Pennsylvania Teacher Salary Info

If you're looking for a state that values its teaching workforce, you should definitely consider teaching in Pennsylvania. Teacher salaries in Pennsylvania were $58,124 in 2009-10, according to the National Education Association—five percent higher than the national average salary for teachers. Your Pennsylvania teacher salary will also include a number of generous benefits aside from the long summer vacations that are the envy of other professionals.

In the School District of Philadelphia, for example, teachers receive medical coverage, including retirement health benefits; dental and optical coverage; life insurance; tax-sheltered annuity plans for retirement; and pre-tax commuter vouchers for teachers who use public transportation.* Of course, specific benefit plans will vary depending on your school district.

Your Pennsylvania teacher salary will also vary according to a number of factors, including how much experience you have, your level of education, and the grade level you teach. The average annual salary for preschool teachers is $25,610, while the average salary for middle school teachers is $57,000.** The average Pennsylvania teacher salary in secondary school is $55,150. However, at the entry level, secondary school teachers make an average of $37,950, while those in the 90th wage percentile may make over $80,000.***

Geographic location also causes some variation in Pennsylvania teacher salaries. Below are average annual earnings for secondary school teachers in the five largest metropolitan areas:**

• Allentown: $54,460
• Erie: $54,890
• Philadelphia: $58,270
• Pittsburgh: $54,950
• Reading: $57,850

Pennsylvania is clearly a state that puts a premium on education, and they're willing to put their money where their mouth is. If you're thinking about becoming a Pennsylvania teacher, start researching teacher training programs right here on Teacher World.

Sources:
* The School District of Philadelphia
** U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
***Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis

Back to Pennsylvania Teacher Certification/Credentialing
Or, Steps to become a teacher in Pennsylvania