What is the average teacher salary in Virginia?

The average public-school teacher salary in Virginia is approximately $66,036 per year (source: Virginia Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Virginia teacher pay compare to the national average?

Virginia teachers earn about 4% 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 Virginia teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Virginia 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 Virginia?

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 Virginia.

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

Yes. Almost every Virginia 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 Virginia

Virginia teachers earn an average of $66,036 per year — 4% below the national average.

$66,036State Average

$40,000Entry-Level (BS)

#17National Rank

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Virginia Teacher Salary Overview

$40,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$66,036Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Virginia teachers earn 4% less than the national average (-$2,433)

How Virginia Teacher Salaries Work

Virginia uses a state Standards of Quality (SOQ) funding formula as the baseline, supplemented by local revenue. Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Alexandria City offer among the highest teacher salaries nationally. Rural Southside and Southwest Virginia districts pay considerably less.

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:

Northern Virginia districts benefit from proximity to D.C. and high local tax revenue. The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) provides defined-benefit pensions as a significant part of total compensation.

Top Hiring Districts in Virginia

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.

Rockingham County Public Schools129 open positions Harrisonburg City Public Schools115 open positions Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools114 open positions Stafford County Public Schools102 open positions Danville City Public Schools91 open positions Richmond City Public Schools88 open positions Charlottesville City Public Schools71 open positions Orange County Public Schools69 open positions Campbell County Public Schools65 open positions Fluvanna County Public Schools58 open positions

1,914 total open positions across Virginia school districts.

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Virginia ranks #17 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Virginia?

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

Virginia Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Virginia jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Education.