How Much Could a Master's Degree Increase Your Teaching Salary?
The amount a master's degree can increase a teacher's salary can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the subject being taught, the amount of teaching experience the person has, the location of the school, and the school district's policies. In some cases, a graduate degree can lead to a significant increase in salary.
On average, teachers with master's degrees can expect an average increase in earnings of about 10-15%. However, the actual increase can range from as little as a few thousand dollars per year up to $20,000 per year.
It's also important to note that some school districts have specific policies in place regarding salary increases for advanced degrees, so it's best to check with the school district you work for or are considering working for to get a more accurate idea of the potential impact a master's degree might have on your salary.
Average Salary For Teachers By State in the 2020-2021 School Year (With and Without a Master's Degree)
| State | Starting Salary | Top Bachelor's | Starting Master's | Top Master's | Top Salary |
| Alabama | 41,028 | 52,609 | 47,146 | 60,245 | 69,292 |
| Alaska | 48,469 | 83,395 | 54,077 | 86,861 | 87,159 |
| Arizona | 39,057 | 48,114 | 41,521 | 56,943 | 63,549 |
| Arkansas | 35,201 | 48,090 | 39,313 | 47,765 | 53,780 |
| California | 49,303 | 54,810 | 61,740 | 91,090 | 98,616 |
| Colorado | 35,292 | 45,028 | 38,793 | 56,639 | 64,963 |
| Connecticut | 46,905 | - | 50,824 | 88,655 | 94,294 |
| Delaware | 43,092 | 61,121 | 48,951 | 76,655 | 87,117 |
| Dist. of Columbia | 56,313 | 89,214 | 60,057 | 110,179 | 116,408 |
| Florida | 38,724 | 60,401 | 42,437 | 61,273 | 61,873 |
| Georgia | 38,509 | 56,566 | 43,711 | 64,507 | 79,930 |
| Hawaii | 48,428 | 68,988 | 52,302 | 74,508 | 88,839 |
| Idaho | 38,015 | 52,408 | 39,994 | 56,456 | 58,177 |
| Illinois | 40,484 | 59,855 | 44,619 | 74,801 | 82,875 |
| Indiana | 37,573 | - | - | - | 69,516 |
| Iowa | 37,908 | - | - | - | 71,382 |
| Kansas | 38,314 | - | - | - | 59,840 |
| Kentucky | 37,238 | 53,054 | 41,055 | 57,917 | 62,706 |
| Louisiana | 41,747 | 54,310 | 42,382 | 55,508 | 57,620 |
| Maine | 36,380 | 60,759 | 39,065 | 64,513 | 66,709 |
| Maryland | 47,959 | 64,158 | 51,058 | 86,365 | - |
| Massachusetts | 47,396 | 75,774 | 51,380 | 83,828 | - |
| Michigan | 37,549 | 68,753 | 43,115 | 69,330 | 82,628 |
| Minnesota | 40,310 | 54,902 | 45,432 | 66,712 | 72,114 |
| Mississippi | 36,543 | 55,245 | 38,967 | 63,131 | - |
| Missouri | 32,970 | 41,998 | 35,876 | 51,718 | 56,275 |
| Montana | 32,871 | 43,618 | 37,092 | 60,782 | 65,272 |
| Nebraska | 35,820 | 44,152 | 42,511 | 60,817 | 68,395 |
| Nevada | 40,732 | 53,917 | 47,015 | 69,051 | 77,699 |
| New Hampshire | 38,990 | 58,166 | 42,594 | 65,721 | 69,716 |
| New Jersey | 53,177 | 84,318 | 56,943 | 89,096 | 93,035 |
| New Mexico | 41,214 | 55,300 | 41,838 | 65,103 | 67,519 |
| New York | 47,181 | 76,861 | 51,754 | 88,407 | 94,541 |
| North Carolina | 37,049 | 55,044 | 40,754 | 60,549 | 63,227 |
| North Dakota | 40,106 | 57,590 | 43,960 | - | 61,316 |
| Ohio | 37,569 | 65,098 | 41,600 | 75,941 | 80,616 |
| Oklahoma | 37,992 | 52,577 | 39,427 | 54,656 | 57,013 |
| Oregon | 38,280 | 54,401 | 42,569 | 67,039 | 72,261 |
| Pennsylvania | 46,232 | 72,049 | 49,863 | 79,193 | 79,193 |
| Rhode Island | 43,569 | 82,397 | 46,512 | 85,477 | 87,637 |
| South Carolina | 37,550 | 55,437 | 55,437 | 62,748 | 76,452 |
| South Dakota | 39,636 | 52,856 | 43,904 | 54,633 | - |
| Tennessee | 38,809 | 52,271 | 41,991 | 56,497 | 64,681 |
| Texas | 44,582 | 62,441 | 47,491 | 64,924 | 63,784 |
| Utah | 43,026 | 65,021 | 46,927 | 75,251 | 79,524 |
| Vermont | 40,241 | 54,771 | 45,025 | 69,475 | 75,804 |
| Virginia | 42,069 | 66,791 | 44,792 | 70,260 | 72,486 |
| Washington | 49,113 | 59,120 | 57,938 | 85,352 | 95,006 |
| West Virginia | 37,978 | 59,064 | 40,804 | 61,927 | 65,769 |
| Wisconsin | 38,678 | - | - | - | 72,457 |
| Wyoming | 46,558 | 55,156 | 50,984 | 66,597 | 73,451 |
| U.S. Averages | 41,163 | 60,293 | 45,029 | 69,798 | 75,913 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Factors That Affect Teacher Salary
There are a number of factors that can lead to potential increases in teacher salary.
- Level of Education Achieved: The level of education that a teacher has is one of the biggest factors that affect salary. A teacher with an advanced education degree, such as a Master of Education or a doctoral degree, will make more than those with an undergraduate degree.
- Levels of Education Being Taught: Higher grade levels typically pay higher salaries. For example, middle school teachers and secondary school teachers can expect to make a higher salary than elementary school teachers or preschool teachers. Additionally, those who teach specialized fields like English as a Second Language (ESL) or special education may earn a higher salary
- Teaching Experience: The average teacher salary will increase as teachers gain more years of experience in the classroom. Schools may also offer additional incentives for teaching experience, such as increased bonuses for longevity. Additionally, schools with unions often have pay scales based on tenure and advanced qualifications; this means that teachers with more years in the system may be compensated with higher salaries than those with less teaching experience.
- School Location: Teacher salaries may vary from school to school or district to district. In general, teachers in suburban and urban areas tend to receive higher salaries than those in a rural district. Charter and public school teachers typically make more than those who teach in a private school. Different states also pay different wages, depending on cost of living and demand for teachers. For example, teachers in California make about $20,000 more per year than the national average.
- District Policy/Salary Schedule: A school district's salary schedule affects a teacher's salary by determining the base or minimum wages received. It also determines whether they will receive bonuses based on experience or graduate level degrees they may have obtained.
Master of Arts in Teaching Degree
A Master of Arts in Teaching degree is a great way to specialize and enhance your current teaching skills. This type of degree provides educational professionals with the knowledge and expertise needed to deepen their understanding of and engagement in the teaching profession. With MAT, you will be well-equipped to create engaging learning experiences for students, understand and use cutting-edge educational strategies, and maintain high professional standards.
With this degree, you will also gain an increased ability to advocate for students, collaborate with your peers and other stakeholders, develop critical thinking abilities among learners, empower others through mentoring opportunities, and much more.
What You'll Learn in a MAT Program
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program includes coursework in the following areas:
- Education theory: Students in an MAT program will study the history of education, theories of learning, and the philosophical foundations of education.
- Instructional methods: Students will learn how to plan and deliver effective lessons, use technology in the classroom, and assess student learning.
- Subject-specific content: Depending on the subject they want to teach, students will complete coursework in areas such as mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, or the arts.
- Pedagogy: Students will study teaching methods and strategies that are effective for diverse populations, including English language learners and students with special needs.
- Classroom management: Students will learn how to create a positive classroom environment and manage behavior to ensure that all students have a safe and supportive learning experience.
- Field experience: MAT programs typically include a field experience component, where students can observe and work with experienced teachers in real-world classroom settings.
Overall, an MAT degree program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to become effective, knowledgeable, and well-rounded teachers who are prepared to make a positive impact in their students' lives.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Teaching
There are several benefits for teachers who pursue a master's degree, including financial incentives:
- Increased earning potential: An advanced degree in education can often lead to a higher salary for teachers, which can be especially important for those who have dedicated their careers to the field of education.
- Professional development: A master's degree program provides teachers with opportunities to further their knowledge and skills, and to stay current with the latest developments in their field. This can help them become more effective educators and better serve their students.
- Career advancement: A master's degree can open up new career opportunities for teachers, such as becoming an instructional coach, department chair, or educational administrator.
- Improved instruction and leadership skills: The coursework and research involved in a master's degree program can help teachers to better understand the educational process, improve their instructional methods, and develop the leadership skills necessary to lead educational initiatives and programs.
- Increased job security: A master's degree can make a teacher more competitive in the job market, and can provide them with a wider range of job options if they ever need to look for a new position.
What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Teaching?
While the primary focus of a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is to prepare individuals to become classroom teachers, there are a number of other possibilities for teachers with an MAT degree. Some of these include:
- Instructional coaching: Instructional coaches may work as mentor teachers to help less experienced teachers improve their instructional skills and better meet the needs of their students.
- Curriculum specialist or department chair: Department chairs are responsible for overseeing the curriculum and instruction in a specific subject area, such as mathematics, science, or English.
- Educational administrative roles: Individuals with an MAT degree can pursue careers as school administrators, such as a school principal or other district leadership positions.
- Higher education: MAT graduates may also choose to pursue careers in higher education, such as teaching at the college level or working in student services or academic advising.
The skills and knowledge gained through an MAT degree program can be applied to a wide range of careers in education and related fields, providing individuals with a broad range of opportunities to make a positive impact on students and communities.
Pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching at Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University offers an exceptional Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program. The MAT is designed to provide students with the knowledge and training necessary to become successful PreK or K-12 teachers in just 11 months.
With Pepperdine’s comprehensive curriculum and 200+ teaching sites, students will gain the skills needed to make a positive impact on students in the classroom setting. Click here to find out more or schedule an information session.