Secondary School Teacher Salary in Illinois
Based on 45K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$79,990
$38.46/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
+13.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $136K
45K employed in Illinois
Secondary School Teacher salary in Illinois averages $79,990 annually, positioning the state well above the national average at 14% higher. With approximately 44,670 educators working in Illinois secondary schools, the profession represents a significant portion of the state's workforce. Salaries in this field range from $49,020 to $135,960, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence Secondary School Teacher salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, subject matter expertise, and district funding levels. Teachers with advanced degrees or those specializing in high-demand subjects typically earn toward the higher end of the range. Additionally, geographic location within Illinois and the specific school district's resources can meaningfully impact compensation packages and total earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,020 |
| 25th percentile | $62,330 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $79,990 |
| 75th percentile | $104,670 |
| 90th percentile | $135,960 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,050 |
| 2023 | $77,130 |
| 2024 | $77,020 |
| 2025 | $79,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,075 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,050 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $77,130 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $77,020 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $79,990 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,075 | $73,140 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,330 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $79,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,960 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Secondary School Teacher ($79,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | -4.9% | $36.59/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | -4.9% | $36.56/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IL | $75,320 | -5.8% | $36.21/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | -20.0% | $30.78/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | -21.6% | $30.14/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -22.0% | $30.01/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | -44.7% | $21.26/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in IL | $79,930 | -0.1% | $38.43/hr |
| Logistician in IL | $80,100 | +0.1% | $38.51/hr |
| Accountant in IL | $80,230 | +0.3% | $38.57/hr |
| Compliance Officer in IL | $80,550 | +0.7% | $38.73/hr |
| Loan Officer in IL | $79,150 | -1.1% | $38.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in Illinois?
- Secondary school teachers in Illinois earn a median salary of $79,990 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 13.6% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for high school teachers in Illinois?
- Secondary school teacher salaries in Illinois range from $49,020 at the lower end to $135,960 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and school district.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 44,670 secondary school teachers employed across Illinois, making it a significant portion of the state's education workforce.
Is teaching in Illinois paid better than the national average?
- Yes, secondary school teachers in Illinois earn 13.6% more than the national average, with a median salary of $79,990 compared to lower national figures.