How to hire a high school science teacher

How to hire a high school science teacher, step by step

Here's a step-by-step high school science teacher hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a high school science teacher job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new high school science teacher
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a high school science teacher do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your high school science teacher job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a high school science teacher for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A high school science teacher's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, high school science teachers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of high school science teachers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of High School Science Teacher	Description	Hourly rate
   High School Science Teacher	High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.	$18-34
   Teacher	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... Show more	$15-33
   Science Instructor	A Science Instructor guides the student in understanding important concepts in science, which may include problem-solving and gathering evidence in supporting concepts or ideas. Their responsibilities include presenting science demonstrations, checking assignments, grading tests, and writing lesson plans... Show more	$14-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Professional Development
   • Classroom Management
   • Instructional Materials
   • Student Learning
   • Student Achievement
   • Classroom Environment
   • Curriculum Development
   • Physical Science
   • Learning Process
   • Learning Styles
   • Science Curriculum
   • Student Performance
   • Blended Learning
   • Kids

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Coordinate training for the after-school soccer league, manage game schedules and transportation for the school team
   • Prepare students for higher level science courses including chemistry and anatomy and physiology.
   • Support the implementation of the IB continuum.
   • Create daily lesson plans for biology and human anatomy courses.
   • Incorporate lab activities for an apply, student focuse chemistry course.
   • Prepare and deliver lessons ranging from genetics to cell structure and composition.

   More high school science teacher duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your high school science teacher job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A high school science teacher salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, high school science teachers' average salary in south dakota is 51% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level high school science teachers earn 46% less than senior-level high school science teachers.
   • Certifications. A high school science teacher with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a high school science teacher's salary.

   Average high school science teacher salary

   $53,404yearly

   $25.68 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level high school science teacher salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average high school science teacher salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New York	$77,138	$37
   2	Maryland	$69,960	$34
   3	New Jersey	$68,573	$33
   4	Massachusetts	$67,259	$32
   5	Pennsylvania	$63,248	$30
   6	Georgia	$61,011	$29
   7	Illinois	$58,071	$28
   8	Florida	$57,101	$27
   9	California	$56,792	$27
   10	Michigan	$53,601	$26
   11	South Carolina	$52,372	$25
   12	Texas	$50,409	$24
   13	North Carolina	$47,436	$23
   14	Louisiana	$45,331	$22
   15	Colorado	$44,066	$21
   16	Tennessee	$43,179	$21
   17	New Mexico	$42,728	$21
   18	Arizona	$41,442	$20

   Average high school science teacher salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Baltimore City Public Schools	$73,997	$35.58	18
   2	California State University	$73,428	$35.30	146
   3	The University of Chicago	$66,052	$31.76	10
   4	Springs Charter Schools	$65,432	$31.46
   5	Prince George's County Memorial Library System	$65,265	$31.38	7
   6	Springfield City Library	$64,239	$30.88	7
   7	Newark Public Schools	$63,403	$30.48
   8	COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT	$62,037	$29.83	34
   9	Savannah-Chatham County Public School System	$61,612	$29.62	27
   10	Edmond Public Schools	$61,495	$29.56	33
   11	San Jacinto Unified School District	$60,555	$29.11	3
   12	Denver Public Schools	$59,727	$28.71	55
   13	Youth Performing Arts School	$59,517	$28.61
   14	Windsor Central School	$59,441	$28.58	2
   15	Santa Rosa City Schools	$58,867	$28.30
   16	Lourdes University	$58,681	$28.21	2
   17	California Academy of Sciences	$58,582	$28.16
   18	Bright Star Schools	$58,384	$28.07	17
   19	LREI	$58,263	$28.01	1
   20	Sheldon College	$58,168	$27.97	8

4. Writing a high school science teacher job description

   A high school science teacher job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a high school science teacher job description:

   High school science teacher job description example

   High School Teaching/Industrial-Technology Education
   
   Date Posted:
   3/7/2022
   
   Location:
   Chicago
   (High-Needs School)
   
   Join Our Team!
   
   Overview:
   
   Chicago Tech Academy High School (ChiTech) is a progressive education community laser focused on engaging students in creative ways. Our school is unlike any other in Chicagoland in that we leverage digital access to knowledge and project based learning. Every one of our students have their own Chromebook, allowing teachers to leverage numerous digital resources as they support our learners. In order to make sure the right resources are used, teachers are given time and professional development focused on leveraging available data to meet each student's needs. Rather than sitting for final exams, ChiTech students show their mastery of new skills and content through the completion of projects.
   
   At this time the ChiTech team is searching for creative individuals that are excited to be a part of something different, something special. If you are interested in creating a collaborative learning environment, and becoming a learning designer who is focused on supporting students in the way that they learn best, then make sure to apply for an opportunity to join our learning community.
   
   ChiTech's Core Values:
   Equity: We have an unwavering belief in everyone's potential! Collaboration: We are stronger when we work together! Authenticity: Deeper learning happens both inside and outside the classroom! Growth Mindset: Hard work and dedication leads to continuous learning!
   Position Overview:
   
   The role of a Teacher at ChiTech is to provide an engaging, rigorous and innovative academic learning experience for students. The ChiTech teacher develops lessons for students through the combined use of traditional best practices, digital resources, and project-based learning. Ultimately, the goal of the ChiTech Teacher is to connect new knowledge and skills to real-world applications.
   
   Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
   Build a strong trusting relationships with all students throughout the ChiTech Community. Demonstrate a sensitivity to and respect for a diverse student and teacher population (ethnicity, gender, culture, "ability," etc.). Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum delivery and project design. Creatively use available instructional resources (Open Source, Research Based, Digital Programs) to engage students. Willingness to receive coaching through a dedicated feedback cycle. Implement restorative practices within the classroom, and larger school environment. Participate in professional development provided both in, and beyond the school walls. Differentiate instruction to meet varied student needs. Communicate with students, parents/guardians on a regular basis about progress toward goals. Demonstrate passion for and commitment to your personal educational mission, and the mission and success of ChiTech. Possess a solution focused mindset.
   Minimum Requirements:
   Candidates must have an Illinois teaching credential and relevant subject endorsement
   Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
   
   In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Chicago Tech Academy will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. ChiTech does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find high school science teachers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any high school science teachers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level high school science teachers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your high school science teacher job on Zippia to find and attract quality high school science teacher candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as k12jobspot, learn4good, serious teachers, teachingjobs.com.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting high school science teachers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new high school science teacher

   Once you've decided on a perfect high school science teacher candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new high school science teacher. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a high school science teacher?