🍎 How much does a school teacher make?
U.S. teacher median pay is $63,970–$72,040 a year, depending on grade; the top 10% of elementary teachers earn over $104,340. Japan’s public elementary and middle school teachers average about ¥6,946,535.
Pay varies by grade, location, experience, and employer; Japan’s public-school pay is set locally, and the cited national survey reports an average, not a top-earner figure.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Typical K–12 teachers (median, depending on grade) | $63,970–$72,040 | BLS May 2025 medians |
| Top 10% cutoff for elementary teachers | $104,340 | BLS May 2025 90th-percentile cutoff |
School teacher salary in Japan: about $46K a year
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical K–12 teachers (median, depending on grade) | $5,331–$6,003 | $175–$197 |
| Top 10% cutoff for elementary teachers | $8,695 | $286 |
Where does the money come from?
- Base salary: The middle annual pay for U.S. high-school teachers was $72,040 in 2025. Source
- Extra-duty stipend: Glendale’s schedule lists stipends for some coaching roles, separate from a teacher’s regular salary. Source
- Summer school pay: Glendale’s schedule lists an hourly rate for teachers assigned to summer school. Source
How pay changes with experience
| Stage | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Texas public-school teacher, 0 credited years | $33,960 Estimate | Texas state minimum for 2025–26; annual salary on a 10-month contract. (Source) |
| Texas public-school teacher, 20 or more credited years | $55,030 Estimate | Texas state minimum for 2025–26; annual salary on a 10-month contract. (Source) |
How do you become a school teacher?
In the United States, earn a bachelor’s degree and complete a teacher-preparation program with supervised student teaching. Pass your state’s required teaching and subject tests and background check, then get the state license for your grade and subject and apply to public schools; many states expect high-school science teachers to study science.
- Earn a bachelor's degree.
- Complete teacher training and supervised student teaching.
- Pass state teaching and subject tests and a background check.
- Get a state license and apply to public schools.
Qualifications and exams
Public-school teachers need a state license for their grade level. Requirements vary, but generally include a bachelor’s degree, student teaching, a background check, and general and subject tests.
A day as a school teacher
A science teacher checks lesson plans and teaches classes, sometimes working in a lab. After class, they review student work, grade assignments, plan the next lesson, and communicate with families or colleagues.
Common questions
What do U.S. middle-school teachers earn?
The 2025 typical yearly pay for U.S. middle-school teachers was $64,370. Source
Does teacher pay rise with experience?
Yes. Texas’s 2025–26 state minimum annual salary was $33,960 for 0 credited years and $55,030 for 20 or more. Districts may set higher pay. Source
Can coaching bring a teacher extra pay?
Some can. Glendale’s 2026–27 schedule lists $1,000 stipends for several sports coach roles; extra pay depends on the district and assignment. Source
Can teachers earn extra by teaching summer school?
In Glendale’s 2026–27 schedule, summer school is listed at a certified teacher’s hourly rate of $49.86. Rates differ by district. Source
Do U.S. teachers work during summer break?
Many U.S. teachers work a 10-month school year and have about two months off in summer, but some teach paid summer-school classes. Source
Can a graduate degree raise teacher pay?
In New York City public schools, teacher salaries depend on prior experience, academic coursework, and degrees earned, so a graduate degree can affect pay. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
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In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Public elementary and middle school teachers (average) | $46,310 | Local-government pay survey; monthly pay annualized plus bonuses |
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Related questions
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Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-schoo
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm
- www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosi/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/kyuuyo/pdf/R7_kyuyo_1_03-2.pdf
- tea.texas.gov/educators/salary-and-service-record/minimum-salary-schedules
- resources.finalsite.net/images/v1786728106/gesd40org/wim682kw7hagb0g1i2rv/26-27E
- www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/working-at-the-doe/benefits-and-pay