Best States for High School Teachers (Highest Paying)
Where you work changes high school teacher pay more than almost any other factor. California leads at $92,000 — roughly 42% above the national median of $65,000.
Top 10 highest paying states
Ranked by median annual salary for high school teachers:
- 1. California — $92,000 median
- 2. New York — $88,000 median
- 3. Massachusetts — $86,000 median
- 4. Washington — $82,000 median
- 5. Connecticut — $82,000 median
- 6. Illinois — $68,000 median
- 7. Pennsylvania — $66,000 median
- 8. Texas — $62,000 median
- 9. Ohio — $62,000 median
- 10. Florida — $56,000 median
Why pay varies so much by state
Three things drive the spread: local demand, licensing rules and cost of labor. States with strict licensing and high demand tend to pay a premium because the supply of qualified workers is limited.
Metro areas inside a state can differ by another 15–25%, so treat state medians as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Salary versus cost of living
High-paying coastal states usually carry high housing costs. A $92,000 salary in California can leave you with less disposable income than a mid-tier state paying $68,250.
Run the numbers on rent, state income tax and commute before you decide to relocate.
Frequently asked questions
Which state pays high school teachers the most?
California, with a median salary of $92,000 per year.
What is the average high school teacher salary in the US?
The national median is $65,000 per year.
See full high school teacher salary data
Compare pay by state and experience level with our high school teacher salary page or the salary calculator.