Highest-Paying Teacher Jobs in 2026
Research Summary. The Zippia data team has utilized a combination of public government data, company insights, and analyses of thousands of job postings to create average salary estimates for various teaching roles across the United States. Based on this data, we have identified the highest-paid teaching positions according to their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings on the highest-paying types of teachers:
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Student Teacher holds the title of the highest-paid teacher, with an average salary of $59,035 and an hourly rate of $28.38.
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The second-highest paying teaching position is the History Teacher, earning an average of $53,780 annually.
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The overall average teacher salary stands at $47,989 per year, with an average hourly wage of $23.07.
Table of Contents: Background | Salary Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be a daunting task. While salary is not the sole factor in your decision, it plays a crucial role. If you’re considering a career in education, understanding which teaching roles offer the highest salaries can help you plan your career trajectory effectively.
Below are the top salaries for various teaching positions:
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Student Teacher
Average Salary: $59,035
Student teachers assist supervising instructors in maintaining classroom order during lectures and activities. Their responsibilities include aiding in lesson planning, organizing educational activities, managing student behavior, observing classroom dynamics, preparing visual aids, providing feedback, and maintaining student records. Effective communication and decision-making skills are pivotal for student teachers as they aim to engage students and help them achieve their learning objectives.
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History Teacher
Average Salary: $53,780
A history teacher creates engaging curricula and lesson plans based on various historical movements and events. These educators collaborate with colleagues to enhance teaching strategies and classroom management techniques. Responsibilities include grading assignments, conducting parent-teacher communications, and utilizing digital tools to maintain accurate student records and foster learning.
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Middle School Teacher
Average Salary: $53,363
Middle school teachers engage students in grades six to eight, developing curricula that prepare them for higher education. They design effective lesson plans, conduct group activities, and assess students’ understanding of materials. Middle school teachers also observe students’ developmental behaviors and adapt their teaching methods to meet individual needs.
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Summer School Teacher
Average Salary: $52,828
Summer school teachers develop and implement lesson plans aligned with curriculum objectives during the summer months, performing similar duties as regular school teachers.
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ESL Teacher
Average Salary: $52,701
ESL teachers specialize in teaching English to non-native speakers, often in virtual environments. They create lesson plans, evaluate learner progress, and foster a supportive learning atmosphere. Essential tools include reliable technology and a conducive teaching space, especially for online classes.
Below is a comprehensive table listing the average salaries for various teaching positions, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types of Teachers
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Student Teacher | |
| 2 | History Teacher | |
| 3 | Middle School Teacher | |
| 4 | Summer School Teacher | |
| 5 | ESL Teacher | |
| 6 | Certified Teacher | |
| 7 | Teacher Internship | |
| 8 | Math and Science Teacher | |
| 9 | Teacher/Tutor | |
| 10 | Pre-K Teacher | |
| 11 | Teacher-In-Training | |
| 12 | Teacher Associate | |
| 13 | Head Start Teacher | |
| 14 | Preschool Teacher | |
| 15 | Substitute School Teacher | |
| 16 | Substitute Teacher | |
| 17 | Guest Teacher | |
| 18 | Teacher Aide | |
| 19 | Child Care Teacher | |
| 20 | Assistant Language Teacher |
Methodology
The salary estimates provided by Zippia are derived from publicly available 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). Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for the most current salary data.
After gathering this information, we calculate a weighted average for each teaching position. For further details about our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
FAQs on Highest-Paying Teacher Jobs
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What is the highest-paid teacher job?
The highest-paid teacher job is that of a student teacher. Student teachers earn an average salary of $59,035, which translates to $28.38 per hour.
Student teachers assist supervising instructors in maintaining classroom order and engagement during lectures and activities. Their roles include aiding with lesson plans, organizing educational activities, managing student behaviors, and keeping up with student evaluations.
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What is a good salary for a teacher?
A good salary for a teacher is $47,989 or more. This average indicates that teachers earning at least this amount are above the median salary level.
Be mindful that teacher salaries vary significantly by location due to the cost of living. Conducting research on average salaries in your specific area for your experience level will provide a clearer picture of your compensation.
Additionally, if you’re entering the teaching field, remember that entry-level salaries may be lower than the average, as this figure encompasses all levels of experience.
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Do teacher jobs pay well?
Yes, teacher jobs can pay well. While some roles within education offer higher salaries than others, the average teacher salary of $47,989 exceeds the average national income of approximately $44,225 per year.
Moreover, numerous teaching roles boast high earning potential, particularly for the top 10% of earners in the profession.
As with any job market, salaries for teachers will fluctuate based on experience, location, and specialization. Thus, it’s important to research what teachers in your field are earning in your area and negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do teachers get paid the most?
Teachers earn the most in Maryland. In Maryland, the average annual salary for teachers is $61,254, with an hourly rate of $29.45.
The states with the next highest average teacher salaries are Connecticut, New York, and the District of Columbia, with average salaries of $53,838, $57,919, and $57,460, respectively.
Top-paying cities for teachers include:
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Baltimore, MD – $61,238
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San Francisco, CA – $59,480
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New York, NY – $58,392
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Author
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.
