High school teachers in the United States earn varying salaries depending on experience, location, and other factors. Here is a summary of typical earnings:
- The average salary for a high school teacher nationwide is approximately $57,000 to $61,000 per year. Indeed reports an average of about $61,219, while ZipRecruiter cites around $57,056 annually as of early 2025
- The median salary is around $65,220, with the top 25% earning upwards of $83,340 and the bottom 25% around $54,290
- Salaries vary significantly by state and city. For example, in Texas, high school teachers earn about $59,500 to $61,000 on average, with starting salaries near $47,500 and top salaries up to $76,880
- Some of the highest-paying states include New York and California, where average salaries can exceed $95,000 annually. In New York City, starting salaries for teachers with a master's degree can be around $75,000
- Top earners in certain cities can make over $85,000 per year, with hourly wages reaching $37 to $41 in high-paying areas like Soledad, CA
- Experienced teachers at the top of their pay scale in some states can earn over $100,000, especially if they take on extra classes
In summary, high school teacher salaries typically range from about $50,000 to over $80,000 annually, with variation based on location, experience, and qualifications.
