Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
6th grade teacher salary
Average 6th grade teacher salary
$45,615
Understanding 6th Grade Teacher Salaries
As of October 2025, the average salary for a 6th grade teacher in the United States stands at $45,615 per year. This figure reflects various factors, including location, experience, and school district funding. For instance, teachers in urban areas or regions with higher costs of living often earn more than their counterparts in rural settings.
Salary ranges for 6th grade teachers can vary significantly. In states like New York and California, salaries can exceed $60,000, while teachers in states with lower costs of living may earn closer to $40,000. Additionally, the level of experience dramatically influences pay; those with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may command higher salaries.
Salary by State
To better understand salary expectations, reviewing average salaries by state is essential. For example:
- California: $60,000
- New York: $58,000
- Texas: $52,000
- Florida: $48,000
These figures demonstrate the importance of geographical context in salary determination. As you consider a career in teaching, staying informed about salary trends and opportunities in your area can help you make strategic career choices.
Let Zippi find your next 6th grade teacher job
Let Zippi find your next 6th grade teacher job
Where can a 6th Grade Teacher earn more?
6th grade teacher salary estimates from across the web
Average 6th grade teacher salary by state
The average 6th grade teacher salary in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average 6th grade teacher salary states are Idaho, Missouri, and South Dakota.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for 6th grade teachers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $59,335 | $28.53 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $62,375 | $29.99 |
| 3 | Maryland | $57,697 | $27.74 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $56,371 | $27.10 |
| 5 | New York | $62,182 | $29.90 |
| 6 | Michigan | $52,695 | $25.33 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $55,785 | $26.82 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $54,817 | $26.35 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $48,133 | $23.14 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $47,870 | $23.01 |
| 11 | New Mexico | $45,134 | $21.70 |
| 12 | Illinois | $45,420 | $21.84 |
| 13 | Oregon | $49,909 | $23.99 |
| 14 | Delaware | $45,125 | $21.69 |
| 15 | California | $51,559 | $24.79 |
| 16 | Texas | $44,285 | $21.29 |
| 17 | Rhode Island | $46,559 | $22.38 |
| 18 | Washington | $47,417 | $22.80 |
| 19 | Florida | $43,088 | $20.72 |
| 20 | Ohio | $43,935 | $21.12 |
| 21 | Alaska | $48,090 | $23.12 |
| 22 | Virginia | $45,869 | $22.05 |
| 23 | Wyoming | $42,138 | $20.26 |
| 24 | Montana | $41,612 | $20.01 |
| 25 | Kentucky | $43,448 | $20.89 |
| 26 | Iowa | $41,995 | $20.19 |
| 27 | Indiana | $39,681 | $19.08 |
| 28 | New Hampshire | $39,344 | $18.92 |
| 29 | Colorado | $40,377 | $19.41 |
| 30 | Alabama | $42,090 | $20.24 |
| 31 | Louisiana | $41,424 | $19.92 |
| 32 | North Carolina | $40,104 | $19.28 |
| 33 | Wisconsin | $40,277 | $19.36 |
| 34 | Nevada | $37,139 | $17.86 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $40,757 | $19.59 |
| 36 | Hawaii | $46,873 | $22.54 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $37,918 | $18.23 |
| 38 | Utah | $40,417 | $19.43 |
| 39 | Arizona | $36,263 | $17.43 |
| 40 | Tennessee | $37,821 | $18.18 |
| 41 | Kansas | $36,905 | $17.74 |
| 42 | Georgia | $37,916 | $18.23 |
| 43 | North Dakota | $39,163 | $18.83 |
| 44 | Vermont | $38,264 | $18.40 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | $32,579 | $15.66 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $35,831 | $17.23 |
| 47 | Idaho | $35,103 | $16.88 |
| 48 | Missouri | $35,095 | $16.87 |
| 49 | South Dakota | $35,073 | $16.86 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $33,445 | $16.08 |
| 51 | Maine | $31,220 | $15.01 |
Highest paying cities for 6th grade teachers
The highest-paying cities for 6th grade teachers are New York, NY, Washington, DC, and San Bruno, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $63,001 | $30.29 |
| 2 | Washington, DC | $62,434 | $30.02 |
| 3 | San Bruno, CA | $55,348 | $26.61 |
| 4 | Malden, MA | $55,135 | $26.51 |
| 5 | Detroit, MI | $53,089 | $25.52 |
| 6 | Roseville, MN | $48,170 | $23.16 |
| 7 | Chicago, IL | $45,693 | $21.97 |
| 8 | Albuquerque, NM | $45,107 | $21.69 |
| 9 | Austin, TX | $44,366 | $21.33 |
| 10 | Orlando, FL | $42,951 | $20.65 |
| 11 | Denver, CO | $40,400 | $19.42 |
| 12 | Nashua, NH | $39,997 | $19.23 |
| 13 | Indianapolis, IN | $39,449 | $18.97 |
| 14 | Kingman, AZ | $36,785 | $17.69 |
| 15 | Las Vegas, NV | $36,725 | $17.66 |
| 16 | Ridgeland, MS | $35,794 | $17.21 |
6th grade teacher salary details
A 6th grade teacher's salary ranges from $33,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $62,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a 6th grade teacher's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $62,000 | $5,167 | $30 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $25 |
| Average | $45,615 | $3,801 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
| 10th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
Highest paying 6th grade teacher jobs
The highest paying types of 6th grade teachers are student teacher, english language teacher, and reading teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher-In-Training | $37,214 | $3,101 | $17.89 | 132,725 |
| Teacher/Tutor | $42,955 | $3,580 | $20.65 | 68,441 |
| Language Arts Teacher | $51,969 | $4,331 | $24.99 | 88,551 |
| English Language Arts Teacher | $48,483 | $4,040 | $23.31 | 88,793 |
| ESL Teacher | $52,701 | $4,392 | $25.34 | 63,897 |
| Teacher | $47,989 | $3,999 | $23.07 | 71,918 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for 6th grade teachers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Patricia Rogan Ph.D.
Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Which companies pay 6th grade teachers the most?
6th grade teacher salaries at Merritt Academy and Jefferson Elementary School District are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average 6th grade teacher salary at companies like Torah Academy and Energized for Excellence Academy, Inc. are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merritt Academy | $56,727 | $27.27 |
| 2 | Jefferson Elementary School District | $56,422 | $27.13 |
| 3 | Torah Academy | $55,591 | $26.73 |
| 4 | Energized for Excellence Academy, Inc. | $55,297 | $26.59 |
| 5 | St. HOPE | $54,152 | $26.03 |
| 6 | Liberty Middle School | $53,109 | $25.53 |
| 7 | Madera High School | $52,837 | $25.40 |
| 8 | Montgomery County Public Schools | $52,461 | $25.22 |
| 9 | Greenwich Country Day School | $51,822 | $24.91 |
| 10 | Distinctive Schools | $51,710 | $24.86 |
| 11 | Roosevelt Ind School District | $51,425 | $24.72 |
| 12 | Friendship Public Charter School | $49,305 | $23.70 |
| 13 | Orange County High School | $47,738 | $22.95 |
| 14 | Tracy Unified School District | $47,692 | $22.93 |
| 15 | Scholar Academies | $47,628 | $22.90 |
| 16 | Gompers Preparatory Academy | $47,517 | $22.84 |
| 17 | Charter Schools USA | $47,464 | $22.82 |
| 18 | Cave Creek Unified School District | $46,584 | $22.40 |
| 19 | Auburn City Schools | $46,068 | $22.15 |
| 20 | Denver Public Schools | $45,842 | $22.04 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
6th grade teacher salary trends
The average 6th grade teacher salary has risen by $6,063 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average 6th grade teacher earned $39,552 annually, but today, they earn $45,615 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for 6th grade teachers over the last decade.
Compare 6th grade teacher salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average 6th grade teacher salary over time
Compare 6th grade teacher salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
6th grade teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,600 | $21.93 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $44,700 | $21.47 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $43,600 | $20.96 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $42,800 | $20.57 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $41,800 | $20.08 | +1.6% |
Recently added 6th grade teacher salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achievers Early College Prep | 6Th Grade English (ELA) Teacher) | Trenton, NJ | 06/29/2025 | $57,000 |
| Sheldon ISD | 6Th Grade Math Teacher | Nome, TX | 06/28/2025 | $65,000 |
| East Haven Public Schools | Language Arts 6Th Gradeteacher-Long Term Sub | East Haven, CT | 06/28/2025 | $52,551 |
| Learn and Explore Academy | 6Th Grade Lead Teacher | New York, NY | 06/27/2025 | $70,000 |
| Gallup-McKinley County Schools | SY-Teacher-6Th Grade; Signing Incentive ; Relocation Expenses | Gallup, NM | 06/26/2025 | $57,678 |
| West Virginia Department of Education | 6Th Grade Teacher | West Virginia | 06/26/2025 | $36,078 |
| Chisago Lakes Schools | 6Th Grade English/Art Teacher | Nore, MN | 06/26/2025 | $45,820 |
| Eastpointe Community Schools | 6Th Grade Math Teacher | Eastpointe, MI | 06/25/2025 | $53,500 |
| Kipp Public Schools | SY 6Th Grade Pe/Health Teacher | Columbus, OH | 06/25/2025 | $50,000 |
| Isana | 6Th Grade Self-Contained Multiple Subject Credential Teacher | Los Angeles, CA | 06/23/2025 | $63,301 |
6th grade teacher salary FAQs
Search for 6th grade teacher jobs