If you are thinking about becoming a high school teacher or you are just curious about how much they earn in 2025, this guide is for you. Let us break it all down in a simple and honest way so you can understand what to expect.
What is the average salary of a high school teacher in the U.S. in 2025?
As of 2025, the average salary for a high school teacher in the United States is around $58,887 per year, according to data from ZipRecruiter. This number may go higher or lower depending on where you live, how much experience you have, and what kind of school you work at.
Here is a quick breakdown:
- Top earners make as much as $83,500 or more per year.
- Teachers in the 25th percentile make around $43,500.
- The majority of teachers fall somewhere between $48,000 and $66,000 annually.
These numbers are for full-time high school teachers working in public or private schools.
Do high school teachers get any extra allowances?
Yes, many high school teachers do get extra pay on top of their base salary. These are known as allowances or stipends, and they vary depending on the school district or state.
Here are some examples of common allowances:
- Coaching or extracurricular pay – If you help with sports, drama club, or debate team, you may earn a little extra.
- Department head bonuses – Teachers who lead a department like Math or Science may receive additional pay.
- Advanced degree stipends – If you have a Master’s degree or a Ph.D., many schools will give you a yearly bonus.
- Location-based bonuses – Some districts offer higher pay to teachers working in high-demand or rural areas.
So while the base salary may be around $58,887, the total annual pay including allowances can go up to $65,000 to $75,000 or more in some cases.
Which states pay high school teachers the most in 2025?
Some states pay a lot more than others. In 2025, here are some of the top-paying states for high school teachers:
- New York – Average salary is around $72,000
- California – About $70,000
- Massachusetts – Around $68,000
- Connecticut – Close to $66,000
- Washington – Nearly $64,000
These states tend to offer better pay, but they also usually have higher living costs. So, the money may not stretch as far as it would in states with a lower cost of living.
What affects a high school teacher’s salary?
There are a few things that can change how much you earn as a high school teacher:
- Years of experience – More experience usually means more money.
- Education level – Having a Master’s or Doctorate often means higher pay.
- Location – Urban schools might pay more, but rural schools may offer housing allowances or bonuses.
- Type of school – Private schools might pay less but offer other benefits like smaller class sizes.
