As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Classroom Teacher in the United States is $53,822 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Classroom Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Classroom Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Classroom Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Classroom Teacher | $50,677 |
| Intermediate Level Classroom Teacher | $50,917 |
| Senior Level Classroom Teacher | $53,822 |
| Specialist Level Classroom Teacher | $56,676 |
| Expert Level Classroom Teacher | $56,880 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Classroom Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.13% |
| Special Education | 5.55% |
| Physical Education | 2.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$57,051 |
6%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$56,513 |
5%
|
|
Physical Education
|
$55,437 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$54,898 |
2%
|
|
Coaching
|
$54,898 |
2%
|
|
Dedication
|
$54,898 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Classroom Teachers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Classroom Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,827 and $60,665).
Classroom Teacher Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 45.4% |
| Masters | 46.3% |
| Doctorate | 3.4% |
Understanding how a Classroom Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Classroom Teacher can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,318 in 2023 to around $53,122 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Classroom Teacher salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $54,318 |
| 2024 | $53,553 |
| 2025 | $53,122 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Classroom Teacher and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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