What Is the Average Teacher Salary in Major U.S. Cities?
Average Teacher Salary in Baltimore, MD (2025)
Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) has recently increased educator pay with a starting salary of $60,000 annually. BCPS also offers additional pay for teachers in high-need subject areas like special education and STEM. Opportunities like National Board Certification and leadership roles can also boost earnings. Learn more about Baltimore City’s 2024-2025 pay structure.
Teachers in Maryland may also benefit from a range of financial support programs:
- Maryland Quality Teacher State Tax Credit: Up to $1,500 state credit for educators taking graduate-level courses.
Maryland Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit: Up to $5,000 credit toward student loans. - Janet Hoffman Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program: Up to $10,000 per year (depending on debt amount) for three years for public school teachers.
- Maryland 529 College Savings Plan: Up to $1,000 per year if you are under 26 years old.
In Baltimore specifically:
- Baltimore City Public Schools offers 50% tuition reimbursement for master’s degrees and above, available starting in the first fellow year. Teachers must remain with BCPSS for two years after receiving reimbursement and earn a grade of B or above.
- BCPS also offers Sabbatical Leave for employees with seven or more years of service, providing 50% of normal pay for study and travel during the leave.
Average Teacher Salary in Philadelphia, PA (2025)
The School District of Philadelphia, one of the largest in the country, uses a tiered pay structure based on education level and years of service. Philadelphia also offers bonuses and stipends for teachers working in hard-to-staff schools or teaching high-need subject areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education.
- Starting salary – Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience: $54,000+
- Master’s degree with two years of experience: $58,000+
- Veteran educators with nine or more years of experience: $90,000+
Educators who work in hard-to-staff schools will receive a $2,500 bonus in September 2025. Additional incentives are available for teachers who earn National Board Certification or take on leadership roles within their schools. Learn more about Philadelphia’s pay structure for 2025.
Philadelphia teachers may also be eligible for additional financial support:
- The School District of Philadelphia offers a $7,500 tuition payment made directly to AU for eligible residents.
- Mastery Charter School provides a $1,000 professional development stipend for two years, which can be used for AU coursework with proof of tuition payments.
Average Teacher Salary in Washington, DC (2025)
DC Public Schools (DCPS) consistently ranks among the highest-paying school districts in the nation.
- Starting salary bachelors and one year: $64,000
- Masters and two years of experience: $70,000+
Teachers in DC Public Schools typically receive annual salary increases of 2–4% based on years of service, with additional opportunities for higher pay through continued education, leadership roles, National Board Certification, and high-need subject area incentives. Learn more about DCPS’ salary breakdown for 2025-2028.
DC teachers may also qualify for additional financial supports:
- Resident Stop-and-Shop: Access free dry goods and groceries once a month.
- A $10,000 grant through the Homes for Heroes Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) to help with homeownership in DC.
Average Teacher Salary in Dallas, TX (2025)
Dallas Independent School District (DISD) uses a performance-based compensation model, allowing teachers to earn higher salaries based on evaluations, job performance, and student outcomes.
- First-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree: $62,000+
- Teachers rated as Proficient or Exemplary: $70,000–$85,000
- Master teachers: $100,000+
Teachers in DISD have the opportunity to advance quickly through the salary scale by consistently demonstrating strong classroom performance and student growth. Learn more about DISD’s performance-based compensation structure for the 2024–2025 school year.
Teachers in Dallas may also qualify for additional financial supports:
- TEACH Grant: Grant award varies in amount, up to $3,777.
- AmeriCorps Education Award: Eligible after Year 2, up to $6,895.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to launch your teaching career is a major decision — and understanding salary potential is an important part of that process. Whether you’re drawn to the tiered pay structures of Philadelphia and Baltimore, the high base salaries in DC, or the performance-based earnings in Dallas, each city offers unique opportunities to grow both professionally and financially.
Don’t forget to explore our financial estimator tool or compare each region to get a personalized look at your potential earnings and costs, including available scholarships and grants. If you have questions or want help planning your next steps, connect with one of our recruiters. With the right information in hand, you can take an empowering next step toward a rewarding career in education with confidence.
