The minimum salary for teachers in Texas ranges between $33,660 and $54,540. Teacher salares varry based on years of experience, additional skills, school district and other factors.
According to Salary.com, the average Public School Teacher salary in Texas is $57,761. However, the salaries vary widely, with the highest earning $70,471 and the lowest $48,217.
In this article, we’ll look into the factors determining teacher salaries in the Lone Star State. We’ll explore legislation and job outlook and share insights on how to become a teacher in Texas.
Texas Legislature and Teacher Pay
In a bid to address long-standing concerns about teacher compensation, a promising bill was tabled in the Texas legislature with the goal of uplifting educators financially.
The proposal sought to enact a significant change by elevating the minimum salary for all Texas teachers to $70,000. However, despite its potential to revolutionize teacher pay, this bill failed to pass.
The proposed bill, if successfully enacted into law, would have set a new precedent within Texas and other states grappling with teacher compensation issues.
The bill aimed to elevate the financial prospects of teachers across the state by establishing a minimum salary threshold of $70,000. This increase was projected to raise the average teacher salary base by an estimated $13,000, as reported by the Texas Education Agency for the 2019-2020 school year.
This enhanced compensation would have positioned Texas educators ahead of the curve nationally, with a salary that surpassed the average by approximately $8,000, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics for teachers during the 2018 – 2019 school year.
In April 2023, House Bill 11 was passed. The bill will benefit aspiring teachers in Texas who will benefit from expanded residency programs. The bill approved the funding of residency programs, and districts will receive up to $42,000 to pay for each residency teacher. With a less financial burden, aspiring teachers in Texas can now focus entirely on their professional development.
Additionally, the bill addresses retention challenges by improving teacher preparation, a critical factor in reducing attrition rates.
Salary Expectations for Teachers in Texas
The average salary for teachers in Texas is $57,761 per year. However, the salaries of teachers in the state vary due to several factors.
The lowest 10% of teachers earn around $39,527, while the highest 10% get salaries of up to $82,043. The range typically falls between $48,217 and $70,471.
Factors Impacting Teacher Salaries
Teacher salaries vary based on different factors. Many of these factors, like location, education level, type of school, etc,. Intersect to influence earnings across different regions.
For instance, teachers in urban districts often earn higher salaries than those in rural areas due to differences in funding and living costs. Similarly, teachers with advanced degrees or additional certifications may earn more, as many school districts encourage continued education.
Let’s look at various elements that affect teacher pay in Texas.
Degree
The level of education a teacher possesses impacts their salary. Teachers with advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctorate, command higher pay due to their increased expertise.
For instance, Glassdoor reports the average salary of teachers with Masters degrees in Texas to be $143,240 per year in Texas, which is higher than the average salary of $57,761.
Years of experience
As teachers accumulate years of teaching, they move up the salary scale each year, contributing to an increase in compensation.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) sets a state minimum salary schedule that ensures incremental raises based on service years. For example, Northwest Independent School District’s 2023-2024 hiring schedule begins at $60,100 for teachers with no experience, increasing to $72,450 for those with 30 or more years of experience.
Type of teacher
Teacher compensation varies significantly based on specialization, with roles in high-demand areas often attracting additional stipends or higher base salaries. For instance, special education teachers are frequently offered financial incentives like $2,000 in The Houston Independent School District (HISD) and in the Austin Independent School District.
STEM educators also experience varied compensation, reflecting the demand for expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Certification
Holding specific teaching certifications, especially in high-demand subjects, increases salaries. For example, National Board (NBPTS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) certification.
In Texas, obtaining specific teaching certifications can increase salaries, particularly in high-demand areas.
For instance, educators who achieve National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) are eligible for additional compensation. Through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), teachers can get annual stipends ranging from $3,000 to $9,000.
School Type
In Texas, teacher compensation varies notably between public and private schools, influenced by factors such as funding sources, union protections, and additional benefits.
Public school teachers benefit from state-mandated minimum salary schedules, which ensure consistent salaries. They also enjoy union protections through organizations like Texas AFT, which advocate for fair wages.
Private school teachers in Texas often earn less than their public school counterparts. As of December 2024, the average annual salary for a private school teacher in Texas is approximately $43,405. To offset lower salaries, private schools may offer benefits such as smaller class sizes and housing.
Additional Skills
Teachers who bring specialized skills to the classroom often have an advantage when negotiating salaries. Having these additional abilities can help you create a better educational environment and make you more valuable to schools. Additional skills can include:
- Fluency in multiple languages: In diverse states like Texas, bilingual education is in demand. Teachers fluent in languages such as Spanish can earn higher salaries and often qualify for stipends.
- Proficiency in Technology Integration: With increasing reliance on technology in education, teachers skilled in integrating tools like Google Classroom, coding platforms, or other educational technologies are highly sought after. Schools may offer higher salaries or bonuses to attract tech-savvy educators.
Current Salary for Teachers in Texas 2025
Between 2024-2025, the minimum teacher salary in Texas for a teacher with no experience is $34,390. With a decade of experience, this figure rose to $45,630. For seasoned educators with 20 years or more experience, the salary reached $57,761.
As you can see, the impact of experience on teacher salaries in Texas is evident. The compensation evolves as educators invest more years into their profession.
In addition, school districts in Texas use incentives to attract fresh talent. First-year teachers are offered sign-on bonuses, providing an initial financial boost as they embark on their educational journey.
They also offer higher salaries to teachers with certifications in high-need areas to increase the number of educators available to meet critical education requirements.
Job Outlook for Teachers in Texas
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the demand for Texas educators is expected to surge by 11%. This is in contrast to the 4% growth anticipated nationwide by 2028.
School districts across the state are facing an increasing need for qualified educators, creating an opportunity for those considering a career in teaching.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or contemplating a change, becoming a teacher in Texas offers the privilege of contributing to the academic and personal growth of young learners and creating a lasting impact through generations.
How much do teachers make in Texas?
Teacher’s pay in Texas can vary based on various factors, such as years of experience, grade levels, school districts, and cities.
For example, the highest teacher salaries in Texas fluctuate from $66,000 to $86,600. Additionally, Texas teachers working in Houston earn an average of $60,000, while those in Austin may earn an average of $55,000.
This can be because the cost of living varies significantly from one city to another. School districts in areas with higher living costs may offer higher salaries to ensure that teachers can afford housing, transportation, and other essential expenses.
Also, school districts are funded through local, state, and sometimes federal funds. Districts with higher local funding support have more financial resources to offer competitive salaries.
How Much Do Substitute Teachers Make In Texas?
According to Salary.com, the average annual wage of a substitute teacher in Texas is $35,291. This translates to $16.66 per hour.
The salaries of substitute teachers vary widely, with the lowest 10% earning $26,275 and the highest $47,401. The variations depend on factors such as the school district and the city in Texas where they are teaching.
How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in Texas?
The average salary of elementary school teachers in Texas was $64,907 per year. This is an average figure, and some teachers may receive higher or lower pay depending on years of experience, certifications, or school district.
Due to these factors, some teachers earn as low as $48,180 or as high as $90,647 annually.
How Much Do Teachers Make an Hour in Texas?
On average, Texas teachers make about $36.22 per hour. The pay typically fluctuates based on experience level, grade level, and other factors, as we’ve established above.
How Much Do Special Ed Teachers Make in Texas?
The teacher salary in Texas for special ed teachers is around $65, 120 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Due to the demand for special ed teachers, these employees tend to get paid more. Special ed teachers have a variety of responsibilities that may differ from regular teachers. They may have to work outside the classroom and teach their students basic skills or an adjusted curriculum.
Highest Paying Cities for Teachers in Texas
As mentioned earlier, different cities can offer teachers different salaries due to funding, cost of living, or priorities. For instance, some cities prioritize paying better salaries to teachers while others use the money to acquire more advanced technology.
Here are the highest-paying cities for teachers in Texas:
- Arlington ($39.03/hour)
- Dallas ($36.63/hour)
- Fort Worth ($36.44/hour)
- El Paso ($34.22/hour)
- San Antonio ($33.97/hour)
Other Benefits for Teachers in Texas
Besides the competitive salaries, teachers in Texas can expect additional benefits that contribute to their well-being and job satisfaction.
Continuing education credits
Texas provides opportunities for teachers to pursue ongoing professional development through continuing education courses. Professional development improves the skills of educators and helps them stay updated with the latest educational practices.
Flexible schedule
Many teaching positions offer flexibility in work hours during school breaks or when planning lessons. This flexibility allows teachers to better manage their time and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Opportunities for advancement
Teachers in Texas can access leadership roles and career growth within their schools or districts. For example, you can advance to an administrative role like a principal or instructional coordinator after gaining experience and earning an educational leadership certification.
Additionally, Texas school districts often offer leadership positions within the classroom, such as department head or mentor teacher, providing pathways for career growth.
Paid jury duty
Teachers are compensated for the time they spend fulfilling jury duty responsibilities, ensuring that their civic duties do not affect their income.
Paid sick time
Teachers receive a number of paid sick days per year, allowing them to take care of their health without sacrificing their income.
Paid time off
Beyond sick days, teachers have access to paid time off for personal reasons or emergencies.
Paid training
Some school districts offer paid training sessions and workshops to improve teachers’ skills and ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest teaching technologies.
Parental leave
Many school districts provide parental leave options for teachers who are new parents, helping balance their career and personal responsibilities.
Professional development assistance
Teachers receive financial support to attend conferences, workshops, or courses contributing to their professional growth.
Referral program
Some school districts offer referral bonuses to teachers who recommend qualified candidates for teaching positions as an incentive to bring in new talent.
Relocation assistance
In some cases, districts offer relocation assistance to teachers who work in areas with teacher shortages or high-demand subjects.
Retirement plan
Texas teachers have access to retirement plans that provide financial security for their post-teaching years.
Tuition reimbursement
Many school districts offer tuition reimbursement programs that support teachers in pursuing advanced degrees or further education.
Salary Prediction for Teachers
If you’re considering becoming a teacher in Texas for the 2024 to 2025 school year, you can expect to earn between $50,000 and $65,000, starting with a bachelor’s degree and no experience. That’s a decent starting salary for new teachers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there are going to be a lot more opportunities for school teachers. They estimate that by 2026, the number of teaching jobs will increase by about 20%. That means schools will need more teachers to help students learn and grow.
Additionally, the TEA has identified teacher shortage areas for the 2024–2025 school year, including Bilingual/English as a Second Language, Career and Technical Education, Computer Science/Technology Applications, English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, and Special Education.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a teacher in Texas, there will be good job prospects and reasonable starting pay waiting for you.
How to Become a Teacher in Texas?
Now that you have the salary expectations and benefits of becoming a teacher in Texas, you know what to expect as you follow your passion to make a difference in students’ lives.
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
To become a teacher in Texas, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree or a Career Technical Education (CTE) certificate.
If you already have a degree in another field, you can transition to education through alternative teacher certification. This route ensures you become a qualified teacher faster without having to get a degree in education.
2. Apply for a Certification Program
Next, you’ll need to apply to a certification program to set the stage for your future role as an educator. In the program, you’ll learn teaching theory, pedagogy, and classroom management. You’ll also participate in student teaching to gain real-life experience.
At Teachers of Tomorrow programs we support aspiring educators by offering an affordable, self-paced, and fully online path to certification.
3. Gain Classroom Experience
Aspiring teachers in Texas gain classroom experience through a student-teaching internship. Typically part of a teacher preparation program, you work under the mentorship of an experienced teacher. This experience allows them to observe, practice, and refine their teaching skills in a real classroom setting before applying for full-time teaching positions.
Gaining classroom experience helps you develop practical teaching skills and understand the dynamics of a real classroom.
4. Apply for Teaching Jobs
Applying for teaching jobs is the final step in launching your teaching career. You showcase your qualifications and experience. This crucial step connects you with schools and districts that align with your teaching style and values, helping you transition from theory to practice in a professional setting.
You can search through school district websites, where job listings are posted and submit an online application, which usually requires a resume, cover letter, and relevant certifications.
Some districts also allow teachers to apply through state or regional job boards, and they may need to attend job fairs or network with school administrators to find opportunities.
Ready to Teach in Texas?
Teaching in Texas offers a rewarding and stable career with numerous benefits, like competitive pay, job security, and opportunities for professional growth.
The state provides various pathways to becoming a teacher, including traditional university programs and alternative certification routes like Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, which is a flexible option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a different field.
With the demand for qualified teachers continuing to rise, there are ample job opportunities in both urban and rural areas across Texas.
Additionally, teaching allows you to make a significant impact on students’ lives while enjoying excellent benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
With a strong support system and various resources available, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in education. Seize the opportunity to become a teacher in Texas—apply today and start your journey as an educator.
