What is the average teacher salary in Georgia?

The average public-school teacher salary in Georgia is approximately $59,131 per year (source: Georgia Department of Education 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Georgia teacher pay compare to the national average?

Georgia teachers earn about 14% below 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.

Do Georgia teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Georgia 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 Georgia?

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 Georgia.

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

Yes. Almost every Georgia 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 Georgia

Georgia teachers earn an average of $59,131 per year — 14% below the national average.

$59,131State Average

$38,000Entry-Level (BS)

#29National Rank

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Georgia Teacher Salary Overview

$38,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$59,131Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Georgia teachers earn 14% less than the national average (-$9,338)

How Georgia Teacher Salaries Work

Georgia uses a state salary schedule (QBE — Quality Basic Education) as the baseline. Most districts provide local salary supplements. Atlanta-area districts like Fulton County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County offer some of 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:

Georgia's starting salary was raised to $38,000 in 2023. The state has been investing in teacher retention bonuses and rural recruitment incentives.

Top Hiring Districts in Georgia

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.

Hall County63 open positions Catoosa County47 open positions Camden County45 open positions Cobb County41 open positions Carroll County33 open positions Dougherty County32 open positions Bartow County32 open positions Coweta County30 open positions Barrow County24 open positions Rome City23 open positions

1,170 total open positions across Georgia school districts.

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See the full picture

Georgia ranks #29 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Georgia?

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

Georgia Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Georgia jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Georgia Department of Education 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 Georgia Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Georgia

What is the average teacher salary in Georgia?: The average public-school teacher salary in Georgia is approximately $59,131 per year (source: Georgia Department of Education 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Georgia teacher pay compare to the national average?: Georgia teachers earn about 14% below 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.
Do Georgia teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Georgia 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 Georgia?: 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 Georgia.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Georgia?: Yes. Almost every Georgia 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.