As of the latest available data, the minimum salary for teachers in Texas ranges between $33,660 and $54,540. The salary variations are determined by years of experience, additional skills, and school district.
The average Public School Teacher salary in Texas is $55,969 as of July 25, 2023. However, the salaries vary widely, with the highest earning $68,260 and the lowest $46734.
In this article, we’ll delve into the factors determining teacher salaries in the Lone Star State. We’ll explore legislation and job outlook and share insights on how to become a teacher in Texas.
Texas Legislature and Teacher Pay
In a bid to address long-standing concerns about teacher compensation, a promising bill was tabled in the Texas legislature with the goal of uplifting educators financially.
The proposal sought to enact a significant change by elevating the minimum salary for all Texas teachers to $70,000. However, despite its potential to revolutionize teacher pay, this bill failed to pass.
The proposed bill, if successfully enacted into law, would have set a new precedent within Texas and other states grappling with teacher compensation issues.
The bill aimed to elevate the financial prospects of teachers across the state by establishing a minimum salary threshold of $70,000. This increase was projected to raise the average teacher salary base by an estimated $13,000, as reported by the Texas Education Agency for the 2019-2020 school year.
This enhanced compensation would have positioned Texas educators ahead of the curve nationally, with a salary that surpassed the average by approximately $8,000, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics for teachers during the 2018 – 2019 school year.
Representative Talarico was the driving force behind the bill. He articulated his rationale for the proposed reform through social media posts.
Drawing from personal experience as a former public school teacher, Talarico highlighted the financial struggles endured by educators. He recounted stories of colleagues driving for Uber and selling their blood plasma to make ends meet.
The bill was introduced to provide financial relief and acknowledge the dedication of teachers. Despite the noble intentions and compelling arguments by Representative Talarico and supporters of the bill, it didn’t pass into law.
Salary Expectations for Teachers in Texas
The average salary for teachers in Texas is $55,969 per year. However, the salaries of teachers in the state vary due to several factors.
The lowest 10% of teachers earn around $38,326, while the highest 10% get salaries of up to $79,451. The range typically falls between $46,734 and $68,260.
Here are the factors causing salary variations among teachers in Texas:
- Degree: The level of education a teacher possesses impacts their salary. Teachers with advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctorate, command higher pay due to their increased expertise.
- Years of experience: As teachers accumulate years of teaching, they move up the salary scale each year, contributing to an increase in compensation.
- Type of teacher: Different types of teachers, such as special education teachers, STEM teachers, or language instructors, receive varying levels of compensation based on the demand for their specialized skills and the challenges associated with their roles.
- Certification: Holding specific teaching certifications, especially in high-demand subjects, increases salaries. For example, National Board (NBPTS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) certification.
- Additional skills: Teachers with additional skills that benefit the educational environment, such as fluency in multiple languages or proficiency in technology integration, can negotiate higher salaries due to their contributions.
Current Salary for Teachers in Texas 2023
Between 2021-2022, the minimum teacher salary in Texas for a teacher with no experience was $33,600. With a decade of experience, this figure rose to $45,500. For seasoned educators with 20 years or more experience, the salary reached $54,500.
As you can see, the impact of experience on teacher salaries in Texas is evident. The compensation evolves as educators invest more years into their profession.
In addition, school districts in Texas use incentives to attract fresh talent. First-year teachers are offered sign-on bonuses, providing an initial financial boost as they embark on their educational journey.
They also offer higher salaries to teachers with certifications in high-need areas to increase the number of educators available to meet critical education requirements.
Job Outlook for Teachers in Texas
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the demand for Texas educators is expected to surge by 11%. This is in contrast to the 4% growth anticipated nationwide by 2028.
School districts across the state are facing an increasing need for qualified educators, creating an opportunity for those considering a career in teaching.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or contemplating a change, becoming a teacher in Texas offers the privilege of contributing to the academic and personal growth of young learners and creating a lasting impact through generations.
How much do teachers make in Texas?
Teacher’s pay in Texas can vary based on various factors, such as years of experience, grade levels, school districts, and cities.
For example, the highest teacher salaries in Texas fluctuate from $66,000 to $ 86,600. Additionally, Texas teachers working in Houston earn $60,000 on average, while those in Austin may earn $55,000 on average.
This can be because the cost of living varies significantly from one city to another. School districts in areas with higher living costs may offer higher salaries to ensure that teachers can afford housing, transportation, and other essential expenses.
Furthermore, school districts are funded through local, state, and sometimes federal funds. Districts with higher local funding support have more financial resources to offer competitive salaries.
How Much Do Substitute Teachers Make In Texas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage of a substitute teacher in Texas is $34,660. This translates to $16.66 per hour.
The salaries of substitute teachers vary widely, with the lowest 10% earning $17,090 and the highest $32,120. The variations depend on factors such as the school district and the city in Texas where they are teaching.
How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in Texas?
As of May 2022, the average salary of elementary school teachers in Texas was $59,790. This is an average figure, and some teachers may receive higher or lower pay depending on years of experience, certifications, or school district.
Due to these factors, some teachers earn as low as $48,180 or as high as $72,570 annually.
How Much Do Teachers Make an Hour in Texas?
On average, Texas teachers make about $19 per hour. Pay typically fluctuates based on experience level, grade level, and other factors, as we’ve established above.
How Much Do Special Ed Teachers Make in Texas?
The teacher salary in Texas for special ed teachers is around $61,040 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Due to the demand for special ed teachers, these employees tend to get paid more. Special ed teachers have a variety of responsibilities that may differ from regular teachers. They may have to work outside the classroom and teach their students basic skills or an adjusted curriculum.
Highest Paying Cities for Teachers in Texas
As mentioned earlier, different cities can offer teachers different salaries due to funding, cost of living, or priorities. For instance, some cities prioritize paying better salaries to teachers while others use the money to acquire more advanced technology.
Here are the highest-paying cities for teachers in Texas:
- Arlington ($39.03/hour)
- Dallas ($36.63/hour)
- Fort Worth ($36.44/hour)
- El Paso ($34.22/hour)
- San Antonio ($33.97/hour)
Other Benefits for Teachers in Texas
Besides the competitive salaries, teachers in Texas can expect additional benefits that contribute to their well-being and job satisfaction.
For example:
- Continuing education credits: Texas provides opportunities for teachers to pursue ongoing professional development through continuing education courses. Professional development enhances the skills of educators and helps them stay updated with the latest educational practices.
- Flexible schedule: Many teaching positions offer flexibility in work hours during school breaks or when planning lessons, which helps teachers maintain a work-life balance.
- Opportunities for advancement: Teachers in Texas can access leadership roles and career growth within their schools or districts.
- Paid jury duty: Teachers are compensated for the time they spend fulfilling jury duty responsibilities, ensuring that their civic duties do not affect their income.
- Paid sick time: Teachers receive a number of paid sick days per year, allowing them to take care of their health without sacrificing their income.
- Paid time off: Beyond sick days, teachers have access to paid time off for personal reasons or emergencies.
- Paid training: Some school districts offer paid training sessions and workshops to improve teachers’ skills and ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest teaching technologies.
- Parental leave: Many school districts provide parental leave options for teachers who are new parents, helping balance their career and personal responsibilities.
- Professional development assistance: Teachers receive financial support to attend conferences, workshops, or courses contributing to their professional growth.
- Referral program: Some school districts offer referral bonuses to teachers who recommend qualified candidates for teaching positions as an incentive to bring in new talent.
- Relocation assistance: In some cases, districts offer relocation assistance to teachers who work in areas with teacher shortages or high-demand subjects.
- Retirement plan: Texas teachers have access to retirement plans that provide financial security for their post-teaching years.
- Tuition reimbursement: Many school districts offer tuition reimbursement programs that support teachers in pursuing advanced degrees or further education.
Salary Prediction for Teachers
If you’re considering becoming a teacher in Texas for the 2023 to 2024 school year, you can expect to earn between $50,000 and $65,000, starting with a bachelor’s degree and no experience. That’s a decent starting salary for new teachers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there are going to be a lot more opportunities for school teachers. They estimate that by 2026, the number of teaching jobs will increase by about 20%. That means schools will need more teachers to help students learn and grow.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a teacher in Texas, there will be good job prospects and reasonable starting pay waiting for you.
How to Become a Teacher in Texas?
Now that you have the salary expectations and benefits of becoming a teacher in Texas, you know what to expect as you follow your passion to make a difference in students’ lives.
To become a teacher in Texas, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree or a Career Technical Education (CTE) certificate.
Next, you’ll need to apply to a certification program to set the stage for your future role as an educator. In the program, you’ll learn teaching theory, pedagogy, and classroom management. You’ll also participate in student teaching to gain real-life experience.
As you embark on this journey, explore the Teachers of Tomorrow programs. They’re designed to support aspiring teachers like you, and they offer an affordable, self-paced, and 100% online path to certification.
Seize this moment and apply now—forge your path as an educator in Texas.
