2026 Salary Guide
Teacher Salaries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania teachers earn an average of $72,280 per year — 6% above the national average.
Pennsylvania Teacher Salary Overview
How Pennsylvania Teacher Salaries Work
Pennsylvania salaries are among the highest in the nation, negotiated locally. The Lower Merion, Tredyffrin-Easttown, and other Main Line Philadelphia suburban districts are among the highest-paying in the country. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia districts also offer competitive 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:
Pennsylvania has no state minimum teacher salary, but local bargaining typically results in strong starting pay. PSERS (Public School Employees' Retirement System) provides significant pension benefits.
Top Hiring Districts in Pennsylvania
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.
1,328 total open positions across Pennsylvania school districts.
Browse All Pennsylvania Teaching JobsSee the full picture
Pennsylvania ranks #5 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?
Ready to Teach in Pennsylvania?
Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.
Pennsylvania Certification Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Pennsylvania — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Pennsylvania
- What is the average teacher salary in Pennsylvania?
- The average public-school teacher salary in Pennsylvania is approximately $72,280 per year (source: Pennsylvania Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
- How does Pennsylvania teacher pay compare to the national average?
- Pennsylvania teachers earn about 6% above 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 Pennsylvania teachers get paid during the summer?
- Most Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
- 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 Pennsylvania.
- Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. Almost every Pennsylvania 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.