How much does a teacher with a masters degree earn in Arizona?

Answer 1

Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $41,400 to $45,920 in May 2004; the lowest 10 percent earned $26,730 to $31,180; the top 10 percent earned $66,240 to $71,370. Median earnings for preschool teachers were $20,980.

According to the American Federation of Teachers, beginning teachers with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $31,704 in the 2003-04 school year. The estimated average salary of all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the 2003-04 school year was $46,597. Private school teachers generally earn less than public school teachers, but may be given other benefits, such as free or subsidized housing.

According to a salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in pre-elementary teacher education received starting offers averaging $29,246 a year in 2005; candidates with a bachelor's degree in elementary teacher education received starting offers averaging $30,904; candidates with a bachelor's degree in secondary education received starting offers averaging $31,845.

In 2004, more than half of all elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers belonged to unions-mainly the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association-that bargain with school systems over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. Fewer preschool and kindergarten teachers were union members-about 17 percent in 2004.

Teachers can boost their salary in a number of ways. In some schools, teachers receive extra pay for coaching sports and working with students in extracurricular activities. Getting a master's degree or national certification often results in a raise in pay, as does acting as a mentor. Some teachers earn extra income during the summer by teaching summer school or performing other jobs in the school system.

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