Typical Income for High School Teachers

I know teaching isn't exactly a money-making profession, but I'm interested in becoming a teacher. I'm curious about what type of high school teachers make the most money. Is it based on the subject they teach, experience, or something else?

The income of a high school teacher can widely vary based on different factors. These include geographic location, experience, level of education, type of school (public or private), and—the one you mentioned—the subject they teach. However, the main factor is usually the geolocation where some states or districts pay significantly more than others.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for high school teachers in the U.S. is roughly $65,220, as of May 2023. But this figure can range from less than $40,000 to over $100,000 in certain areas or under specific circumstances.

In terms of subject matter, some specialties may have higher pay scales due to supply and demand. Often, for example, teachers in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) might command higher salaries due to the high demand and lower supply of teachers in these areas.

Experience and education also play significant roles in influencing a teacher's salary. More experienced teachers and teachers with advanced degrees typically have higher salaries than their less experienced or less educated counterparts. For instance, a teacher with a master's degree or PhD will usually have a higher salary than a teacher with a bachelor's degree.

Lastly, whether the school is private or public can also affect a teacher's income. Typically, private school teachers earn somewhat less than their counterparts in public schools, mainly due to the differing funding sources and pay scales between the two types of institutions.

So, in short, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as teacher pay varies based on several different factors.