What is the average teacher salary in Illinois?

The average public-school teacher salary in Illinois is approximately $67,882 per year (source: Illinois State Board of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Illinois teacher pay compare to the national average?

Illinois teachers earn about 1% 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 Illinois teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Illinois 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 Illinois?

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 Illinois.

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

Yes. Almost every Illinois 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 Illinois

Illinois teachers earn an average of $67,882 per year — 1% below the national average.

$67,882State Average

$38,000Entry-Level (BS)

#9National Rank

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Illinois Teacher Salary Overview

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

$67,882Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Illinois teachers earn 1% less than the national average (-$587)

How Illinois Teacher Salaries Work

Illinois salaries are negotiated locally through collective bargaining. Chicago Public Schools and North Shore suburban districts offer substantially higher pay. Illinois's average is boosted by Chicago metro area salaries.

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:

Illinois has phased in a minimum teacher salary increase. Pension benefits through TRS (Teachers' Retirement System) are a significant part of total compensation.

Top Hiring Districts in Illinois

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.

Cahokia CUSD 18750 open positions Decatur SD 6148 open positions East Peoria Chsd 30944 open positions A-C Central CUSD 26244 open positions Cairo USD 141 open positions Ball Chatham CUSD 536 open positions Monroe SD 7035 open positions Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 4035 open positions Bloomington SD 8731 open positions Rochester CUSD 3a29 open positions

1,895 total open positions across Illinois school districts.

Browse All Illinois Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Illinois ranks #9 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Illinois?

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

Illinois Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Illinois jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Illinois State Board 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 Illinois Department of Education.