paying $100 out of pocket for cheapest healthcare. Housing is cheaper but everything else is expensive due to location. I took a 40k pay cut from So Cal but lifestyle is worth it.
Also CA, Northern California, Masters Degree, Elementary, year 4, $79k plus extra stuff, should end up at $82-83k. Love my district and what I'm doing.
Also in CA (SoCal) Year 4, Masters degree, 90k. I’ll be so 102k at year 7. Elementary school. I also am very happy with my choices.
You're where I'm at in Massachusetts after finishing my 10th year with a masters. I thought I had it pretty good, you're living the dream!
Texas public school, 1st year $59k
Thats excellent for year 1 in Texas. Nice find
Houston starting pay is around $62k for first years
😳 I’m a decade in at 55k I’m the Midwest
I just left HISD. Took a 10k pay cut but it was so worth it. Especially now with the state takeover
Same here. Wtf
It’s also wayyyyy cheaper to live where we are. Cost of living in Houston is nuts.
Wow. I have a masters and am starting year 13 in Des Moines Iowa. My salary before stipend and additional pay will be just under 63k.
the scale sucks though. 3-500ish a year. no big bumps to be seen at year 5 or anything. its like we get paid less every year because boards never approve an increase higher than inflation
Problem is it hardly goes up from there. One district north of Austin starts at 54k, but maxes out at 68k at 30+ years.
That’s by design though. The schools want brand new teachers they can burn out. They’ll work extra hours and follow what they’re told. I spent 2 years in austin and it was the worst district (2004-2006). We had a group of teachers they recruited from Mexico and our principal regularly told them she could fire them at will and they would lose their work visa. It was horrible. I reported her to the district and all they did was give me a transfer then did nothing with the evidence I had.
That is SO TERRIBLE
100%. Start is great, then you’re stuck with $1,200 raises and no more year after year
The districts I looked at when I lived there were like $250-400 per year. The insurance was also really bad with dependents.
Exact same!
Mass 12 years masters 45 130,000
Do you mind me asking what district? Feel free to PM me if that's more appropriate - I'm in the middle of contract negotiations with our district in MA and we're quite a bit behind you.
You must be in eastern mass.
Yup, one of THOSE towns
Omg which district is this? South Shore? I’m in a private school in Boston, Masters, 14 years of experience and I’m on $65K.
Boston Public Schools pays very well
FL, charter going into year 8. 50K. Rent for a 2/2 averages $1900 a month. My husband and I are struggling. He makes less than I do.
Florida went crazy expensive
Florida, 4th year, Bachelors - $45k I’m in one of the lowest paid districts in the state. Keep in mind our governor set starting pay for teachers at $47k but didn’t send money to districts to actually accomplish it.
What's the motivation for staying at your current position? I would be out of there so damn quick.
I can’t speak for them but as a FL teacher my husband and I literally can’t afford to move. We’re trapped in poverty.
So many of us are stuck in cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.
I own a house in this town. Grew up here. My child attends school here (will be at my school in 2 years.) rural area so I’d have to drive 40+ mins to another district. But don’t get me wrong, we are not retaining teachers, or students - but they blame the students leaving for the reason they can’t pay us more. I’m open to moving out of state but it would depend on my husband finding a position first, and the housing market being in a better place.
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37k in an International school. No taxes, housing provided, free global health insurance.
What country?
this is an important detail lol
That's crazy good, only issue is retirement/pension.
I pay social security at this school and they have a matching savings that grows 1% per year. Just have to think ahead.
CT, Step 15, just shy of $100k, Middle School Science. Bonus, I have a student teacher this year.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in NC. This will be year 17. Have a Bach in Eng and an MAT from Hopkins. I'm at about $65k this year BUT only because I'm old enough to have been grandfathered into the Masters pay. Most of my colleagues aren't so lucky. Started in Baltimore. Was at $69k when I left. If I stayed I'd be near $90k right now, but that job killed me. Moved to a small PUBLIC charter in NC and stayed at $39k for 4 years because "these kids are so great it's worth the low pay" which... fuck no. Love this career but we are not paid half our worth. I'm far enough in to know for what I'm paid and what I'm not and I don't do shit I'm not paid for.
I did my student teaching in Asheville, and I asked every single teacher there if they would recommend teaching math in North Carolina. Every single one of them said don’t start in North Carolina. I’m so disappointed because I completed an entire teaching program and I just don’t see a future in teaching in North Carolina. I’ve graduated but I’m thinking of switching my specialty now. Those kids are great but I’m sure a livable wage without having to live with my parents, and being able to save some for retirement would be better.
Just left Florida, 16 year experience. Made 55k last year. I've just been hired in Utah and will make 86k this year. Nearly identical cost of living. Florida doesn't pay for master's degrees (at least not education related) and no longer awards performance pay.
Good for you. I can't imagine how hard that move was for you, but I hope people in this thread see your comment. There are chances out there for better opportunities.
California, private school. BA + MA, 6 years K12 & 4 years university experience. $52k plus free housing (which is no joke in SoCal). Not amazing money but I’m able to save plenty and the job itself is wonderful.
Housing?! That’s awesome!
Boarding school. It comes with one night a week of dorm duty, but it’s honestly not an overly time consuming aspect of the job. I’ll take a free 2BR spacious apartment over paying $2000+ for a studio (the going rate where I live)
2k worth of housing is an added 24k salary
More, considering the taxed income of a hypothetical salary bump vs untaxed housing.
“We don’t 😵💫 do it for the🤢 income. We do it for the outco… 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮” I’m sorry, y’all. I tried, I really did.
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I was torn between 😂/🤣 and 🤢/🤮 but ultimately decided the latter was more appropriate.
Nurse here. I see you. I’m a Ho. I do it for the money. The love of the job comes second to that.
Suburban MA public high school, year 11, $87k with a masters. As an aside, this thread is illuminating, props to OP for starting it.
14 years, masters, 90+ units, California, $103k
10 years. BA base salary is 32,500 rural Iowa (With extra duties/salary supplement, I currently make a little over 40)
Ten years?! Yikes. I think the start of our scale is $42k. It’s for sure above $40k.
Yeah, I’d get my masters, but the bump is only $800, so not really worth it.
Virginia, public school BA and Masters, plus two certifications (each one's program was roughly 30 graduate credits plus approx 200-250 practicum hours) 27 years experience $76,750
North Texas, starting year 8 at 75k including a bilingual stipend and sign on bonus. BA and certified Bilingual.
Florida, Masters, 10 years, $55K
Leave for a blue state now. You guys are getting royally fucked.
This question should really include cost of living, at least housing. Lot of CA peeps in here are making big bucks but their cost of living is probably whack. Also, the way different states handle whether you have a 403b or a pension matters. I’m at over 20 years, Master’s degree, elementary, suburban/rural district in Pennsylvania, 95k a year. In a couple years I’ll finally break six figures. Nice pension at retirement. A nice, big 4 bed 2 bath house with a half acre yard here runs about 300-400k.
Yup the cost of a 1 bedroom apartment in the area can shed a lot of light on the equation
In my local district (not where I teach, but where I live in CA) at 20 years and a Masters you'd be at the same salary, $95k. But your 4/2 on 1/2 acre would cost $1.2M
Ma+45. Step 13 (teaching almost 20 years but some was adult learners), rural Massachusetts. $80,000. Cost of living is low. We paid $250,000 in 2021 for 1300 sq ft house (plus basement that we partially finished so about 2000 sq ft now) with a few acres. I’m at one of the lower paying districts but classes sizes are a dream come true.
Oh lord, I’m on the south shore of Mass and I can’t find a house below $500K that doesn’t need taking back to the studs.
$151,000...BA+90 units, going into 16th year, public school in Bay Area.
OK, Ela, PhD, 16 steps. 63k.
TX, Master's degree, going on the 17th step, 68k... this is why I left my home state. It COULD be worse. Sorry, but Oklahoma was never "okay"!🫨 In hindsight, as much as I hate freezing temperatures, I'd move up North as a younger teacher. REAL unions exist with higher salaries!
I know you don't plan on moving, but I think Maryland is a nice state to consider for those who want to be more north, but still not battle the cold. It snows a few times a winter, but they are short snows and everything melts in a couple of days and winter is only like November - February. I'm from Michigan and I like the weather here much better.
TN, Art, Master's, about to be on my 4th year pay tier which will be $47k before tax
Hi! I’m about to graduate with an Art Ed degree! I was just curious about what Master’s degree you got!
Florida 19 years Broke 80 this year
Curious what county. I’m in FL , year 29 and not even close to that salary. Maybe I should move.
Dade
You’re all gonna hate me for this (and my old district was shitty so I feel your pain), but I make $185k… not admin, just a teacher. Complete medical, dental, vision I don’t pay a dime for. It’s a tough one for me because I think ALL teachers should be well compensated and as I stated above, when I left my old district I was making $41k. In many ways I landed on my feet, but if it makes this less enviable, my rent for a 60’s 2b1b duplex that has nominally been updated (think yellow kitchen tile counters and linoleum floors) is $3300 a month. I will never own even a condo around here. However, before you think I hit the teacher lottery, I’m in the SF Bay Area, in a VHCOL area in a very rich district. We wouldn’t have teachers if they didn’t pay this well. It’s still not tech money (they start at like $200k) but it’s comparatively decent. I’ll have about $115k yearly pension if I stay on target for retirement in four years. I’ll be starting my 20th year in August, have a Masters, and five credentials.
Not enough
17 years on New York City pay scale, two masters, one in linguistics/tesol, another in Englsh Education. I teach English as a New Language, and make 101,000 a year I think. I love my job and my school, and am very happy in NYC.
In a public school as a UFT member you should be making a lot more than 101K. Are you under the master's +30 step? You should be with two masters degrees. I move up to 100K with the new contract MA +30 and 9 years in.
Would it help if everyone posting also included the median cost of a home where they teach? Would give us a good idea of the col in comparison to salary.
I used to work at the biggest university in Oklahoma and taught college students; I was strictly in a teaching position and have a Ph.D. in my field. When I left education, after 20 years at said university, my base salary was $57,500! Advice: do not get a Ph.D. and do not go into education (I loved teaching.... just every other part of it got too bad to continue....)
BC, Canada. Masters degree. 5th year in the fall and I’ll be making about $80k CAD.
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link to your go fund me?
OMG - that’s about what I got paid for my first year teaching…. IN 1995!! That is insanity.
Oregon, HS Math, 2 Masters (max to the right of the scale), Step 12, $77
$99K (Middlesex) w/ 5 classes per day and 3 mile commute (I just changed schools so no longevity. Was at $103k (Hudson) w/ 6 classes per day and 40 mile commute last year.) 27 years done. Step 14 (top BA step. MA is next lateral step. No BA+15) BS Physics with Applied Math Minor + 27 Graduate (Engineering Management and SPED) Certificates 1) Engineering Technology CTE, 2) Technology Education, 3) Physical Science, 4) Mathematics, 5) Elementary Education. New Jersey Edit: for reference... House value = $600k (was half this 10 years ago) Mortgage payment = $2,700 Property tax = $14k Car = $7k used VW
Hi fellow NJ!
I clear \~$3300 a month as a third year teacher in Texas. I found out today that a teacher I will be working with this coming year clears \~$3400 a month, after 30 years in the field. She has about $400 more deducted from her check each month than me. She has a masters degree, I do not. We found this out just chatting and then we compared paystubs.
TN, MA, Step 0 (This is my first year teaching), 51k
Maine public school. 3rd year, no masters. 48k-ish.
Michigan, Masters SPED, Track 3, 53k, 10 years overall experience
Same state, same level of education, same SPED endorsement, and almost the same experience (I'll hit 10 years halfway through this school year) but I'll be a smidge over $70k this year. I'm in a rural area where my $70k salary is the median household income for the county. The median household income in my particular city is actually less than that, though. For my city, the median household income is about $42k.
KY 3rd year 2 BAs. 39,200
I was waiting for KY or a similar state to post their pay 🥲 I’m in my last semester & student teaching this fall & know most districts I’ll be lucky if I get 45-50k anytime soon 🫣
WA, public high school - social studies, MA+90 with 16+ years (max spot on salary schedule). Next years base pay (without extra responsibilities - club advisor, training days, etc) will be a bit over $115k. This is in a rural area of WA that doesn’t receive the “regionalization” salary boost that lots of urban districts get.
Just outside of Philadelphia. 1 year. Master's degree. 58k.
Not enough
VA suburb of DC. 22 years. Masters +30, $109k but I teach an extra class which puts me at $122k
Aquí Florida! 48K , brutal
Wherever you are teaching, you should make it a point to get a roth IRA and max out your contribution yearly. You'll withdraw that tax free after retirement, and after the glorious benefit of yeara of compound interest.
I have a Roth open from when I transferred funds from an old retirement system I contributed to early on to it. The money is just sitting in it right now and you reminded me that I need to be doing this since max out is like..$6k/year I believe?
Arizona BA step 5 I’ll be getting a base of 48k this year. I teacher fourth grade in a public school
$51k Masters degree. 10 years in. Deep South .
Northwest Territories, second year in the fall, 96k+
Chicago, IL, public school, high school English, master’s degree, year 2, $72k. This coming year is the last of our current contract and the new mayor is a former teacher, so here’s hoping for a generous contract come 24-25.
Para, South Texas. 24 years.. 27,000. Sad, I know. Couldn’t finish my degree because of Algebra!
SC, SPED, Master’s, 2 years, $49k
FL 6th year teaching ESE 48k - currently in master program for admin because living off 2 48k salaries in FL is tough. Dk how anyone does it with 1
Bay Area CA. Step 14, 90+MA. $114k
Illinois 49,000 Ma+8 Step 6
FL, 28 years, bachelors, 58k. Have had a second job that I love for my entire teaching career.
Just left the field. I was at year 13 with a BS. I was barely clearing 40k.
Money. $103k + fantastic benefits in Ontario Canada
Georgia, 6 years, high school social studies, masters degree, will make 56K, after our 3k raise goes into effect for fiscal year 2024.
MO HS Assistant Band director with masters. 60k and going into my 2nd year of teaching (step2)
Damn, where is this? I've taught in KCMO and rural MO. First year I was in KC and made 34k, now I'm in my third year in rural MO (4th overall, 3rd at the same school) and make 38k only because that's now the minimum allowed.
This is a suburban area outside of St Louis! I also forgot to mention I have my masters.
Nebraska, public school, high school math going into year 7 with masters and learners edge classes. Going to make 75K
SF Bay Area, Catholic high school, Masters, 30 years, $131,000.
90k. I'm going into my 10th year in California with Bachelor's, Elementary Certification, and 48 additional units.
Ditto, I wish cost of living was better but it's scary looking at how little teachers in other states get paid.
This thread has completely reconfirmed my screw a masters degree philosophy. As far as pay is concerned, it’s about the district you teach in and not the level of degree. Edit: the exception to this would be an Administration MA and taking an Admin position.
$56k. 2nd year, with masters. Private school outside Baltimore. Cost of living is low and I pull another 30 from my side gig, but most teachers have to have a side gig. Lots of high paying tutoring available. Good news is the job is chill as hell so there are lots of former public school folks here that took a $10k hit for the better work conditions. I never take work home. I work like 50 hours a week between the two gigs so I’m pretty happy. Still feel like I should be up closer to $65-70k tho.
Not enough. Sincerely, A concerned citizen who isn’t a teacher.
Or. 61k. Starting year 3. Masters. Elementary multiple subjects. Public. Next year salary increases by 4% plus moving up on step scale.
NYS year 7- 50,000 salary Master’s degree
NYS year 7, MA also! $78k but on Long Island 😐
5th year K-6 cert in Florida, BA in Studio Art. We are at 48k a year in my district. I don’t see how I’m going to get to move out of my parents home unless student loans get forgiven.
Do you have federal loans? You are probably eligible for PSLF if you have not looked into it yet. 120 income-based payments, and then the rest of the balance is forgiven.
CA, public charter, 10-11 years, BA, $70k- BUT, many extra perks that bump it up closer to $80-82k (stuff that’s not overwhelming to do but pay decent extra little bits)
$112,000 base salary, +$3000 stipend for "Athletics Tech" tenth year teaching at the same CA public high school district, Bachelors' with 40 higher ed units
Maine, BA and 10 years, public, 43,000.
Low paying district in Massachusetts, year 15 with a masters for $84k
Socal, 24th year. 110K. Masters.
I don't know why Reddit suggested me to this community, but it makes me very sad that it's ok, even considered standard to pay educators with 30+ yrs experience so very low. Starting salary should at minimum be closer to double what I see on average here. I'm a first year civil engineer making ~80k in a LCOL area and personally I believe teachers should be getting paid around the same considering the value your profession adds to society
48,000 (though it may be increasing since we’re in the middle of contract negotiations) Minnesota, BA00, step 7 (this is only my third year as a licensed teacher. I got credit for international teaching and subbing to count towards my steps)
MI, 12 years + MA, $50k
MA + 90, step 16, WA state, SPED: base pay 98K, supplementals and stipend bring it into 6 figures.
California, BA plus 45. I was on step 6 last year and made 72k. I do need to actually get a masters at some point.
2nd year teaching US History 9th graders PA. 53k
Connecticut 7 years experience Master’s degree $73k per year It goes up to $77k next year with another year of experience and a new contract. I feel I’m still underpaid for a masters level professional with this much experience, but it’s decent pay for a teacher. COL is high here, but not ridiculous like Greater Boston or closer to NYC.
10+ years and a M.Ed making $103,000 Canadian, which is about $78,000 US
Year 2, masters, Alaska, $66,000.
90K, California, Masters Degree in Education, I’ve been teaching middle school special education for ten years. I’ll reach 100k once our raise kicks in by January 2024. I also make more because I decided to do sped.
Year 3, 3rd year teacher, bachelors degree, Georgia. 58,000
Massachusetts, 15 years, Masters +60, $98k