What is the average teacher salary in Ohio?

The average public-school teacher salary in Ohio is approximately $59,382 per year (source: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Ohio teacher pay compare to the national average?

Ohio teachers earn about 13% 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 Ohio teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Ohio 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 Ohio?

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 Ohio.

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

Yes. Almost every Ohio 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.

← Home

2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Ohio

Ohio teachers earn an average of $59,382 per year — 13% below the national average.

$59,382State Average

$33,000Entry-Level (BS)

#26National Rank

Browse Ohio Teaching Jobs All Ohio Job Categories

Ohio Teacher Salary Overview

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

$59,382Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Ohio teachers earn 13% less than the national average (-$9,087)

How Ohio Teacher Salaries Work

Ohio salaries are set through district-level collective bargaining agreements, resulting in wide variation. Columbus City, Cleveland Metro, and suburban districts like Westerville and Dublin offer higher pay. Rural southeastern Ohio districts tend to pay near minimums.

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:

Ohio's salary varies dramatically by district. State supplemental compensation programs exist for STEM and special education shortage areas.

Top Hiring Districts in Ohio

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.

Cincinnati Public Schools257 open positions Mt Healthy City139 open positions Cleveland Municipal123 open positions Dayton City114 open positions Grandview Heights Schools110 open positions Reynoldsburg City79 open positions Western Local66 open positions Global Impact STEM Academy62 open positions Akron City59 open positions Liberty Local58 open positions

4,059 total open positions across Ohio school districts.

Browse All Ohio Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Ohio ranks #26 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

Compare All States →

Ready to Teach in Ohio?

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

Ohio Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Ohio jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce / 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 Ohio Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Ohio

What is the average teacher salary in Ohio?: The average public-school teacher salary in Ohio is approximately $59,382 per year (source: Ohio Department of Education and Workforce / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Ohio teacher pay compare to the national average?: Ohio teachers earn about 13% 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 Ohio teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Ohio 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 Ohio?: 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 Ohio.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Ohio?: Yes. Almost every Ohio 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.