Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for high-school teachers was $54,270 in 2011. The best-paid 10 percent in the field made approximately $84,000, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $35,940. The highest-paid in the profession work in the metropolitan areas of New York City and Chicago. Compensation is usually subject to years of experience and educational level. Additionally, salaries and benefit packages can differ at public and private institutions.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $46,060.00 |
| 2004 | $48,450.00 |
| 2006 | $51,190.00 |
| 2008 | $54,440.00 |
| 2010 | $55,990.00 |
Average High School Teacher Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
High school teachers make salaries comparable to elementary school teachers and school counselors. Salaries vary a little more for other professionals who might work within the school system. For example, a high school teacher makes more than the average sports coach (although many who choose this vocation also work as teachers), and more than the average social worker.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $54,270.00 |
| School Counselor | $54,130.00 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $52,840.00 |
| Child & Family Social Worker | $40,680.00 |
| Sports Coach | $28,470.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for High School Teachers
The highest paid in the high school teacher profession work in the metropolitan areas of Nassau, NY, New York City, NY, and Kingston, NY. The Lawrence & Salem, MA area also pays well, as does the city of Madera, CA.
Nassau, NY
Average Salary: $88,390 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a high school teacher working in Nassau, NY is $88,390, which is $34,120 more than the average pay in the profession.
New York City, NY
Average Salary: $75,300 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a high school teacher working in New York City, NY is $75,300, which is $21,030 more than the average pay in the profession.
Kingston, NY
Average Salary: $74,970 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a high school teacher working in Kingston, NY is $74,970, which is $20,700 more than the average pay in the profession.
Lawrence & Salem, MA
Average Salary: $73,760 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a high school teacher working in Lawrence & Salem, MA is $73,760, which is $19,490 more than the average pay in the profession.
Madera, CA
Average Salary: $73,500 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a high school teacher working in Madera, CA is $73,500, which is $19,230 more than the average pay in the profession.
