Understanding Teacher Salaries in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide
| by Alex Skov
Sunshine and peaches — what’s not to love about Georgia? It’s a ripe time to consider a career in education or to advance your teaching career (and increase your earnings!), so it’s important to understand the dynamics of teacher salaries in Georgia.
Moreland University knows this can be crucial for making informed decisions about your professional future. Keep reading to dive into the various aspects of teacher compensation in Georgia, from entry-level positions to opportunities for career advancement, and gain an understanding of the factors that influence these salaries.
Starting teacher salaries in Georgia
When beginning a teaching career in Georgia, it’s important to know what to expect from a starting salary. Educator pay data sourced by the National Education Association (NEA) shows an average starting salary of $41,148 for teachers in the state, although this can vary based on a number of factors. For instance, those with an advanced degree like Moreland’s Master’s in Education or additional certifications often start at a higher pay scale.
Average teacher salary in Georgia
On average, a teacher in Georgia earns about $64,461 annually, according to the NEA. One perk not directly reflected in the teacher salary in Georgia is the 10-month work year this figure is based on. Since a traditional school calendar includes summers off, as well as generous breaks for holidays and other occasions throughout the year, this schedule empowers teachers to relax or pursue personal and professional development during their extra time off that is not afforded to those in most other careers.
Factors influencing teacher salaries in Georgia
As is common in each state, several factors influence the range of teacher salaries in Georgia. These can include:
- Education and certification: Higher degrees and additional certifications typically lead to higher pay. Teachers with a master’s degree, specialist degree, or doctorate often see significant salary bumps.
- Experience: Like many professions, teaching salaries increase with experience. Long-term teachers in Georgia can often earn more than their early-career counterparts.
- District and location: Salaries can vary significantly by district. For example, teachers in Atlanta and other urban areas often receive higher salaries to compensate for a higher cost of living differences compared to teachers in rural districts.
- Specialized teaching positions: Special education teachers, STEM teachers, and those in other high-demand fields often receive higher wages.
Salary advancement opportunities
For those looking to increase their teacher salary in Georgia, several pathways can lead to higher earnings:
- Advanced degrees and certifications: Earning a master’s or doctoral in education or obtaining National Board Certification, can significantly increase not only your salary, but also your skills as an educator.
- Advanced instructional roles: Consider growing into an instructional or technology coach with Moreland’s Master’s in Educational Technology, or becoming a lead teacher or department chair. These roles can lead to additional salary or extra compensation and provide you with instructional leadership opportunities.
- Administrative roles: Moving into administrative positions, such as becoming a principal or an assistant principal, can lead to substantial salary increases. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for school administrators in Georgia is $82,417. While shifting into this kind of role can seem intimidating, Moreland’s Master’s in Educational Leadership and similar programs can help prepare you for a career as a school administrator.
- Additional roles and responsibilities: Coaching sports teams, leading extracurricular activities, and taking on other responsibilities outside of a traditional classroom can supplement a teacher’s income.
- Years of service: Simply accumulating years of service in the same district can often lead to automatic salary increases due to step schedules built into teacher contracts.
Comparing teacher salaries in Georgia with other states
Recent NEA data suggests that Georgia ranks mid-range in terms of average teacher salaries nationally. However, the cost of living in many parts of Georgia is lower than in states with higher average salaries, which can level things out or even make the compensation more favorable in practical and tangible ways.
Budget and funding considerations
When teaching in Georgia, understanding the financial landscape of the state’s education system can be useful. The Georgia Department of Education provides detailed budget information and resources, which can give insights into how funds are allocated and how this impacts teacher salaries since budget constraints and funding sources directly influence salary structures and opportunities for raises.
Moreland University programs can help Georgia teachers increase their salaries
A teacher’s salary in Georgia reflects a balance between competitive compensation and the unique benefits of the profession, such as significant time off and opportunities for advancement. Whether you are entering the field through an educator preparation program like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW certification pathway or seeking to increase your earning potential with a master’s degree, our faculty and staff are here to help empower you as an educator — and that means making sure your career can be both rewarding and financially sustainable.
Sign up for an info session to learn more about enriching your educational journey with Moreland University, and find out how learning at Moreland can help you thrive as a teacher in Georgia!
