High School Teacher Salary in 2026
High school teachers educate students in specific subjects, develop lesson plans, and assess student progress. They prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Median Salary
$65,000
$5,417/mo
Entry Level
$41,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$80,000
experienced
Job Growth
+1%
10-yr outlook
High School Teacher Overview
High school teachers educate students in specific subjects, develop lesson plans, and assess student progress. They prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
1.1M
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$31.25/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,417
High School Teacher Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated High School Teacher salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated High School Teacher Salary
$67,000
$5,583/month · $2,577/biweekly · $32.21/hr
High School Teacher Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the High School Teacher field.
Entry-level High School Teachers earn around $41,000, while the top 10% earn $89,000 or more.
Top Paying States for High School Teachers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $75,000 | +$10,000 |
| Illinois | $68,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for High School Teachers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $73,000 | +$8,000 |
| Chicago | $68,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $66,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
High School Teacher Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a High School Teacher from entry level to expert.
$41,000
0-2 years
$61,000
3-7 years
$80,000
8-14 years
$98,000
15+ years
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High School Teacher Salary FAQ
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