What is the average teacher salary in Indiana?

The average public-school teacher salary in Indiana is approximately $55,427 per year (source: Indiana Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Indiana teacher pay compare to the national average?

Indiana teachers earn about 19% 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 Indiana teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Indiana 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 Indiana?

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 Indiana.

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

Yes. Almost every Indiana 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 Indiana

Indiana teachers earn an average of $55,427 per year — 19% below the national average.

$55,427State Average

$35,000Entry-Level (BS)

#41National Rank

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Indiana Teacher Salary Overview

$35,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$55,427Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Indiana teachers earn 19% less than the national average (-$13,042)

How Indiana Teacher Salaries Work

Indiana salaries are negotiated locally. Carmel Clay, Hamilton Southeastern, and Wayne Township school corporations near Indianapolis tend to offer higher pay. Rural districts in southern Indiana often pay near the minimum.

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:

Indiana's RISE evaluation system (2011) significantly restructured how teachers are compensated, tying pay increases to performance evaluations rather than purely experience and education lanes.

Top Hiring Districts in Indiana

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.

Clinton Central School Corporation299 open positions MSD Wayne Township169 open positions School City Of Hammond146 open positions South Bend Community School Corp141 open positions Goshen Community Schools135 open positions Madison-Grant United School Corp128 open positions Northwest Allen County Schools120 open positions Franklin Township Com Sch Corp117 open positions Elkhart Community Schools114 open positions Warsaw Community Schools113 open positions

5,296 total open positions across Indiana school districts.

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See the full picture

Indiana ranks #41 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Indiana?

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

Indiana Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Indiana jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Indiana 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 Indiana Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Indiana

What is the average teacher salary in Indiana?: The average public-school teacher salary in Indiana is approximately $55,427 per year (source: Indiana Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Indiana teacher pay compare to the national average?: Indiana teachers earn about 19% 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 Indiana teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Indiana 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 Indiana?: 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 Indiana.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Indiana?: Yes. Almost every Indiana 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.