What is the average teacher salary in Texas?

The average public-school teacher salary in Texas is approximately $57,641 per year (source: Texas Education Agency / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Texas teacher pay compare to the national average?

Texas teachers earn about 16% 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 Texas teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Texas 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 Texas?

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 Texas.

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

Yes. Almost every Texas 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 Texas

Texas teachers earn an average of $57,641 per year — 16% below the national average.

$57,641State Average

$33,000Entry-Level (BS)

#20National Rank

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Texas Teacher Salary Overview

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

$57,641Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Texas teachers earn 16% less than the national average (-$10,828)

How Texas Teacher Salaries Work

Texas uses a state minimum salary schedule (TEC §21.402). Districts add local supplements funded by property tax revenue. Highland Park ISD (Dallas suburb), Eanes ISD (Austin suburb), and Alamo Heights ISD (San Antonio suburb) offer some of the highest total compensation. HISD, DISD, and AISD also offer competitive starting pay.

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:

Texas teacher pay varies enormously by district due to property tax base differences. The state provides a Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) for highly effective teachers in high-need schools.

Top Hiring Districts in Texas

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.

Round Top-Carmine ISD934 open positions Gold Burg ISD389 open positions Alba-Golden ISD346 open positions Walcott ISD310 open positions Detroit ISD271 open positions Katy ISD253 open positions Valley Mills ISD158 open positions Channing ISD158 open positions Cleveland ISD134 open positions Brownsville ISD134 open positions

11,051 total open positions across Texas school districts.

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Texas ranks #20 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Texas?

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

Texas Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

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Data sources: Texas Education Agency / 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 Texas Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Texas

What is the average teacher salary in Texas?: The average public-school teacher salary in Texas is approximately $57,641 per year (source: Texas Education Agency / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Texas teacher pay compare to the national average?: Texas teachers earn about 16% 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 Texas teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Texas 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 Texas?: 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 Texas.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Texas?: Yes. Almost every Texas 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.