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Teaching and Education Programs, Careers and Pay

Public school teachers need a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license. Some states also offer alternative routes for people who already hold a degree.

Ways into teaching and education

  1. 1

    Bachelor's in education

    Includes teacher preparation coursework and student teaching, and leads directly to a state license.

  2. 2

    Alternative certification

    For people with a bachelor's in another field: a state-approved program lets them teach while completing licensing requirements.

  3. 3

    Master's in education

    Required for some roles and often raises pay on public school salary schedules.

Teaching and Education pay by state

Salary data · May 2025

Elementary School Teacher Salary by State

U.S. median $63,970 · pay in every state

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