Is Texas a great state for teachers?
Will I receive a fair salary for my work as a teacher?
How do Texas teachers stack up to the competition in terms of treatment and compensation?
A recent survey conducted by financial website, WalletHub, sought to answer these questions and more to help prospective teacher candidates determine which states provide the best opportunities for job growth and satisfaction.
The Results: How Does Texas Stack Up To The Competition?
When evaluated against its peers, Texas was slightly above average at number 24. The state ranked number 27 in opportunity and competition, as well as 27th in academic and work environment.
Texas struggled in the rankings in public-school spending per student, ranking 47th. While there is room for improvement, when compared to our direct neighbors, Texas is doing better. Here are the rankings for the adjacent states:
One of the most important questions that we get asked by prospective teaching candidates is: How much is the average teaching salary in Texas?
Currently, the average teaching salary in Texas is about $63,749, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
The nationwide average teacher salary during the 2023-2024 school year was $71,699, according to an annual report from the National Education Association. During that same year, the average teacher salary in Texas was $62,463, ranking it 31st in the nation. The National Education Association also noted in its report that the average teacher starting salary was $48,526, ranking the state 18th in the nation.
Many factors can influence how much money a teacher makes in Texas, however. For example, the TEA publishes a base salary schedule each year. This salary schedule outlines the minimum annual salary a teacher must earn in a 10-month contract based on years of credited experience.
The current minimum a teacher can earn with zero years of experience is $33,660. With 20 years or more experience, the minimum a teacher can earn is $54,540. You can take a look at this salary schedule in our article, How Much Is The Average Teaching Salary In Texas?
Other factors that can influence your salary include the grade level you teach, where you teach and whether your subject area is in demand.
In general, educators who teach at the secondary or high school levels tend to earn a higher pay than those who teach at the elementary level. Those who teach in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those who teach in rural areas.
There are also several critical teacher shortage areas in Texas. Teachers who opt to lead a classroom in one of these subject areas may be more likely to earn a higher salary. They also may be eligible for TEACH grants or public service loan forgiveness.
For the 2024-2025 school year, the teacher shortage areas in Texas are:
If you opt to run a club or head a sports team, you can earn additional compensation as well, elevating your annual salary.
No honest discussion of becoming a teacher would be complete without a discussion of the challenges that teachers face.
As a teacher, you can often expect heavy workloads during the school year with large class sizes and potential issues with classroom behavior. These are two of the major reasons listed for those that start and then choose to leave teaching.
All of these are areas that districts around the state need to improve upon to increase the retention of great young teachers.
State legislators also need to look at the state of our retention numbers and make adjustments to the areas where we fall short in this state … namely fair teacher salary growth.
With all of this being said, Texas has a lot to offer for prospective teachers. While there is obvious room for improvement, there is a lot to be desired about living and working in our great state.
For prospective teaching candidates, becoming a teacher is a calling and to be effective, you must have a heart to serve others. While the financial rewards may not currently match those offered in other careers, the rewards of helping others and being adequately compensated both in service and in retirement are there.
And Texas is a GREAT PLACE to live and work!!
Topics: Teaching Jobs
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