Secondary School Teacher Salary in the United States
Based on 1.1M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$70,424
$33.86/hr
▲ 4.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$51K – $93K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.1M
workers nationwide
The median Secondary School Teacher salary in the United States is $70,424 annually, equating to approximately $34 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these dedicated educators, with a typical salary range falling between $50,646 and $93,195 per year.
Several factors can influence a Secondary School Teacher's earning potential. These include years of experience, the specific school district and its funding, geographic location (with Washington being a top-paying state at $102,670), and the teacher's level of education or specialized certifications. The overall demand for educators also plays a role in salary negotiations.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,646 |
| 25th percentile | $58,638 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,424 |
| 75th percentile | $82,745 |
| 90th percentile | $93,195 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Secondary School Teacher
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $102,670 | +45.8% | 15K |
| 2 | California | $101,370 | +43.9% | 99K |
| 3 | New York | $97,070 | +37.8% | 71K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $95,260 | +35.3% | 28K |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $92,610 | +31.5% | 5K |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $82,750 | +17.5% | 3K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $82,200 | +16.7% | 38K |
| 8 | Connecticut | $80,970 | +15.0% | 15K |
| 9 | Illinois | $79,990 | +13.6% | 45K |
| 10 | Alaska | $79,650 | +13.1% | 3K |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Industry
How much Secondary School Teachers earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($77,330 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | +9.8% | 2K |
| 2 | Educational Services | $72,170 | +2.5% | 1.1M |
| 3 | Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | -10.1% | 550 |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | -17.8% | 1K |
| 5 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | -27.9% | 870 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Secondary School Teacher
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Secondary School Teacher roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah Chatham County Public School System | $65,512 | 30 |
| 2 | Milwaukee Board Of School Directors | $54,386 | 26 |
| 3 | Denver Public Schools District 1 | $85,217 | 20 |
| 4 | District Of Columbia Public Schools | $65,000 | 18 |
| 5 | Dallas Independent School District | $66,000 | 17 |
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $73,590 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,638 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,424 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $82,745 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $93,195 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Secondary School Teacher in the US?
- The typical salary range for a Secondary School Teacher in the United States is between $50,646 and $93,195 annually. This range reflects the varied compensation levels across different districts and experience tiers.
How much does a Secondary School Teacher make in Washington?
- Secondary School Teachers in Washington earn significantly more than the national median, with an average salary of $102,670 per year. This makes Washington one of the highest-paying states for this profession.
What is the median annual salary for Secondary School Teachers?
- The median annual salary for Secondary School Teachers in the United States is $70,424. This means half of all Secondary School Teachers earn less than this amount, and half earn more.
Is the hourly rate for Secondary School Teachers around $34?
- Yes, the median hourly rate for a Secondary School Teacher in the United States is approximately $34. This is derived from the median annual salary of $70,424, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.