Indiana Teacher Salary and Benefits Guide (2025)

Indiana’s teachers educate more than one million students across nearly 2,000 public schools, playing a vital role in shaping the state’s future. Yet, despite recent efforts to boost pay, teacher salaries in the Hoosier State still trail national averages and often struggle to match the rising cost of living.

This guide breaks down what educators in Indiana can expect to earn in 2025 and beyond, including average salaries by district and experience level, benefits, and certification pathways. It also highlights how Teachers of Tomorrow can help aspiring and current educators start or advance their teaching careers in Indiana.

Salary snapshot

According to the National Education Association’s 2025 Educator Pay Data report, Indiana’s average starting salary for new teachers is $45,007, while the average teacher salary is $58,620. Teachers in Indiana earn roughly 77 ¢ for every dollar earned by similarly educated professionals. The NEA estimates a living wage of $63,090 for a single adult in Indiana, meaning the average teacher’s pay falls short of the threshold for basic economic security. Table 1 highlights key salary metrics.

Key salary statistics for Indiana teachers’

Indiana’s mandated $40,000 minimum salary, enacted in 2021, aims to boost starting pay across the state. The 2023‑24 Teacher Compensation Report found a statewide average salary of $60,557 (slightly higher than the NEA’s $58,620 figure) and an average starting salary of $48,129. Approximately 98 % of school corporations provided raises in the past school year, reflecting strong momentum to improve teacher compensation. About 22 % of teachers also received stipends, averaging $1,619 for additional duties.

Understanding starting salaries

The $40,000 statutory minimum is a baseline; many districts offer starting salaries above that threshold. The WFYI/Chalkbeat analysis of Marion County districts for the 2024‑25 school year showed starting salaries above $50,000 in most districts, with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) offering the highest starting pay at $53,460 and Pike Township close behind at $53,000. Starting teachers in other districts typically earn between $50,000 and $52,000. Although these figures exceed the state average starting salary of $45,007, they still fall short of the living wage of $63,090.

Local supplements and incentives

Indiana allows districts to supplement base pay through local property taxes and referendum levies. Wealthier suburban districts (such as Carmel Clay or Hamilton Southeastern) often pay higher salaries and offer stipends for extracurricular duties and leadership roles. In contrast, rural districts with smaller tax bases struggle to exceed the minimum salary.

Additionally, many districts participate in incentive programs such as:

• Performance stipends: For example, about 22 % of teachers received stipends averaging $1,619 for meeting performance goals or taking on extra duties. 
• Hard‑to‑staff subject bonuses: Districts may pay premiums for high‑demand subjects like science, math, special education and computer science 
• Mentorship stipends: Veteran teachers who mentor beginning teachers under the Indiana Mentoring and Assessment Program (IMAP) can earn additional income. 

Average teacher salary in Indiana

The average teacher salary of $58,620 or $60,557 in the state report places Indiana near the middle of national rankings. While salaries have increased in recent years—nearly all school corporations provided raises—the state still faces significant challenges:

• Teacher pay gap: At 77 ¢ on the dollar, Indiana teachers earn 23 % less than their college‑educated peers. 
• Living wage shortfall: The average salary is roughly $4,500 short of the $63,090 living wage. 
• Experience gaps: Teachers with 30 years of experience earn an average of $78,613, but those with five or ten years earn $52,268 and $56,993, respectively. The steep increase late in the career suggests that early‑career teachers may struggle financially. 

Teacher salaries by role

The Teacher Certification & Licensing Guide for Indiana provides detailed salary and job growth data across roles. Table 2 summarizes the average salaries, 25th percentile and 75th percentile wages for major teaching positions

Salary range and job growth for Indiana teachers

These figures illustrate that high school and career/technical teachers in Indiana command slightly higher salaries than elementary teachers. The 75th percentile wages for career/technical educators exceed $73,000 reflecting the premium placed on specialized technical skills. Job growth through 2032 is modest but positive across most roles, with elementary, middle and high school teachers seeing projected growth between 2.2 % and 2.6 %

Salary progression and experience

Indiana’s statewide salary report provides insight into earnings by years of service. Teachers with 5 years of experience earn an average of $52,268, while those with 10 years earn $56,993 and those with 30 years or more earn $78,613. The highest reported salary in the state was $110,000, highlighting the upper range available in some districts. Meanwhile, some teachers still earn near the $40,000 minimum, indicating significant disparities between districts and experience levels.

Highest‑paying districts

Recent local reporting by WFYI and Chalkbeat identified Marion County districts offering the most competitive salaries for 2024‑25. Findings included:

• Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) – Highest starting salary in the county at $53,460, with average teacher salaries around $55,883. 
• Pike Township – Starting salary of $53,000, among the top in the region. 
• School Town of Speedway – Highest average teacher salary at $71,659, reflecting strong local funding. 
• Other Marion County districts – Nearly all pay new teachers above $50,000 and offer average salaries between $57,000 and $70,000. 

Statewide, suburban districts near Indianapolis and Fort Wayne tend to pay more than rural districts in southern or eastern Indiana. Charter schools and private schools may offer different compensation structures, sometimes linking pay to performance.

Pay per hour

Like most U.S. teachers, Indiana educators often work well beyond contracted hours. Assuming 190 workdays per year at eight hours per day (1,520 hours annually), a teacher earning the average salary ($58,620) makes about $38.57 per hour, while a new teacher earning $45,007 earns roughly $29.61 per hour. Teachers with five years of experience earning $52,268 are paid about $34.40 per hour. Although these hourly rates exceed Indiana’s minimum wage ($7.25) and the state’s living wage ($30.33/hour), they do not account for unpaid overtime spent grading, planning and participating in professional development.

Factors influencing teacher salaries

Several factors drive the wide variation in Indiana teacher pay:

• Years of experience and education level: Salary schedules reward longevity and advanced degrees. Many districts pay stipends of $2,000–$5,000 for master’s degrees or National Board certification. 
• Subject area and shortages: Teachers in high‑need fields—career and technical education, special education, mathematics, science and computer science—often receive recruitment or retention bonuses. 
• District wealth and voter support: Districts that pass referendum levies or have higher property values can supplement state funding and pay higher salaries. 
• Performance and extra duties: Indiana’s compensation report notes that 22 % of teachers received stipends averaging $1,619 for additional duties or performance. Mentoring new teachers, coaching sports or advising clubs can add thousands of dollars to annual earnings. 

Bonuses, stipends and incentives

The 2023‑24 Indiana Teacher Compensation Report documents several forms of extra pay:

• Stipends for extra duties: 22 % of teachers received stipends averaging $1,619 for additional responsibilities. 
• Retention bonuses: Some districts provide bonuses to teachers who remain with the district for a specified number of years. 
• Career ladder stipends: Lead teachers who mentor colleagues or facilitate professional development may receive annual stipends. 
• Tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness: Districts partner with universities to offer reduced tuition for advanced degrees. 

Benefits and total compensation

A teacher’s total compensation includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions and paid leave. Brownsburg Community School Corporation, an example of a medium‑sized suburban district, offers a benefits package that is fairly typical for Indiana teachers. Employees receive medical, dental and vision insurance, basic life insurance for themselves and dependents, long‑term disability insurance, a 403(b) voluntary retirement savings plan, contributions to the Indiana Public Employee Retirement System (INPRS), an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), health‑club membership discounts and paid sick, personal and bereavement leave. Coverage typically begins 60 days after employment, and detailed plan options (HSA/PPO) are explained in benefits guides. These benefits substantially increase total compensation and help offset modest base salaries.

Retirement and pension contributions

Indiana teachers participate in the Indiana Teachers’ Retirement Fund, a hybrid defined‑benefit and defined‑contribution plan. The Reason Foundation reports that teachers contribute 3 % of their salary to the defined‑contribution portion of the plan. The plan is about 71 % funded, and the low employee contribution rate reflects the hybrid structure. Teachers can also contribute to 403(b) or 457 plans offered by their district.

Job outlook and demand

Indiana’s teacher workforce is expected to grow 2.4 % through 2032, slightly outpacing projected national growth. Indiana has around 61,000 teachers serving 1 million students. Shortages persist in several areas; the 2023‑24 Teacher Shortage Area Report lists high demand in career and technical education fields (agricultural science, engineering, health and medical occupations) as well as in computer science, mathematics, physics, life sciences, chemistry, and special education. The state reported 1,675 teacher vacancies in 2022‑23 and over 6,206 teachers who were considered under‑qualified or teaching outside their certification area. These shortages can create opportunities for teachers willing to work in high‑need subjects or districts.

How to become a teacher in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) oversees teacher licensure. The traditional pathway involves:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree with a state‑approved teacher preparation program. Candidates complete coursework and field experiences aligned with their chosen grade and subject area 
2. Complete at least 10 weeks of full‑time student teaching as part of an approved educator preparation program. 
3. Pass the required Praxis exams. Prospective teachers take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam and a subject‑area content exam. 
4. Apply for licensure. Graduates apply for an Initial Practitioner (IP) license through the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS), submitting transcripts, test scores and background checks. 
5. Complete the Indiana Mentoring and Assessment Program (IMAP). New teachers work under a two‑year IP license while completing a professional growth plan with a mentor teacher. Successful completion and two years of experience qualify them for a Proficient Practitioner (PP) license. 
6. Renew or upgrade your license. Teachers renew their license by completing professional development or pursue an Accomplished Practitioner (AP) license or National Board certification for longer validity periods. 

Substitute teachers

Substitute teachers in Indiana must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. A school employer must recommend applicants to obtain a Substitute Permit, which is valid for three years and cannot be renewed. Individual districts may set higher requirements.

Indiana has taken concrete steps to raise teacher pay—establishing a $40,000 minimum salary and funding raises in nearly all districts. Average salaries now approach $60,000, and high‑paying districts in Marion County start teachers above $50,000. Nevertheless, pay still trails the $63,090 living wage and teachers earn only 77 ¢ per dollar compared with similarly educated professionals. Districts with strong tax bases can offer salaries over $70,000 and generous benefits, while rural districts often remain near the minimum. Teachers considering a career in Indiana should weigh these variations, the comprehensive benefits available, and the growing demand in high‑need subjects. With thoughtful planning and ongoing professional development, Indiana educators can build a rewarding career in classrooms across the Hoosier State.