It’s now well-known that in some countries teachers can earn less than garbage collectors. While the disparity is less pronounced in the states, it still exists. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor statistics puts the average yearly salary for a teacher at about $55k. That’s about $4k per month before taxes (assuming this teacher is living in California like me).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of a public school teacher was $55,480 as of May 2010. BLS further breaks down the data by noting that elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $46,860 while middle and high school teachers earned a median salary of $56,270 per year. According to BLS, most public school teachers have a bachelor’s degree in addition to state certification.
Average yearly salary for a teacher
A teacher’s average yearly salary depends on their level of experience, their education, and the subject that they teach. While the average yearly salary for an elementary school teacher is $48,940, higher salaries can be found in urban districts with specialized programs, such as the arts. Though a teacher’s career development is partly based on seniority and pay raises, other career-changing factors include taking on leadership roles or pursuing further education.
Teacher salaries range by state and by degree. What are teacher salaries in your state? How does your salary compare to the national average?
On the more typical end of the spectrum, an elementary school teacher in the US earns just shy of $45,000 a year. The most lucrative teaching position by comparison is a high school economics teacher, with an average annual salary of $64,300.
It’s not surprising that teachers make less money than other professionals. The job itself is thankless, many days are long and grueling, and a great case could be made that it’s harder to do this job well than almost any other. But, in terms of income, teachers have the potential to earn the most. With tenure, a pension, and overtime pay all lining the pockets of a teacher, it’s entirely possible to pull in six figures annually. Of course, those benefits would come at the expense of a cushier lifestyle for younger teachers as they struggle to find their footing, but overall it can be a very rewarding career.
Whether you are a prospective teacher or an individual who wants to learn more about the field, you should have the facts. The best way to get these facts is by using available resources that can help you make an educated decision about becoming a teacher.
In conclusion, it is fair to say that teachers are underpaid. Their high stress levels, 80-hour workweeks, and inadequate salaries certainly do not excuse their behavior towards students. However, these problems must be addressed by the school board and administration before any improvements can be made. It is the duty of the school board to negotiate salary and compensation for their teachers based on experience points and education levels. Governments must also put in place laws that protect teachers from becoming overly stressed. As for parents, they must pay attention to what their children are saying about their teachers (and others). They should stand up for their teachers as a general rule.
