High School Teacher Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,201 | |
| Massachusetts | $81,927 | |
| Washington | $78,760 | |
| New York | $78,221 | |
| New Jersey | $76,064 | |
| Connecticut | $75,508 | |
| California | $74,451 | |
| Alaska | $70,802 | |
| National Median | $65,220 |
How to Become a High School Teacher
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation, teaching academic lessons and a range of skills.
Meet the education requirement
Most high school teachers enter the field with bachelor's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the State teaching license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $43,045 and rises toward $95,221 with experience.
High School Teacher salary: common questions
How much does a High School Teacher make an hour?
The median hourly wage for high school teachers is $31.36, which works out to about $65,220 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays high school teachers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for high school teachers at $83,201 per year — 28% above the national median of $65,220.
What is the salary range for high school teachers?
Most high school teachers earn between $43,045 and $95,221 per year. The middle 50% earn $52,828 to $80,873, with a median of $65,220.
Is becoming a High School Teacher a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 1% (slower than average), and the role typically requires bachelor's degree. With a median wage of $65,220 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.