High School Teacher Salary (2026): How Much Do Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Make?

National and state-by-state median wages · BLS OEWS data · Updated August 12, 2026

National Median$74,587
Per Hour$35.86
Total Jobs$1,065,210
Highest Paying StateWashington

High School Teacher Salary by State (All 50 States + DC)

#StateMedian Annual Salaryvs. NationalJobs
1Washington$102,670▲ 38%$14,880
2California$101,370▲ 36%$99,230
3New York$97,070▲ 30%$70,660
4Massachusetts$95,260▲ 28%$28,460
5Rhode Island$92,610▲ 24%$4,910
6District of Columbia$82,750▲ 11%$2,800
7New Jersey$82,200▲ 10%$38,140
8Connecticut$80,970▲ 9%$14,800
9Illinois$79,990▲ 7%$44,670
10Alaska$79,650▲ 7%$2,790
11Oregon$79,570▲ 7%$11,730
12Ohio$78,800▲ 6%$49,540
13Pennsylvania$78,800▲ 6%$52,240
14Maryland$78,670▲ 5%$16,640
15Delaware$77,960▲ 5%$5,360
16New Hampshire$77,060▲ 3%$5,860
17Minnesota$76,460▲ 3%$16,020
18Utah$76,330▲ 2%$11,030
19Vermont$76,220▲ 2%$2,450
20New Mexico$75,900▲ 2%$8,120
21Georgia$75,480▲ 1%$25,730
22Hawaii$74,310▲ 0%$5,590
23Colorado$72,900▼ 2%$18,310
24Virginia$72,170▼ 3%$31,100
25Michigan$66,030▼ 11%$25,540
26Nevada$65,520▼ 12%$8,920
27Maine$64,880▼ 13%$5,540
28Texas$63,590▼ 15%$111,660
29Nebraska$63,450▼ 15%$7,170
30Wisconsin$62,870▼ 16%$15,910
31Wyoming$62,690▼ 16%$1,600
32South Carolina$62,580▼ 16%$16,080
33Alabama$61,990▼ 17%$15,880
34Indiana$61,880▼ 17%$20,430
35Tennessee$61,860▼ 17%$21,230
36Idaho$61,690▼ 17%$6,570
37Kentucky$61,560▼ 17%$12,780
38North Dakota$61,210▼ 18%$3,070
39Iowa$61,200▼ 18%$12,310
40Montana$60,990▼ 18%$3,670
41Florida$60,410▼ 19%$49,810
42Kansas$59,920▼ 20%$10,860
43Louisiana$59,850▼ 20%$15,210
44Arkansas$59,660▼ 20%$12,890
45Missouri$59,240▼ 21%$24,380
46Arizona$58,360▼ 22%$21,190
47North Carolina$57,650▼ 23%$28,620
48West Virginia$56,610▼ 24%$3,590
49South Dakota$51,050▼ 32%$3,360
50Mississippi$50,980▼ 32%$10,400
51Oklahoma$48,710▼ 35%$15,480

FAQ

How much does a High School Teacher make?

The national median annual salary for secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education is $74,587, about $35.86 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.

What state pays secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education the most?

Washington tops the list at $102,670 per year.

What state pays secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education the least?

Oklahoma has the lowest median at $48,710.

How much does a High School Teacher make per hour?

At the national median, secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education earn about $35.86 per hour (based on a 2,080-hour work year).

Where are the most secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education employed?

The table above shows total jobs per state; states with the largest numbers of secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education include Texas.