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Classroom instructor salary
Average classroom instructor salary
$47,145
Classroom Instructor Salary Overview
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Classroom Instructor is approximately $47,145 per year. This figure reflects the base pay for instructors involved in direct classroom teaching, and it can vary based on several factors including geographical location, years of experience, and the specific educational institution. For instance, instructors in states like California and New York often earn higher wages due to the cost of living and demand for qualified educators.
Factors Influencing Salary
Experience plays a significant role in salary determination. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while those with advanced degrees or extensive teaching experience can command higher salaries. Additionally, instructors working in specialized fields or higher education tend to earn more compared to those in primary education settings. It's also beneficial to explore opportunities in urban districts, where salaries may be more competitive.
Job Opportunities
For those interested in pursuing a career as a Classroom Instructor, Zippia offers numerous job listings across various educational institutions. Understanding the salary landscape can help you make informed decisions about your career trajectory. Utilize our resources to find jobs that align with your expertise and financial goals.
Let Zippia find your next classroom instructor job
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Where can a Classroom Instructor earn more?
Classroom instructor salary estimates from across the web
Average classroom instructor salary by state
The average classroom instructor salary in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average classroom instructor salary states are Mississippi, Idaho, and Utah.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for classroom instructors
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $73,676 | $35.42 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $64,100 | $30.82 |
| 3 | New York | $79,175 | $38.06 |
| 4 | Maryland | $60,250 | $28.97 |
| 5 | Michigan | $55,615 | $26.74 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $65,680 | $31.58 |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $51,361 | $24.69 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | $57,769 | $27.77 |
| 9 | Alaska | $55,752 | $26.80 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $52,509 | $25.24 |
| 11 | Vermont | $51,150 | $24.59 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $56,752 | $27.28 |
| 13 | Wyoming | $47,032 | $22.61 |
| 14 | Nebraska | $49,956 | $24.02 |
| 15 | District of Columbia | $63,489 | $30.52 |
| 16 | New Mexico | $46,914 | $22.55 |
| 17 | California | $53,909 | $25.92 |
| 18 | Oregon | $48,909 | $23.51 |
| 19 | Ohio | $49,143 | $23.63 |
| 20 | Washington | $50,767 | $24.41 |
| 21 | Montana | $44,734 | $21.51 |
| 22 | Delaware | $46,898 | $22.55 |
| 23 | Virginia | $46,693 | $22.45 |
| 24 | Georgia | $45,723 | $21.98 |
| 25 | Kentucky | $47,610 | $22.89 |
| 26 | Illinois | $45,918 | $22.08 |
| 27 | Texas | $44,670 | $21.48 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $42,832 | $20.59 |
| 29 | Iowa | $43,761 | $21.04 |
| 30 | Hawaii | $49,228 | $23.67 |
| 31 | North Dakota | $44,005 | $21.16 |
| 32 | Arizona | $41,092 | $19.76 |
| 33 | Louisiana | $43,355 | $20.84 |
| 34 | Alabama | $44,572 | $21.43 |
| 35 | Nevada | $39,225 | $18.86 |
| 36 | Florida | $42,063 | $20.22 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $39,418 | $18.95 |
| 38 | Wisconsin | $42,710 | $20.53 |
| 39 | Colorado | $37,928 | $18.23 |
| 40 | West Virginia | $41,616 | $20.01 |
| 41 | Tennessee | $40,149 | $19.30 |
| 42 | Maine | $42,386 | $20.38 |
| 43 | Indiana | $41,436 | $19.92 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $39,638 | $19.06 |
| 45 | Kansas | $38,162 | $18.35 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $37,477 | $18.02 |
| 47 | Idaho | $36,368 | $17.48 |
| 48 | Oklahoma | $30,034 | $14.44 |
| 49 | Utah | $35,111 | $16.88 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $34,807 | $16.73 |
| 51 | Missouri | $31,378 | $15.09 |
Highest paying cities for classroom instructors
The highest-paying cities for classroom instructors are New York, NY, San Diego, CA, and Bothell, WA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $79,290 | $38.12 |
| 2 | San Diego, CA | $51,804 | $24.91 |
| 3 | Bothell, WA | $51,070 | $24.55 |
| 4 | Santa Fe, NM | $46,286 | $22.25 |
| 5 | Northbrook, IL | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| 6 | Houston, TX | $45,019 | $21.64 |
| 7 | Roanoke, VA | $44,851 | $21.56 |
| 8 | Mobile, AL | $44,570 | $21.43 |
| 9 | Manhattan, KS | $38,162 | $18.35 |
| 10 | Kansas City, MO | $31,208 | $15.00 |
Classroom instructor salary details
A classroom instructor's salary ranges from $32,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $69,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a classroom instructor's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $69,000 | $5,750 | $33 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $27 |
| Average | $47,145 | $3,929 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,000 | $3,167 | $18 |
| 10th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
Highest paying classroom instructor jobs
The highest paying types of classroom instructors are reading teacher, english instructor, and instructor.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Teacher | $55,452 | $4,621 | $26.66 | 68,234 |
| Teacher | $47,989 | $3,999 | $23.07 | 71,918 |
| Certified Teacher | $50,708 | $4,226 | $24.38 | 92,051 |
| High School Teacher | $52,441 | $4,370 | $25.21 | 83,554 |
| Summer School Teacher | $52,828 | $4,402 | $25.40 | 86,467 |
| Educator | $43,760 | $3,647 | $21.04 | 28,019 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for classroom instructors, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
David McMahan Ph.D.
Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College
Top companies hiring classroom instructors now:
Which companies pay classroom instructors the most?
Classroom instructor salaries at Fayette County Public Schools and San Diego College of Continuing Education are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average classroom instructor salary at companies like USD 383 and North Central Texas College are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fayette County Public Schools | $54,681 | $26.29 |
| 2 | San Diego College of Continuing Education | $54,208 | $26.06 |
| 3 | USD 383 | $53,502 | $25.72 |
| 4 | North Central Texas College | $49,912 | $24.00 |
| 5 | Genesee Community College | $48,620 | $23.38 |
| 6 | Metropolitan School District Of Washington Township | $46,913 | $22.55 |
| 7 | Seattle Children's Healthcare System | $45,025 | $21.65 |
| 8 | Manhattan School of Music | $44,120 | $21.21 |
| 9 | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | $43,066 | $20.70 |
| 10 | Jo-Ann Stores | $40,171 | $19.31 |
| 11 | Umpqua Community College | $32,129 | $15.45 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Classroom Instructor salary by industry
The average classroom instructor salary varies across industries:
- The average classroom instructor salary in the education industry is $49,363, the highest of any industry.
- The average classroom instructor salary in the finance industry is $46,441.
- Classroom instructors in the non profits industry earn an average salary of $44,807, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for classroom instructors
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Education | $49,363 | $23.73 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $46,441 | $22.33 |
| 3 | Health Care | $46,098 | $22.16 |
| 4 | Non Profits | $44,807 | $21.54 |
High paying classroom instructor jobs
Classroom instructor salary trends
The average classroom instructor salary has risen by $6,267 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average classroom instructor earned $40,878 annually, but today, they earn $47,145 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for classroom instructors over the last decade.
Compare classroom instructor salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average classroom instructor salary over time
Compare classroom instructor salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Classroom instructor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,100 | $22.67 | +2.1% |
| 2024 | $46,200 | $22.19 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $45,000 | $21.66 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $44,200 | $21.26 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $43,200 | $20.75 | +1.6% |
Recently added classroom instructor salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City School District | Pre K Instructor-Open Classroom | Salt Lake City, UT | 06/27/2025 | $31,882 |
| Pitt County Schools | Classroom Instructor for Port Residential Program | Boone, NC | 06/20/2025 | $62,610 |
| North Carolina Jobs | Classroom Instructor for Port Residential Program | Boone, NC | 06/19/2025 | $62,610 |
| Public School of North Carolina | Classroom Instructor for Port Residential Program | Greenville, NC | 06/19/2025 | $62,610 |
| Applerouth Education | In-Person Test Prep Tutor and Classroom Instructor | Fairburn, GA | 06/15/2025 | $62,610 |
| The Princeton Review | SAT Instructor, Princeton Classrooms | Princeton, NJ | 06/11/2025 | $73,045 |
| Ludlow Independent Schools | Elementary Classroom Instructor | Ludlow, KY | 05/22/2025 | $48,000 |
| ACES | Aces International Preschool and Childcare Center Assistant Classroom Instructor | Woodbury, MN | 05/17/2025 | $34,122 |
| Paul Mitchell Schools | Cosmetology Classroom Instructor | Sylvania, OH | 05/16/2025 | $37,566 |
| Carroll County Schools | High School Classroom Instructor-Interventionist | Carrollton, KY | 04/17/2025 | $47,643 |
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