Secondary School Teacher Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 3K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$82,750
$39.78/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
+17.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $128K
3K employed in District of Columbia
Secondary School Teacher salary in District of Columbia averages $82,750 annually, positioning the nation's capital well above typical educator compensation. With approximately 2,800 secondary teachers currently employed in the district, this median reflects competitive wages designed to attract and retain quality educators in an urban setting with a high cost of living.
Secondary School Teacher salary in District of Columbia varies significantly based on experience, educational credentials, and subject matter expertise. Teachers earn between $50,750 and $128,170, with salaries roughly 18% above the national average. Factors influencing compensation include years of service, advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and demand for particular subject areas, particularly in STEM and special education fields.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,750 |
| 25th percentile | $66,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,750 |
| 75th percentile | $102,320 |
| 90th percentile | $128,170 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary 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) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,800 |
| 2023 | $82,120 |
| 2024 | $78,770 |
| 2025 | $82,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,931 |
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 | $76,800 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $82,120 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $78,770 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $82,750 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,931 | $73,982 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,320 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,170 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Secondary School Teacher ($82,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in DC | $105,990 | +28.1% | $50.96/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in DC | $96,580 | +16.7% | $46.43/hr |
| Librarian in DC | $96,550 | +16.7% | $46.42/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in DC | $81,500 | -1.5% | $39.18/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | -2.8% | $38.69/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in DC | $79,900 | -3.4% | $38.41/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | -19.7% | $31.94/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in DC | $82,150 | -0.7% | $39.50/hr |
| Editor in DC | $83,920 | +1.4% | $40.35/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in DC | $80,980 | -2.1% | $38.93/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in DC | $84,530 | +2.2% | $40.64/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in DC | $80,950 | -2.2% | $38.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in Washington DC?
- Secondary school teachers in Washington DC earn a median salary of $82,750 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. This is 17.5% higher than the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for secondary school teachers in DC?
- Secondary school teacher salaries in Washington DC range from $50,750 at the lower end to $128,170 at the upper end, providing substantial earning potential based on experience and qualifications.
How many secondary school teachers work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 2,800 secondary school teachers currently employed in Washington DC, indicating a stable job market in the education sector.
Is teaching in DC better paid than the national average?
- Yes, secondary school teachers in Washington DC earn 17.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $82,750 compared to lower national figures for the same position.