Updated October 2026.

How much do teachers make in Texas? Pay depends on your district, your experience and what you teach, but the numbers have climbed in the last two years. Here’s what to expect in 2026.

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Starting teacher salary in Texas

Each Texas school district sets its own salary schedule. The state sets a floor: for 2025–26, the minimum salary for a first-year teacher is $33,960 for a 10-month contract. Most districts pay well above that, and many large urban and suburban districts start new teachers far higher. For example, Houston ISD starts new teachers with less than three years of certified experience, including teachers not yet certified, at $70,000 for 2026–27, with extra pay for some assignments.

The best way to know what you’d earn is to look up the salary schedules for the districts where you want to teach. Districts publish them online, usually with any extra pay (stipends) for high-need subjects such as bilingual education, special education, math and science.

Zaira Diaz’s story

“I’m from Puerto Rico. I went to university in Connecticut and then back to my home country where all my family lives. After starting my own family and really struggling because of the economic situation at home, I really wanted to teach in the United States. Since I was a little girl, I had always thought about becoming a teacher, but in Puerto Rico it wasn’t possible financially.

I reached out to Teachworthy, and they were so encouraging right from the start. They convinced me that I could do the training while I was in Puerto Rico and that they would be able to help me find a teaching position. They have a great reputation with the school districts they serve. I felt I could really trust them.

They did just as they promised. I found a great teaching position, and my life has changed in so many ways. My husband and kids all moved with me to Texas, and I know that none of this would have been possible without the family I found at Teachworthy.”

Watch the full interview

Average teacher pay in Texas

The National Education Association estimates the average Texas teacher salary at $68,001 for 2025–26, up from $63,749 the year before. The national average is an estimated $76,552. (Source: NEA estimates, reported by the Texas State Teachers Association, April 2026.)

The 2025 teacher pay raise (House Bill 2)

In 2025, Texas passed House Bill 2, which created the Teacher Retention Allotment. Starting in 2025–26, districts receive state money to give experienced teachers permanent raises:

  • 3 or 4 years of experience: $2,500 in districts with more than 5,000 students, or $4,000 in districts with 5,000 or fewer.
  • 5 or more years of experience: $5,000 in districts with more than 5,000 students, or $8,000 in districts with 5,000 or fewer.

First- and second-year teachers aren’t eligible for these raises, but your pay will step up as you gain experience.

How to earn more as a Texas teacher

  • Teach a shortage area. Districts often pay stipends for high-need areas. For 2025–26, the Texas Education Agency lists bilingual/ESL, career and technical education, computer science and technology applications, secondary English language arts and reading, and special education as shortage areas.
  • Earn a Teacher Incentive Allotment designation. Through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), highly effective teachers can earn Recognized, Exemplary or Master designations that bring additional pay each year, with larger amounts at high-needs and rural campuses.
  • Consider a rural district. Smaller districts receive the larger retention allotment, and TIA amounts are often higher on rural campuses.
  • Add certifications and take on extra duties. Coaching, sponsoring activities and adding certification areas can raise your pay.

Texas substitute teacher pay

Substitute teachers are usually paid by the day. Rates vary widely by district and are often higher for certified teachers and for long-term assignments. Check the district’s website for current rates.

How to become a teacher

To hear how Teachworthy prepares teachers for the classroom through our alternative certification program, listen to Whitney Krammer share how she became a teacher:

Interested? Read our guide to getting certified and apply to Teachworthy for free.