Do Connecticut teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Connecticut districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Connecticut?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Connecticut.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Connecticut?

Yes. Almost every Connecticut district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Connecticut

Q: What is the average teacher salary in Connecticut?

The average public-school teacher salary in Connecticut is approximately $83,507 per year (source: Connecticut State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Q: How does Connecticut teacher pay compare to the national average?

Connecticut teachers earn about 22% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Connecticut teachers earn an average of $83,507 per year — 22% above the national average.

$83,507State Average

$46,400Entry-Level (BS)

#2National Rank

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Connecticut Teacher Salary Overview

$46,400Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$83,507Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▲ Connecticut teachers earn 22% more than the national average (+$15,038)

How Connecticut Teacher Salaries Work

Connecticut has the second-highest average teacher salary in the nation. Salaries are negotiated at the district level. Wealthy Fairfield County districts (Westport, Greenwich, Darien) often offer the highest total compensation.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Connecticut's high teacher salaries reflect the state's overall high cost of living, particularly in Fairfield County suburbs near New York City.

Top Hiring Districts in Connecticut

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Regional School District 06469 open positions Hartford School District136 open positions New Haven School District99 open positions Bridgeport School District71 open positions Milford School District54 open positions Chester School District43 open positions Bristol School District41 open positions Canaan School District36 open positions North Haven School District34 open positions East Hartford School District33 open positions

1,731 total open positions across Connecticut school districts.

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See the full picture

Connecticut ranks #2 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

Compare All States →

Ready to Teach in Connecticut?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Connecticut teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Connecticut Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Connecticut — apply directly on district sites.

View Connecticut jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Connecticut State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Connecticut Department of Education.