Middle School Teacher Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 2K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$79,900
$38.41/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
+16.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $109K
2K employed in District of Columbia
Middle School Teacher salary in District of Columbia averages $79,900 annually, positioning the nation's capital above typical educator compensation nationwide. With approximately 1,540 middle school teachers employed in the district, this represents a meaningful segment of the local workforce. The median figure reflects competitive compensation compared to national standards, currently running 17% above the national average for this profession.
Several factors influence middle school teacher compensation in the District of Columbia, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific school assignment. The district's cost of living and strong funding mechanisms support higher salary ranges than many comparable regions. Additional considerations include performance evaluations, specialized certifications, and career advancement opportunities within the district's structured pay scale system.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $59,860 |
| 25th percentile | $78,130 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,900 |
| 75th percentile | $96,830 |
| 90th percentile | $108,730 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,710 |
| 2023 | $78,660 |
| 2024 | $78,090 |
| 2025 | $79,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,752 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,710 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $78,660 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $78,090 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $79,900 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,752 | $70,158 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,130 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,730 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Middle School Teacher ($79,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in DC | $105,990 | +32.7% | $50.96/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in DC | $96,580 | +20.9% | $46.43/hr |
| Librarian in DC | $96,550 | +20.8% | $46.42/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in DC | $82,750 | +3.6% | $39.78/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in DC | $81,500 | +2.0% | $39.18/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | +0.7% | $38.69/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | -16.9% | $31.94/hr |
| Pediatrician in DC | $79,240 | -0.8% | $38.10/hr |
| Electrician in DC | $78,970 | -1.2% | $37.97/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in DC | $80,950 | +1.3% | $38.92/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in DC | $80,980 | +1.4% | $38.93/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in DC | $78,770 | -1.4% | $37.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in Washington DC?
- Middle school teachers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $79,900 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is 16.5% higher than the national average for the same position.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in DC?
- The salary range for middle school teachers in Washington DC spans from $59,860 at the lower end to $108,730 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, education, and school district factors.
Is teaching in DC better paid than the national average?
- Yes, middle school teachers in Washington DC earn 16.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $79,900 compared to lower national figures.
How many middle school teachers work in the District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 1,540 middle school teachers currently employed in the District of Columbia.