The average teacher salary in Alabama is $52,270. This is significantly higher than the national average, which is $43,720.
The highest paid teachers in Alabama are found in Shelby County, where they earn an average of $62,068. The lowest paid teachers are in Wilcox County at an average of $34,051.
The starting salary for a teacher in Alabama is $36,000.
becoming a teacher
Nowadays, it is possible to become a teacher without having earned a degree. You’ll need to consider how much experience you want to have before going into the classroom and if that fits in with your goals, but there are many ways to get experience as a teacher without having earned an official teaching degree.
Once you’ve decided what kind of experience and education you’d like to add to your resume, take a look at our guide on how long it takes to become a teacher:
Why Become a Teacher?
Becoming a teacher isn’t just about the predictable schedule and summer vacations (did you know that teachers don’t get paid holidays or vacations?). Becoming a teacher is about having a passion for helping others and loving kids. When they truly invest in their career and their “kids” (the term many teachers use to refer to their students), teachers are able to make an incredible impact.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher?
The time it takes to become a teacher depends on three significant variables: your education and professional experience, what you want to teach, and your state’s teaching certification requirements. But as a general rule, it takes at least a bachelor’s degree plus a teaching license to become a teacher. This means you can expect to spend four to five years in school and working towards certification.
Students who attend school full-time to earn a bachelor’s degree may be able to start teaching soon after graduating, assuming they have begun the certification process while still in school. Other students may need to add about a year to the four years it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree to complete the certification or licensing requirements. If a master’s degree is required, another two or so years can be added to the total time it will take to start working as a teacher.
What Can I Teach?
Regardless of the specific subject you instruct, teachers should also have foundational knowledge in education. They should be familiar with different pedagogies and teaching methods. You can learn these things by majoring in education, taking education classes or enrolling in master’s level teacher education, but that’s not the only way. Teachers who didn’t major in education in college can study pedagogy and teaching methods on their path to licensure or even on the job from the more experienced educators they work with.
The most important thing to know is that every student is different, and you should be adaptable enough to acknowledge this and teach in a way that is conducive to the education of all students. Learn more about teaching specific subjects by browsing the links below:
- STEM Education
- Teaching Social Studies
- Teaching English
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Special Education
- Gifted Education
- Teaching Music
- Teaching the Arts
At the most fundamental level, a teacher is expected to be a fount of knowledge: an expert in their field with a thorough understanding of the subjects they instruct. The required depth of knowledge within a particular field differs depending on the subject and grade level you instruct. Typically, a Bachelor’s degree generally suffices to teach elementary school students because at this level you will most likely be covering a variety of subjects. However, if you teach high school, you are more likely to be instructing a single subject and should therefore have a much deeper understanding of that field. Furthermore, many high schools require their teachers to have a Bachelor’s degree in the subject they teach, meaning a biology teacher should major in biology, a history teacher in history, etc. Many teacher examinations test you on these individual subjects. You can also become certified to teach in a specific subject, which will make you more appealing to potential employers especially if you’re certified in a high needs subject. In essence, before you even enter the classroom and learn how to interact with and care for your students, it’s of the utmost importance that you know what you’re teaching.
Here are the various education levels for US learners prior to reaching university:
| Teaching Level | Age Group or Grade Level |
| Early Childhood Education (ECE) | Ages 0-8 |
| Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten | Ages 3-5 |
| Elementary | Ages 4-11, Grades K-5 |
| Middle School | Ages 11-14, Grades 6-8 |
| High School | Ages 14-18, Grades 9-12 |
| Special Education | All Ages & Grades |
In the first three teaching levels above, the students are younger and the curriculum is broader. Therefore, a teacher here would be responsible for instructing across multiple subjects.
Future teachers of middle school and high school levels instead must specialize in a particular area (biology, geography, etc.), as these students’ widening knowledge calls for it.
Special education (as opposed to general education, above) teachers are those who instruct children with various learning disabilities and developmental disorders.
What degree do you need to be a teacher?
Teachers need to earn an accredited bachelor’s degree at the very least. For future elementary school teachers, they usually major in elementary education. For those who will teach older students and higher grade levels, they will generally major in the subject they’ll want to teach.
For example, learning how to become an elementary school teacher, kindergarten teacher, or preschool teacher is easier than understanding how to become a high school teacher. However, as you may remember from earlier, the compensation differs greatly, too.
What degree should I get?
If you know you want to dedicate your career to teaching, you should pick a major that coincides with the level of education or specialty (for higher grade levels) that you are interested in instructing.
What education is needed to become a teacher? Here are some common examples of the education requirements to become a teacher of higher grade levels:
- For how to become a history teacher: bachelor’s degree in education (preferably with a major in history).
- For how to become an English teacher: bachelor’s degree in English (or at least a minor in English).
- For how to become a math teacher: preferably a bachelor’s degree in education with a mathematics concentration.
- For how to become a science teacher: bachelor’s degree in science education (preferably a bachelor’s in the specific scientific field).
Once you know what your professional goals are and where you’d like to work, you can make informed decisions concerning your education options. You will not only be able to identify which degree you should get, but what concentration or major to focus on. Making the wrong decision won’t prevent you from becoming a teacher, but it can increase the time or money it takes to teach your preferred group of students. The following section goes into more detail about the different degree and specialization options available to you.
Bachelor’s Degree in Education & Teaching
For many, a bachelor’s degree in education, teaching, or a similar area will be the standard degree, at least with respect to teaching at primary and secondary levels. In most states, the bachelor’s degree is the basic minimum degree necessary to begin teaching.
What students learn depends on their chosen program and major. However, a bachelor’s degree on its own may not be enough to become a licensed teacher. In addition to the degree, students must complete a teacher preparation program (TPP). Many schools offering education degrees combine the TPP into the bachelor’s degree curriculum. The TPP helps prepare future teachers to present learning materials to students from differing backgrounds and abilities. Discover bachelor’s degree programs in teaching online.
Master’s Degree in Education & Teaching
For many teaching positions, the master’s degree may not be required. When it is required, teachers are allowed to earn their master’s degree at a later date, usually within five years of beginning their job.
Depending on the level and subject matter, the master’s degree can provide additional skills for improved teaching, open the door to potentially higher pay, allow the teaching of a different group of students, or open the avenue of advancement in education, such as in administration. Another reason to earn a master’s degree in education or teaching is to become a teacher in the first place. Many future teachers already have a bachelor’s degree, but not have completed their TPP. The master’s degree program provides this opportunity. Learn more about online master’s degrees in education & teaching.
PhD in Education & Teaching
The PhD is becoming one of the most popular for those seeking an advanced education degree. Unlike the EdD, which focuses on applying existing research, the PhD focuses more on developing new research and theory. The ultimate goal of a PhD program is to prepare graduates for leading roles in research, academia, and teaching at the post-secondary level. Much of the curriculum focuses on teaching skills that are useful for engaging in research that can create new knowledge and innovative theories that practicing teachers can use to improve education. Read more about online PhDs in education & teaching.
Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree
Unlike some of the other teaching degrees, a Doctor of Education Degree is tailored primarily for those who wish to shift from a teaching role to that of an administrator or policymaker. One of the goals of an EdD degree is to teach students how to take research knowledge and apply it to real world situations in education.
When earning an EdD degree, students can focus their learning on research and education issues concerning policy and practice. The courses help prepare graduates for a career that requires a hands-on leadership role in not just educational systems, but professional organizations and government. See if an online EdD program might work for you.
Degrees in Early Childhood Education
A degree in early childhood education is great for anyone looking to teach at the pre-school or kindergarten level. However, most students interested in an early childhood education degree should expect to focus on working with students at the pre-kindergarten level.
This degree is available in every path, from the associate all the way to the doctorate. The curriculum prepares you to help young children with their social and cognitive development, including motor skills and speech. Students graduate ready to help children who range in age from the earliest months to the seven or eight years old. Does an online degree in early childhood education sound right for you?
Degrees in Elementary Education
Commonly available at the bachelor’s degree level, an online degree in elementary education is ideal if you wish to teach at the primary level. This includes teaching students from grades one through six, but may also mean teaching at the kindergarten or middle school levels, as well. During the course of study, elementary education students can expect to take courses that provide a wide range of subject matter material, from math to social studies to reading to art. On top of that, students learn about various teaching methods, strategies, and methods of student assessment. See if an online degree in elementary education makes sense.
Degrees in Secondary Education
Secondary education refers to students at the middle and high schools levels. This means teaching students from roughly the ages of 12 to 18. Due to teaching older students, teachers focused on a degree in secondary education can expect to also focus on a particular subject matter, like science, English, or mathematics. At the master’s level, secondary education programs are usually designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject they would like to teach in. For more, get the inside scoop on hybrid and online degrees in secondary education.
Degrees in Physical Education
Physical education refers to improving, maintaining, and teaching physical fitness and well-being. Many degrees in physical education focus on teaching students from kindergarten through the end of high school. Those interested in teaching primary and secondary school students about staying healthy through sports and an active lifestyle should consider this degree. The curriculum should be similar to other teaching degrees, but also include coursework on physical fitness, learning motor skills, physical disabilities, and sports psychology. Learn about online physical education degrees.
Degrees in Special Education
Special education is a popular subfield that involves helping students who need educational instruction that differs from the typical curriculum. Whether it’s a physical or mental disability, some students need not just extra attention or guidance, but particular teaching techniques that can require additional training and experience. That’s where these special education degrees come in; graduates learn how to identify students with special needs, craft a curriculum to meet those needs, deliver the academic material in a way the student can understand and learn, and provide additional social and behavioral teaching to students who need it. See online special education degree options.
More Education & Teaching Degrees by Subject
In addition to the above areas of educational focus, teachers can also decide to teach a particular academic subject, such as science, history, math, or English. Depending on the level of instruction, this can require special academic training. For example, at the high school or secondary level, many teachers must have majored in the area they would like to teach in. So if you want to teach US history, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in history. Other popular teaching concentrations include music, foreign language, theater, and art.
Get Your Teaching License
Outside of private schools, a teaching certification will be required to teach. Even at private institutions, the school may still want a fully licensed teacher, so having licensure is still important. Becoming certified isn’t that complicated, but each state has its own requirements and many future teachers aren’t sure which state they would like to teach in after graduation.
To give you a broad idea of what you can expect, let’s look at the major components of becoming licensed.
Licensing in Your State
Every state has its own licensure requirements for teachers. Therefore, prospective teachers must check for specifics in their state. However, at a minimum, future teachers must do the following to become licensed:
- Have a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Earn sufficient scores on basic skills and/or subject matter exams, such as the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments or the Praxis Knowledge for Teaching Test.
To learn more about each state’s licensing requirements, please visit Education Commission of the States’ Teacher License Reciprocity: State Profiles page, which has links to each state’s respective teaching licensure requirements.
Licensing Reciprocity/Exchange
Reciprocity refers to a licensed teacher in one state being able to teach in a different state. The purpose of reciprocity is to ease the flow of teachers from one state to another. Full reciprocity, where State A accepts State B’s licensed teacher automatically, is not very common. What’s more common is an expedited or modified licensing process where State A allows a teacher from State B to become licensed in State A after going through an abbreviated application process. This exact process depends on which state the teacher is from, as well as how much experience and education they have. In many states, a new teacher can begin teaching almost immediately while they work on completing the reciprocity requirements.
What do teachers make?
Teacher salaries differ even more than the education levels. A teaching salary varies by age level, degree, school district, length of employment, subject matter, and other factors. Generally, teaching paychecks go up as the students’ age increases. Also, most teachers have two or three months free during the summer break with which they can work a part-time job, if they wish.
The average teaching salary for the US was about $61,000 for 15 years of experience. Canada was just above that at $65K, and Australia was right below, at $60K. As an average, those numbers are subject to vary, especially by education level: Kindergarten teachers in the US make an average of $40,000 per year, but middle school teachers make $61,000, more than 50% more, just for specializing in a particular subject.
The OECD has a great guide on average teacher salaries by country and area, and so does the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Teacher salary by state
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| State Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $87,312 |
| New York | $77,714 |
| Oregon | $71,224 |
| Connecticut | $71,018 |
| New Jersey | $70,726 |
| Rhode Island | $70,559 |
| Massachusetts | $69,278 |
| Maryland | $67,745 |
| Virginia | $67,304 |
| District of Columbia | $66,911 |
| Washington | $65,392 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,860 |
| Minnesota | $64,318 |
| Alaska | $62,380 |
| Georgia | $60,978 |
| Delaware | $60,357 |
| Vermont | $60,151 |
| Ohio | $60,078 |
| New Hampshire | $58,465 |
| Michigan | $58,165 |
| Kentucky | $57,902 |
| Colorado | $57,841 |
| Hawaii | $57,672 |
| Wisconsin | $56,880 |
| Utah | $56,415 |
| Wyoming | $56,301 |
| Illinois | $56,078 |
| Texas | $55,944 |
| Florida | $55,626 |
| South Carolina | $55,204 |
| North Dakota | $55,186 |
| Maine | $55,141 |
| Iowa | $55,072 |
| Nevada | $55,044 |
| Nebraska | $54,849 |
| Alabama | $53,966 |
| Tennessee | $53,674 |
| New Mexico | $53,259 |
| Indiana | $53,199 |
| Oklahoma | $52,394 |
| Arizona | $51,814 |
| North Carolina | $51,749 |
| Missouri | $50,951 |
| Kansas | $50,576 |
| Arkansas | $50,044 |
| Idaho | $49,416 |
| Montana | $49,041 |
| South Dakota | $49,006 |
| Louisiana | $48,791 |
| Mississippi | $48,211 |
| Virgin Islands, U.S. | $44,580 |
| West Virginia | $44,252 |
| Guam | $42,040 |
| Puerto Rico | $36,878 |
Should I be a teacher?
If you are unsure if a teaching job is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a desire to teach?
- Will I be able to complete all the teacher requirements?
- Is the general teaching salary acceptable?
- Do I have the patience and willingness required to give students the best education?
Job outlook for teachers
In the United States, employment of elementary school teachers is projected to grow by 7% from 2016 to 2026, as rising student enrollment should increase their demand. Middle school and high school teacher employment are expected to grow 8% in the same time.
