2026 Salary Guide
Teacher Salaries in Idaho
Idaho teachers earn an average of $49,734 per year — 27% below the national average.
Idaho Teacher Salary Overview
How Idaho Teacher Salaries Work
Idaho has no state minimum teacher salary. Districts set pay individually. Boise School District, West Ada School District (Meridian), and Nampa School District are among the higher-paying districts. Rural districts in eastern and northern Idaho typically pay less.
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:
Idaho consistently ranks near the bottom for teacher pay nationally. The state implemented a Master Educator Premium pay program to supplement base salaries for highly effective teachers.
Top Hiring Districts in Idaho
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.
2,763 total open positions across Idaho school districts.
Browse All Idaho Teaching JobsSee the full picture
Idaho ranks #49 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?
Ready to Teach in Idaho?
Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Idaho teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.
Idaho Certification Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Idaho — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Idaho 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 Idaho Department of Education.
Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Idaho
- What is the average teacher salary in Idaho?
- The average public-school teacher salary in Idaho is approximately $49,734 per year (source: Idaho State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
- How does Idaho teacher pay compare to the national average?
- Idaho teachers earn about 27% 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 Idaho teachers get paid during the summer?
- Most Idaho 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 Idaho?
- 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 Idaho.
- Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Idaho?
- Yes. Almost every Idaho 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.