Hot Georgia Teacher Salaries

Georgia Teacher Salary Information

To compete in the modern world, state governments are putting an increasing focus on education. In Georgia, teacher salary has been a topic of conversation in recent elections, and many political candidates agree that paying teachers fairly is a major part of improving the educational system.⁽¹⁾ Beyond campaign promises, though, would-be educators have a lot to be hopeful for with respect to Georgia teacher salaries, given the $400 million that the state was awarded in the Race to the Top grant program.⁽²⁾

Not only that, the Georgia Department of Labor reports that Educational Services—including elementary school, middle school and secondary school teachers—is one of the highest demand sectors for 2010-2011 for projected annual job openings.⁽³⁾ But do the salary numbers reflect this high demand?

Georgia teacher salaries averaged $54,274 during the 2009-2010 school year, according to the National Education Association. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that secondary school teachers in Georgia earned $53,610 on average in 2009. However, your salary will increase depending on your level of experience, graduate-level education such as a master's or doctoral degree, and other factors. Secondary school teachers in the 90th wage percentile, for example, earn $73,480—considerably above the average.

Georgia teacher salaries also vary depending on where you're employed. The following chart contains BLS salary data for five of the largest metropolitan areas in the state:⁽⁴⁾

• Atlanta/Sandy Springs/Marietta: $54,880
• Augusta/Richmond County: $49,380
• Columbus: $50,880
• Savannah: $48,220
• Athens/Clarke County: $56,510

Don't forget that teachers receive perks over and above their base salary, including retirement benefits, medical and dental insurance, credit union membership and that all-important summer vacation.⁽⁵⁾

For more details about becoming a teacher in Georgia, visit TeachGeorgia.org or contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. To find a Georgia teacher certification program, start your research right here at Teacher World.

Sources:
(1) Spires, Shelby. "Talton, Miller put RAFB at top of agenda." Macon.com;
(2) Georgia Department of Education;
(3) Georgia Department of Labor;
(4) Bureau of Labor Statistics;
(5) Kennesaw State University: Salary information for secondary school teachers