Teacher Salaries: What Educators Earn in Ohio 

Ohio, the Buckeye State, is known for sports, the “3 Cs” cities, a rich history, and Cincinnati chili. There are 611 public school districts and hundreds of charter schools across the state. Many students (35%) live in suburban communities, while 28% live in cities, 21% live in small towns, and 14% live in rural areas. 

Ohio has a mid-range cost of living, but what does that mean for teachers? How do teacher salaries in Ohio compare to other states, and how can teachers in Ohio advance their salaries along with their careers?  

Starting Teacher Salaries in Ohio 

The average starting teacher salary in Ohio is $40,982, according to the National Education Association. That puts Ohio near the bottom, 47^th in the nation, per the NEA. 

That starting teacher salary is also more than $20,000 less than the minimum living wage in Ohio. This means that especially as teachers are getting established in their careers, they will need to be aware of managing their budgets.  

Average Teacher Salary in Ohio 

Despite lower starting salaries, Ohio teachers do have a lot of opportunity to increase their earnings. The average teacher salary in Ohio, taking into account all experience levels, is $68,236, according to the NEA. That puts the Buckeye State at No. 22 in the nation. That average teacher salary is also $6,554 higher than the minimum living wage in Ohio. 

Of course, these are averages, and your specific salary will vary depending on your district, education level, title, and other factors.  

Average Teacher Salary in Ohio vs. the National Average 

On average, teachers in Ohio earn less than teachers in other states. The national average teacher salary is $46,526 for starting teachers and $72,030 for teachers at all experience levels. This means starting teachers in Ohio earn $5,544 less than the U.S. average, and teachers in general earn $3,794 less. 

An important caveat here is cost of living. The cost of living in Ohio is about 11% lower than the national average, so teachers in this Midwest state may find their dollars stretch further than in other areas of the country.  

Variation in Teacher Salaries Across Ohio 

Teacher salaries in Ohio can vary pretty widely from district to district, with much of the fluctuation reflecting local tax revenue and funding sources. For example, in Franklin County, which includes the city of Columbus and its suburbs, the average starting salary is $48,411, according to research from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. That is $7,429 more than the average starting salary in the state. 

In Cuyahoga County, districts pay slightly lower starting salaries ($47,115, on average), but still well above the state minimum of $35,000 and higher than the state’s overall average starting salary. 

In Cincinnati Public Schools, one of the largest systems in the state, the starting salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree is $51,204, according to the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, the local teachers’ union.  

Factors Influencing Teacher Salaries in Ohio  

Several key factors influence teacher salaries in Ohio, including:  

• Regional differences: Some areas of Ohio may pay more or less depending on local budgets. Urban areas, like Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland, may pay higher wages, while more rural or higher poverty areas may pay less.  
• Education level: Teachers with higher credentials, such as a master’s degree or National Board Certification, move up “steps” in the district pay schedule, earning higher salaries.  
• Years of experience: As teachers garner years of experience, they move up salary schedules. For example, in Cincinnati Public Schools, a teacher at step 1 of the scale with a bachelor’s degree earns $51,204. A teacher at step 30, however, with a master’s degree, would make $104,949. 
• Teaching license: Teachers who have earned their full Ohio license will earn more than teachers with a temporary permit.  
• Specializations: Adding additional licensure endorsements, such as special education or specific teaching areas, can add marketability and increase salary.  
• Collective bargaining: Teacher’s unions have a presence in Ohio, and areas with strong unions typically have higher pay rates than areas without collective bargaining.  

Advancing Beyond Average Teacher Salary in Ohio 

Ohio teachers have various options to increase their earnings and advance their careers:  

• Earn additional certifications or advanced degrees: Earning a Master’s in Education or becoming National Board Certified can boost a teacher’s salary and expand career opportunities.  
• Pursue leadership opportunities: A role such as instructional coach, grade-level chair, or department head can come with additional pay. Moreland University’s Master’s in Educational Leadership provides teachers with the credential and skills to advance into leadership roles. 
• Assume additional responsibilities: Within a school, teachers who take on additional responsibilities, such as mentoring, coaching, or leading after school activities, can increase their total compensation through extra-curricular stipends. 
• Cover summer school or additional classes: Teachers can earn additional money by teaching summer school or covering classes.  

Budget and Funding Factors in Ohio

Teacher salaries are funded largely through state and local funding. In Ohio, only 14.6% of public-school funding comes from the federal government, and that money is often allocated to specific programs, like Title 1 schools or special education. This means that teacher salaries are decided at the local level, and set district by district. 

Grow Your Ohio Teaching Salary with Moreland University

Ohio is a great state for sports fans, outdoor enthusiasts, and history fanatics. For teachers, the Buckeye State is a great place to build a career. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to advance to the next level, Moreland University provides the expertise and flexibility you need. 

You could earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland or your license plus an M.Ed. in as little as 12 months. Moreland’s programs are fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates. 

Ready to take the next step? Apply for free today (takes less than 15 minutes), and you‘ll hear back within 2 business days.