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
$33.858/hr
▲ 4.5% vs 2024Salary Range
$63K – $128K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.1M
workers nationwide
Secondary School Teacher salary in the United States averages $67,394 annually, according to current labor data. With over 1 million educators in this field, secondary teachers represent a significant portion of the American workforce. Salaries range from $62,570 to $123,250, reflecting considerable variation across different regions and school districts.
Several factors influence Secondary School Teacher salary in the United States, including geographic location, years of experience, and educational credentials. School district funding levels and state budget allocations significantly impact compensation packages. Additionally, subject matter expertise, advanced degrees, and specialized certifications can lead to higher earning potential, while rural districts typically offer lower salaries than urban or suburban counterparts.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,950 |
| 25th percentile | $81,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,424 |
| 75th percentile | $121,100 |
| 90th percentile | $128,410 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $70,424 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make per hour in the United States?
- Secondary school teachers earn a median of $32 per hour in the United States. This hourly rate is based on the median annual salary of $67,394, making it a competitive wage for educators in the country.
What city pays secondary school teachers the most?
- Washington offers the highest teacher salaries, with secondary school teachers earning a median of $99,640 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median and represents one of the best-paying locations for this profession.
What is the salary range for secondary school teachers?
- Secondary school teacher salaries in the United States range from $62,570 to $123,250 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, qualifications, and school district funding levels.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in the US?
- There are approximately 1,072,540 secondary school teachers employed across the United States. This represents a substantial workforce dedicated to educating students in middle and high schools nationwide.