New York: education overview
Average teacher salary $98,655 (2024-25), #2 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 4,812 | 1,630 |
| Students | 2,527,258 | 401,380 |
| Share of students | 86% | 14% |
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
- 686
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 215,761
- Public school students
- 2,527,258
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Most districts serve K–12 and use one collectively bargained teacher salary schedule, but New York also has a small number of central high school districts serving component elementary districts. Those separate employers can negotiate separate pay schedules; there is no statewide teacher salary schedule or meaningful statewide teacher-specific salary floor.
Separate high school districts: someStatewide salary schedule: noSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want some of the nation's highest pay, strong unions, and a choice between New York City and hundreds of suburban and upstate districts.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.