As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $53,548 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Public School Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public School Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Public School Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Public School Teacher | $50,901 |
| Intermediate Level Public School Teacher | $51,142 |
| Senior Level Public School Teacher | $54,060 |
| Specialist Level Public School Teacher | $56,926 |
| Expert Level Public School Teacher | $57,131 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Public School Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.13% |
| Special Education | 5.55% |
| Physical Education | 2.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$56,761 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$56,225 |
5%
|
|
Physical Education
|
$55,154 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$54,619 |
2%
|
|
Coaching
|
$54,619 |
2%
|
|
Dedication
|
$54,619 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public School Teachers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Public School Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,827 and $60,665).
Public School Teacher Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 45.4% |
| Masters | 46.3% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how a Public School Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026
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A Public School Teacher's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Public School Teacher earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Public School Teacher is $67,540.
The highest pay for Public School Teacher is $66,652.
The lowest pay for Public School Teacher is $38,148.
Prepares lesson plans and instructs students in an assigned school. Develops and implements grade appropriate course work, activities, and assessments to meet the academic needs of children in a grade K-12 classroom setting. Monitors and guides classroom behavior and resolves classroom issues and conflicts. Evaluates and monitors students' performance and progress. Participates in development and implementation of Individual Education Plans for specific students. Requires a bachelor's degree. Requires Teaching License. Typically requires Basic Life Support (BLS). Typically reports to a principal. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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