When considering a teaching career in Philadelphia, it’s important to have a clear picture of what your salary will look like throughout your career.
Starting salaries are more than $57,000 in the School District of Philadelphia, $60,000 at Mastery Charter Schools, and are similar amounts across other charter schools.
Many schools also offer annual raises, retention bonuses, and stipends for additional roles. Signing bonuses can be up to $5,000, and teachers can receive tuition reimbursements of up to $8,000 for further education.
Educators get comprehensive benefits like medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans. Professional development, leadership pathways, and work-life balance—including extended breaks in winter, spring, and summer—make teaching in Philadelphia a rewarding and sustainable career choice.
If you’re interested in learning more about salaries at other charter schools in Philadelphia, you can check out our website at teachphl.org/find-a-job/. There, you’ll find employer profiles with more detailed salary information for various schools.
Salary
Teacher salaries in Philadelphia can vary depending on the school or school system you work for. Here are a couple of examples:
- The School District of Philadelphia offers a starting salary of more than $57,000 for first-year teachers.
- Mastery Charter Schools provide $60,000 for first-year teachers.
- Other charter schools offer salaries that are similar to the above. If you’re interested in learning more about salaries at other charter schools in Philadelphia, you can check out our website at teachphl.org/find-a-job/.
- Most schools provide annual raises for teachers.
Bonuses
While bonus amounts and criteria vary by employer, many employers offer signing bonuses up to or around $5,000 for specific positions. Employers, such as the School District of Philadelphia, also may offer retention and reengagement bonuses of $1,400 and $2,500 bonuses to teachers appointed to hard to fill subject areas.
Stipends & Additional Pay
Educators are able to get additional pay for taking on roles or duties not specifically in their job descriptions. Some of these include coaching students or leading extracurricular activities.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many employers offer tuition reimbursements of up to $8,000, depending on the school system, for earning a teacher certification, Master’s degrees, continuing education, etc.
Benefits
All teachers receive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
Professional Growth
Many schools in Philadelphia provide professional development for teachers, whether you’re new to the classroom or an experienced teacher, as well as coaching. There are also opportunities to advance to leadership roles within schools–such as teacher leader, assistant principal, and principal–or within central offices.
Time Off & Work-Life Balance
Teachers receive time off during the summer, winter, and spring that many traditional 9-5 jobs do not offer.