How to Increase Your Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania
Written by:
Wilson College
• Aug 26, 2024
How to Increase Your Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania
Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the nation, tasked every day with guiding the growth and academic development of the citizens of the future. Because of this, teacher compensation has long been a hot-button issue.
For school districts and higher education institutions, having well-paid educators is associated with improved recruitment and retention, which ultimately benefits students as well as teachers. While legislative advocacy and a strong union presence can have a significant impact on teacher compensation, individual educators can also take steps to boost their salaries.
Teachers who are currently teaching in Pennsylvania should consider the many benefits, including advancing their teacher salary, of pursuing a Master of Education (MEd) degree.
How Much Do Teachers Make in Pennsylvania?
Teachers in Pennsylvania are among the highest paid in the nation. According to data from the National Education Association (NEA), Pennsylvania teachers’ salaries were roughly $5,000 to $6,000 higher than the national average in 2024:
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Average teacher starting salary in Pennsylvania: $49,083 (12th in the nation)
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Average teacher salary: $74,945 (11th in the nation)
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Average higher education faculty salary: $103,951 (13th in the nation)
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that salaries for Pennsylvania teachers stack up well compared to their peers nationwide when broken down by grade level. Below is a comparison of the median annual wages for teachers nationally and in Pennsylvania, based on 2023 data.
| National Median Wage | Pennsylvania Median Wage |
|---|---|
| Elementary school teachers: $63,680 | Elementary school teachers: $73,100 |
| Middle school teachers: $64,290 | Middle school teachers: $74,370 |
| High school teachers: $65,200 | High school teachers: $75,710 |
Salaries for Pennsylvania teachers in special education and career/technical education also rank higher than the national average, according to BLS data.
4 Ways to Increase Your Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania teachers have an advantage over teachers in some other states when it comes to salary: comprehensive collective bargaining rights. According to the NEA, teachers who work in states with collective bargaining, like Pennsylvania, earn 26% more, on average, than their peers in states without collective bargaining. This is particularly true for more experienced teachers, who receive consistent raises mandated through union contracts.
While certain variables that impact their compensation are somewhat outside of their control—such as union contract negotiations and legislative efforts—individual educators can potentially increase their income in several ways.
1. Earn Supplemental Income by Taking on Additional Responsibilities
One of the simplest ways for teachers to boost their earnings is by taking on additional responsibilities at the schools where they work. For example, coaching a sports team, chaperoning school events, or becoming a drama instructor are all viable methods for bringing in more income.
2. Pursue Professional Development
Taking advantage of professional development opportunities, such as by enrolling in a boot camp or pursuing a certificate, can help teachers learn new specialized skills that enhance their qualifications and make them more attractive to employers—and therefore more likely to command a higher salary. For example, educators who can teach special education students or students learning English as a second language are in demand in certain districts.
3. Pursue an Advanced Education
Teachers with a graduate degree generally earn more than those whose highest level of education is a bachelor’s. According to 2020-21 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average base salary for teachers with a master’s degree was $15,000 higher than that of teachers with only a bachelor’s. Earning a master’s degree in a field related to the subject they teach, such as a master’s in special education , can be especially beneficial to teachers.
Educators can also use their graduate degrees to transition into roles outside of teaching that may have a higher earning potential, such as instructional coordinator or training and development manager roles.
4. Move Into Administration
Earning a graduate degree can also help educators qualify for administrative positions, such as principal or superintendent roles. The earning potential for these positions is often significantly higher than that of teachers. Principals had a median annual wage of $103,460 in 2023 and postsecondary education administrators had a median wage of $102,610, according to the BLS.
Graduate programs in education often focus on developing leadership competencies in addition to pedagogy, preparing educators for such administrative roles.
Benefits of Earning a Master of Education
While most teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree, earning a graduate degree, such as a Master of Education (MEd), can lead to numerous opportunities. MEd programs help students develop in-depth pedagogical knowledge and skills along with valuable leadership competencies that can enable them to excel in their careers.
Higher Salary
As previously noted, teachers with a graduate degree typically earn more than those whose highest level of education is a bachelor’s. According to the NEA, the average starting salary for Pennsylvania teachers with a master’s degree was $53,200 in 2022-23—$4,000 more than the average starting salary for all teachers in the state, and $5,000 more than the nationwide average.
Additionally, NEA data showed that the top end of the pay scale for Pennsylvania teachers with a master’s degree was $7,500 higher than the top end of the pay scale for bachelor’s holders: $82,600 in contrast to $75,100.
Career Advancement
For most teachers, earning an MEd is a pathway to career advancement. Many administrative roles in education, such as principal and superintendent roles, for example, require a master’s degree. Additionally, most teaching positions in higher education require an advanced degree.
Teachers can also use their master’s degrees to shift careers , taking on education-adjacent roles outside of the classroom, such as instructional coordinator roles.
Competitive Advantage
Having an MEd can help teachers stand out from their peers in the job market. Earning an MEd demonstrates to potential employers that a candidate possesses advanced expertise as well as a high level of dedication and a strong work ethic, potentially making them a more attractive candidate than someone with a lower-level degree.
Networking Opportunities
MEd students can make meaningful connections through their coursework that can have a positive impact on their careers. Forging relationships with classmates and faculty, whether in the classroom or through school-sponsored events, enables them to grow their professional network, which can lead to job offers after graduation.
Boost Your Earnings—and Your Opportunities—With a Master of Education
Teachers play a vital role in our society, shaping the future by educating and inspiring young minds, which is why ensuring that they’re paid properly is crucial. Districts that pay educators well often have higher recruitment and retention rates. Higher teacher salaries have also been shown to have a positive impact on student performance.
Earning an advanced degree is one of the many ways teachers can boost their salary. Teachers in Pennsylvania looking to make more money and expand their career opportunities should consider the MEd degree at Wilson College Online . Our flexible, asynchronous MEd program allows you to continue teaching in your current district while you pursue your degree.
Explore the MEd program at Wilson College Online and discover how we can help you take the next step as an educator.
Recommended Readings
How to Become a School Principal
How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher
Sources:
Indeed, “Making More Money as a Teacher: 10 Steps You Can Take”
Indeed, “Top 10 Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree”
The Journalist’s Resource, “Raising Public School Teacher Pay: What the Research Says”
National Center for Education Statistics, Characteristics of Public School Teachers
National Education Association, Educator Pay in America
National Education Association, Starting Teacher Salaries
The Nevada Independent, “Does Higher Teacher Pay Result in Better Student Performance?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Pays
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Training and Development Managers
