District of Columbia: education overview
Average teacher salary $95,077 (2024-25), #4 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 244 | 80 |
| Students | 94,211 | 20,620 |
| Share of students | 82% | 18% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 1
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 8,052
- Public school students
- 94,211
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
DC Public Schools is one K–12 system, and its elementary and high school teachers use the same collectively bargained teacher salary schedule. Charter schools are separate employers and set their own compensation, so the DCPS schedule is not a universal citywide floor for all public-school teachers.
Separate high school districts: noStatewide salary schedule: noSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want one of the highest-paying urban systems, a choice between the public district and a large charter sector, and city life.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.