Highest-Paying Lead Teacher Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of lead teachers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of lead teachers:

• Summer School Teacher is the highest-paid type of lead teacher with an average salary of $52,828 and an average hourly rate of $25.40.

• The second highest-paying type of lead teacher is kindergarten teacher, with an average salary of $48,029.

• The average lead teacher salary is $33,652 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.18.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a lead teacher, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of lead teachers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of lead teachers:

1. Summer School Teacher

   Average Salary: $52,828

   A Summer School Teacher is a teacher who works during the summer period. They develop and implement schemes of work and lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives. Generally, they have the same duties as a school teacher.

2. Kindergarten Teacher

   Average Salary: $48,029

   Kindergarten teachers teach young children social and emotional skills, reading skills, music, and personal hygiene. They prepare these children for elementary school and certain life aspects. It is also their responsibility to teach children good classroom behavior, plan the curriculum daily and the whole school year, and conduct parent-teach meetings. Kindergarten teachers should encourage children to be observant of activities and give them the chance to ask questions and find the answers. They should also work with parents in putting an action plan to help children with emotional or developmental problems.

3. Teacher

   Average Salary: $47,989

   Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.

4. Resource Teacher

   Average Salary: $43,487

   A Resource Teacher is responsible for providing curriculum support systems for students, teachers, and administrators. Another role of a Resource Teacher is to assist the class teacher and provide additional support for children with moderate learning difficulties.

5. Pre-K Teacher

   Average Salary: $40,301

   Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children’s social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various lead teacher that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Lead Teachers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for lead teachers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Lead Teacher Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid lead teacher job?

   The highest-paid lead teacher job is a summer school teacher. Summer School Teachers earn an average salary of $52,828, which is $ 25.40 hourly.

   A Summer School Teacher is a teacher who works during the summer period. They develop and implement schemes of work and lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives. Generally, they have the same duties as a school teacher.

2. What is a good salary for a lead teacher?

   A good salary for a lead teacher is $33,652 or more. The average lead teacher salary is $33,652, so those making at least $33,652 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average lead teacher salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a lead teacher, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $33,652 average, as this includes all lead teachers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Lead Teacher jobs pay well?

   No, lead teacher jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some lead teacher jobs pay better than others, but the average lead teacher salary of $33,652 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many lead teacher jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of lead teachers earning $0 a year on average.

   Lead Teachers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a lead teacher. Do your research on the going rate for a lead teacher in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do lead teachers get paid the most?

   Lead Teachers get paid the most in Connecticut. In Connecticut, lead teachers earn an average annual salary of $46,111 and an average hourly wage of $22.17.

   Following CT, the states with the highest-paid lead teachers are Nevada, Massachusetts, and New Mexico, with average annual salaries of $38,341, $46,179, and $37,434 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid lead teacher salaries are:

   1. San Francisco, CA – $51,695

   2. Brookline, MA – $46,130

   3. New York, NY – $44,113

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.