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What is the best way to ensure a good salary as a future teacher?

I am a college student studying secondary education (language arts). I know that most teachers do not make the best salary, and I was looking for advice on what I can do to make that salary higher. I know that most schools pay more for teachers with a higher education level. Should I choose to pursue more than a bachelors degree in order to increase my possible salary? Should I try and study other subject areas? Should I look into become a club leader or a sports coach? Or something else entirely?

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Dan’s Answer

Before you spend time and money on more education for a higher salary, have you tried teaching to see if you actually enjoy it? I'm sharing this based on my family's experience. Years ago, my sibling wanted to be a teacher. She got her Bachelor's degree and started teaching, but within a year, she realized it wasn't for her. She switched to a different career and found it much more enjoyable.

Another family member, who taught junior and senior high science, earned extra money by tutoring privately and teaching summer classes.
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Jin’s Answer

To earn a good salary as a teacher, concentrate on subjects that are in demand, get advanced qualifications, choose your location wisely, and aim for career growth. Places with high living costs usually offer higher salaries and better union agreements. A good teaching salary comes from smart decisions about what you teach, your education, where you work, and your job role. Plan early, focus on popular subjects, and work on improving your skills.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Rowan,

Teachers are indeed very much underpaid. Most teachers become teachers because they are passionate about teaching. Getting a masters degree would increase your salary.

Having said that, some states have better teacher salaries than others. Ohio is not the worst but also far from the best. California, Washington and East Coast states have the highest teacher salaries. So, if you are open to moving for better pay, or because you prefer another state for different reasons, you could increase your salary. On the other hand, cost of living also tends to be high.

Private schools often offer higher salaries and better working conditions than state schools. So, that's another route to go.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/teacher-pay-by-state
https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank/teacher
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Kate’s Answer

Nobody goes into education for the money, both because there really isn't money in it (unless you make textbooks and standardised tests) and because it's a difficult job that requires passion and dedication in the face of a lot of hurdles. People teach because they love it. I did, for 10 years, before I burnt out.

As others have said, getting a M.Ed. is a good move if you know you want to teach because usually you'll automatically be paid more with a higher degree.

I'll add that being a highly qualified teacher helped me get jobs in well-paying districts. Highly qualified means you have a college degree in the subject you teach in addition to teaching credentials- so if you're a math teacher, you'd be highly qualified if you had a BA in Mathematics and then a teaching certificate or M.Ed.

Teachers are criminally underpaid across the board, and salaries in public schools are dependent on union-negotiated contracts. They are required to pay more for a higher level of education and experience. My experience has been that public schools pay a little more but you get all kinds of kids from all kinds of situations. Private and religious schools pay less, but the students are more "filtered" by the admissions process and the working conditions/perks may be better.
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George’s Answer

Education isn't about making money. It's a job that needs a lot of dedication and often requires a Bachelor's or even a Master's degree, depending on where you live. The work hours are long and demanding. The pay doesn't really match the education, time, and skills needed, especially compared to other careers.

Even though coaching can bring in extra money, the effort and time put in make the pay seem low.

Teaching is something you do because you love it, not for the paycheck.
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