Teacher Salary in the United States: How Much Can You Earn?

If you are thinking about going to teach in the U.S., it is natural to wonder how much you can earn and if it is possible to save money while teaching in American schools. The salary of a teacher in the United States is high compared to Latin American countries, but other factors influence the quality of life and savings capacity. Keep reading to learn more!

How Much Do Teachers Make in the United States?

The salary of a teacher in the U.S. varies depending on the state, experience, and educational level at which they teach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics., the average annual salary of a Prek-12 teacher is approximately $65,000 USD.

However, this amount can range from $45,000 USD in some states to $90,000 USD in districts with greater resources like California and New York, according to data from the NEA (National Education Association).

In general, high school teachers tend to earn more than elementary school teachers. Special Education teachers also tend to have good salaries, with an average salary of $65,910 nationwide.

Not all educational institutions are included in these studies, but with the available data, it is already possible to have an overview of how much you can earn as a teacher in the United States.

How to Negotiate a Better Salary as a Teacher in the United States?

The salary of a teacher in the United States can increase progressively year by year, because the annual contracts allow for renegotiating or looking for better offers in other schools. In addition, in both public and private schools, salary ranges increase according to years of experience, specialties, and certifications.

The teacher's negotiation ability also plays an important role in obtaining a good salary. Preparing for the hiring process and demonstrating experience and additional skills is key to improving the offer.

An effective strategy is to research the average salaries in the state and district where you want to work. You can use resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics or the NEA page to find out the standard salary ranges and come to the negotiation better informed.

In addition to salary, teachers often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacations, and bonuses, as well as professional development opportunities and mentoring programs. It is essential that when negotiating a job offer for a teacher in the United States you consider these benefits, as they can make a big difference in your financial stability and quality of life.

How Much Do I Need to Earn to Save While Being a Teacher in the U.S.?

In general, it is possible to have a good quality of life in the United States with salaries ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 dollars per month.

Living and working in the United States involves costs that vary depending on the city where you reside. Some main expenses to consider include:

• Rent: The cost of renting a home ranges between $1,000 and $3,000 USD per month, depending on the city and neighborhood, the type of housing (which may or may not be shared), and basic services such as electricity, water, internet, and community fees.

• Food: Depending on your lifestyle and the city where you want to live, food expenses can vary from $300 to $600 USD per month.

• Transportation: If you live in a large city with efficient public transportation, expenses can be around $100 to $200 USD per month, while having your own car implies higher costs (fuel, parking, permits, etc.).

• Health Insurance: If you purchase private individual health insurance, it can cost between $300 and $800 USD per month, depending on the coverage. But many schools can include you in the health plan they offer to their workers, which will be automatically deducted from your salary month by month. In this case, the cost can vary from $100 USD or more depending on the coverage and co-pay offered by the employer.

• Taxes: In the United States, an average of 35% of gross salary can be deducted for Federal and State Taxes, Social Security, and Health Plans. This will vary depending on the state (some have zero taxes), if you have dependents, or if additional deductions apply.

In an estimate, to be able to save while living in expensive cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, ideally, you should look for salaries of at least $70,000 USD per year.

If you are going to live in a more affordable city like Atlanta or Phoenix, a salary of $55,000 USD should allow you to live comfortably.

If the job you are going to negotiate does not offer these salaries, it is also possible to supplement your income with private lessons, online teaching, or extracurricular activities. This will allow you to have greater financial stability. This depends on which visa you have, because with the J-1 visa, for example, it is not allowed to do another job.

If you are considering being a teacher in the United States, it is important to evaluate the cost of living and plan savings strategies. We recommend creating a budget spreadsheet with your expected income and expenses, so you will have greater control of your finances and can make the most of the experience of teaching abroad.

Your Opportunity to Be a Teacher in the United States Is on Edbinder

Would you like to teach in the United States? On Edbinder you will find many open vacancies for teachers in different areas of expertise.

Teachers hired through the Edbinder platform in the United States have achieved salaries from $50,000 USD, a value that can vary from state to state and according to the specialization of each professional, who can earn up to $120,000 USD per year.

It's your turn to have a better quality of life without leaving aside your passion for teaching! Register for free on Edbinder, create your profile in minutes and explore all the job opportunities that are waiting for you.