Florida Teacher Salaries

If you're considering a job as an educator in the Sunshine State, it's a good idea to do your homework and find out how much you can expect to earn. Florida teacher salaries vary quite a bit depending on factors such as the grade level you teach and your level of experience, but on average, Florida educators earned $46,912 in 2009-10, according to the National Education Association. That's almost 6 percent higher than the average wage in Florida: $44,370.*

Taking a more detailed look at Florida teacher salaries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that secondary school teachers earn an average of $52,450. However, if you're just starting out, you're likely to earn a bit less—$38,606, according to Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation. The good news is that as you gain teaching experience, your earnings go up accordingly. $60,852 is the average Florida teacher salary if you've got some years of secondary teaching under your belt, and teachers in the 90th percentile can earn as much as $75,940.*

Just as the cost of living fluctuates depending on whether you live in a desirable area like Fort Lauderdale, Florida teacher salaries also vary geographically. Here are average secondary school teacher salaries for five major Florida cities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Jacksonville: $47,190
• Miami/Fort Lauderdale: $52,440
• Orlando: $53,960
• Tallahassee: $54,530
• Tampa/St. Petersburg: $54,680

Salary, of course, isn't the only reward for becoming a teacher. There are also the intangible benefits of knowing you're educating tomorrow's generation, not to mention more tangible benefits—as in benefit programs. In Broward County, for instance, teachers are eligible for health, dental and vision coverage for themselves and their families, as well as perks such as paid sick leave, tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness programs.**

Take the first step to becoming a teacher in Florida. Find great bachelor's and master's degree programs on Teacher World today!

Sources:
*Agency for Workforce Innovation
**Broward County Public Schools, Benefits and Incentives

Back to Florida Teacher Certification/Credentialing
or, Steps to become a teacher in Florida