What is the average teacher salary in Kansas?

The average public-school teacher salary in Kansas is approximately $52,913 per year (source: Kansas 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 Kansas teacher pay compare to the national average?

Kansas teachers earn about 23% 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 Kansas teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Kansas 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 Kansas?

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 Kansas.

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

Yes. Almost every Kansas 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 Kansas

Kansas teachers earn an average of $52,913 per year — 23% below the national average.

$52,913State Average

$33,000Entry-Level (BS)

#47National Rank

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Kansas Teacher Salary Overview

$33,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$52,913Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Kansas teachers earn 23% less than the national average (-$15,556)

How Kansas Teacher Salaries Work

Kansas has a state minimum teacher salary of $33,000. Salary schedules are negotiated locally. Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and Olathe school districts in the Kansas City metro typically offer the highest pay. Rural western Kansas districts pay closer to 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:

Kansas significantly underfunded public education through much of the 2010s, prompting a landmark Kansas Supreme Court ruling (Gannon v. State). Funding has improved since 2019.

Top Hiring Districts in Kansas

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.

Lincoln162 open positions Hays141 open positions Independence131 open positions Shawnee Mission Pub Sch126 open positions Topeka Public Schools112 open positions Lawrence97 open positions Maize95 open positions Geary County Schools92 open positions De Soto85 open positions Salina80 open positions

3,576 total open positions across Kansas school districts.

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See the full picture

Kansas ranks #47 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Kansas?

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

Kansas Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Kansas jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Kansas 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 Kansas Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Kansas

What is the average teacher salary in Kansas?: The average public-school teacher salary in Kansas is approximately $52,913 per year (source: Kansas 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 Kansas teacher pay compare to the national average?: Kansas teachers earn about 23% 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 Kansas teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Kansas 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 Kansas?: 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 Kansas.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Kansas?: Yes. Almost every Kansas 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.