Pennsylvania: education overview
Average teacher salary $79,078 (2024-25), #12 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 2,936 | 2,160 |
| Students | 1,691,456 | 252,880 |
| Share of students | 87% | 13% |
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
- 500
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 127,037
- Public school students
- 1,691,456
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Regular districts generally serve K–12, so elementary and high school teachers normally use the same district teacher pay framework rather than separate grade-level district schedules. Teacher schedules are generally collectively bargained locally, subject to a longstanding statutory minimum salary rather than a statewide step schedule; the old minimum is far below typical district pay.
Separate high school districts: noStatewide salary schedule: minimumSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want strong local contracts, hundreds of K–12 districts with very different pay, and a state minimum starting salary.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.