Best Cities for Teachers in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Aspiring Educators
| by Hannah Sparling
Deciding to become a teacher is a life-changing step — for you and the students and families you’ll serve. But once you decide to go into education, you still have to decide where to teach. Do you prefer a big district with hundreds of schools or a smaller system with just a few? Are you looking for the highest salary, the best student/teacher ratio, a school with great music or sports programs? Every school is different, and your choice can have a huge impact on your professional journey and overall satisfaction as an educator.
If you want to become a teacher in Pennsylvania, you’re in a good spot — PA is an excellent state for educators. And this post will help you refine your search even further. We’ll cover information about some of the best cities, districts, and schools in the Keystone State so you can get a clearer picture of your priorities and make a confident decision about where to build your career.
Why Pennsylvania Is a Strong State for Teachers
Pennsylvania has strong, consistent demand for teachers, with more than 8,000 projected job openings every single year from now through 2030 for elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This high demand means more opportunities for aspiring and experienced educators alike.
The average teacher salary in PA is $76,961, the 12th highest rate in the nation, according to the National Education Association. Importantly, that average salary is well above the minimum living wage in PA ($58,542, per the NEA), so teachers are able to build a comfortable financial life.
Finally, beyond the classroom, Pennsylvania offers an exceptional quality of life. There are the Pocono Mountains and Lake Erie, and teachers can unwind by hiking, skiing, or exploring the numerous state parks, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
Key Criteria for Choosing a City as a Teacher
Choosing where to teach is a personal decision, but several common factors can help guide your choice:
Salary & Benefits
Your potential earnings and benefits package are crucial for financial stability and long-term career satisfaction.
School District Quality & Culture
Quality can be subjective, but you want to ensure the educational philosophy and overall culture at your school mesh well with your personality and values.
Cost of Living
This determines how far your salary will go. The same paycheck might be more than enough in some areas but leave you barely scraping by in others.
District Size & Teacher Demand
A larger district may have more job opportunities overall than a smaller district. There are also more opportunities throughout the state for teachers certified in high-need subject areas and grades.
Top Pennsylvania Cities & Districts to Consider
While only you can make the final decision, the following information can help you weigh your options and make an informed choice on where to apply for teaching jobs:
By Salary & Benefits
Statewide, the average teacher salary in PA is $76,961, according to the NEA — nearly $5,000 a year higher than the nationwide average. The average starting teacher salary is $50,470 in Pennsylvania, but your paycheck could still vary widely based on your specific role and the district you choose.
Niche.com has a ranking of the best places to teach in PA. Here are the top 5 districts on that list, rearranged in order of average teacher salary. (Note: This salary is for teachers at all experience levels, not just new teachers.)
- Fox Chapel Area School District: $110,850
- Montour School District: $109,173
- Colonial School District: $108,141
- North Allegheny School District: $98,216
- Mt. Lebanon School District: $95,947
By Cost of Living
A high salary can be misleading if the cost of living is equally high. It’s essential to balance potential earnings with housing costs and other expenses. Houzeo has a list of the cheapest places to live in PA. At the top of the list: Bradford, Altoona, Johnstown, Erie, and Pottsville. Houzeo also recommends Scranton as the best city for young professionals and Johnstown as a great choice for families.
Zooming in on housing costs, specifically, here is a look, from rent.com, at the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment along with the median home sale price in some popular Pennsylvania cities:
| City | Avg. Rent | Median Home Sale Price |
| Allentown | $2,200 | $245,000 |
| Bethlehem | $2,250 | $288,000 |
| Erie | $1,240 | $134,000 |
| Harrisburg | $1,480 | $148,000 |
| Lancaster | $1,880 | $255,000 |
| Philadelphia | $2,100 | $265,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $2,040 | $240,000 |
| Reading | $1,680 | $175,000 |
| Scranton | $1,350 | $180,000 |
| York | $1,480 | $160,000 |
By School District Quality
Quality can be subjective, but Niche.com has a list of the best school districts in PA based on reviews from students and parents and data from the U.S. Department of Education. The top 5:
- Radnor Township School District
- North Allegheny School District
- Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
- Mt. Lebanon School District
- Fox Chapel Area School District
U.S. News & World Report also ranks the top high schools in the state. Their top 5 include:
- Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia City School District)
- Downingtown STEM Academy (Downingtown Area School District)
- Central High School (Philadelphia City School District)
- New Hope-Solebury High School (New Hope-Solebury School District)
- Unionville High School (Unionville-Chadds Ford School District)
By School District Size
The size of a school district can significantly influence its culture. Larger districts might offer more resources, while smaller districts could provide a more tight-knit community feel. A lot of it comes down to personal preference and the type of environment where you feel most at home.
As a matter of scale, larger districts do tend to have more job openings. So, here’s a look at the 5 largest school districts in Pennsylvania:
- Philadelphia City School District: 219 schools, 117,907 students
- Pittsburgh Public Schools: 56 schools, 19,769 students
- Central Bucks School District: 23 schools, 17,257 students
- Reading School District: 19 schools, 16,657 students
- Allentown City School District: 21 schools, 16,510 students
How to Evaluate if a City is Right for You
Applying, interviewing, and accepting a teaching job is a big deal. How do you know you’re making the right choice and going after the right positions?
You can start by identifying your top priorities. What are your must-haves? What are your nice-to-haves and your deal breakers? When you know what you’re looking for — as well as what you don’t want — it’s a lot easier to focus your search and weed out unsuitable options.
You might also try visiting potential cities and districts and chatting with current and former teachers; they’ll have a ton of great information and perspective to share.
And don’t forget to factor in life outside the classroom. Do you want easy access to mountains for hiking? Do you prefer an urban, walkable city or a rural neighborhood with more space? Ultimately, the best city is one that aligns with both your professional goals and personal lifestyle.
Launch Your Teaching Career in Pennsylvania
If you’re ready to build a fulfilling teaching career in Pennsylvania, Moreland University can help. You could earn your professional teacher certification in as little as 9 months through Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
To learn more about the specific requirements for teachers in the Keystone State, explore our guide on how to become a teacher in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cost of living affect a teacher’s salary in Pennsylvania cities?
The cost of living varies significantly across Pennsylvania, so a salary that feels substantial in one city may be much tighter in a higher-cost area. It’s crucial to compare housing prices and other expenses relative to your potential salary to understand your true earning potential.
How does certification/licensure differ when working in different Pennsylvania counties or cities?
Teacher certification in Pennsylvania is managed at the state level by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). This means a state-issued teaching certificate is valid in all public school districts across all counties in the state.
Can I start teaching in Pennsylvania without relocating?
Yes, it’s possible to secure a teaching position before moving. Many Pennsylvania school districts conduct virtual interviews and have online application systems, allowing you to complete much of the hiring process remotely. This gives you the flexibility to find a job before committing to a move.
Do I need a certification to teach in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires teachers to earn a certification. However, it is possible to start your teaching career before you are fully certified. PA offers an Intern Certificate, which is a temporary, non-renewable certification designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree but have not yet completed a traditional educator preparation program. This allows candidates to teach while completing an alternative certification route for their full, professional certification.
Earn your teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program. TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Once you finish the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months.
Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
