K-12 Teacher Salaries

• The Pay Scale website reports that, as of 2010, K-12 teachers made an average of $34,672 to $57,657. Specific averages depend on what level the teacher oversees, however. Kindergarten teachers have an average salary of $50,380 based on 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their salaries may range between $31,320 and $75,210. Elementary teachers earn $53,150 on average, with a salary range of $33,830 to $78,720. Middle school teachers have an average salary of $53,550 but may earn anywhere between $34,360 and $79,200. Secondary teachers make the most of K-12 teachers. They earn $55,150 per year, with a range of $34,600 to $82,000.
  
  

Post-Secondary Teachers (Professors)

• The BLS lists data for post-secondary teacher salaries from a 2008 to 2009, according to a survey conducted by the American Association of University Professors. The survey shows that university instructors make $45,977, lecturers earn $52,436, assistant professors have an average wage of $63,827, and associate professors earn $76,147. Regular full-time professors earn $108,749 on average. The average for all full-time professors is $79,439. Those in private independent institutions make more than those in public or religiously-affiliated universities, as do those who work at 4-year facilities instead of 2-year facilities.
  
  

Certifications

• Teachers may hold various certifications. These certifications entitle them to teach specific subjects or to focus on a particular grade level. Sometimes, teachers hold multiple certifications, and specific certifications can impact average teacher salaries. In general, the more certifications you have, or the higher level your certifications covers, the higher your salary probably will be. Notedly, however, due to teacher shortages, many schools are hiring teachers with only minimal certifications. These starting "emergency" teachers earn less than teachers who have been in the field many years because they lack experience.
  
  

Geography

• Some areas of the United States provide better wages for teachers than others. States or territories that have higher-than-average wages for teachers include Alaska, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, the District of Columbia, Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. In other words, you'll probably earn more working in the northeastern states in general.