How Can Teachers Make More Money?
People who love to teach know that the rewards of teaching can be extensive. For example, a 2024 report in Education Week noted that teachers have the opportunity to:
- Enjoy seeing their students understand new concepts
- Form meaningful connections with their students
- Teach subjects that they are passionate about
- Make a difference in their students’ lives, and help prepare them for success
Of course, teachers also receive compensation for the important work they do. And while their compensation may not always rise to the levels of other professionals’ compensation, teachers are uniquely positioned to earn more income by gaining additional education.
How can teachers make more money? Anyone who is considering getting a graduate degree, such as a Master of Arts in Educational Therapy, will want to explore how earning a graduate degree can increase a teacher’s salary, as well as other benefits of earning an advanced degree.
How Much Do Teachers Make?
In exploring how teachers can make more money, it is helpful to start by forming a general understanding of teachers’ salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers had the following median annual salaries as of May 2024:
- Kindergarten and elementary school teachers: $62,310
- Middle school teachers: $62,970
- High school teachers: $64,580
- Special education teachers: $$64,270
Individual teachers’ salaries can vary based on factors such as their geographic location, years of experience, level of education, and type of school (for example, public school or private school).
Other Components of Teacher Compensation
In addition to their salaries, teachers typically receive valuable benefits such as health insurance and a pension or another type of retirement benefit. In some states, teachers can also receive:
- Paid leave
- Student loan repayment assistance or student loan forgiveness
- Childcare assistance
- Housing assistance
Can Teachers Earn More With a Master’s Degree?
One of the best ways for teachers to increase their income is to earn a master’s degree. Investing the time it takes to earn a master’s degree in education — for example, a Master of Arts in Educational Therapy, a Master of Arts in Education, or a Master of Arts in Special Education — can help teachers gain not only expertise but also higher salaries.
The National Education Association reported that, for the 2023-2024 school year, the average starting salary for teachers who had earned a master’s degree was 8.3% higher than the average starting salary for teachers who had earned only a bachelor’s degree.
In addition, as of October 2025, salary information website Payscale reported that the median annual salary for people who held a Bachelor of Education degree was about $63,000, while for those who held a Master of Education it was about $70,000.
Other Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Education
While earning a master’s degree is a great way for teachers to increase their earnings, the long-term benefits that teachers gain from completing graduate education extend beyond the potential financial rewards. Earning a master’s degree in education also can enable teachers to do the following:
- Advance into a new role. Teachers who earn a graduate degree in education can progress along the education career path and move into a new role in an area such as administration or curriculum development.
- Learn about new discoveries in the field. Earning a master’s degree can help teachers learn about new developments in education and stay up to date on the latest research in their field.
- Enhance their instruction skills. Receiving advanced education allows teachers to learn about new approaches to pedagogy and expand the range of instructional methods they can use in the classroom.
- Specialize in an area of interest. Teachers can earn a master’s degree to move into an area of education that aligns with their interests, such as educational therapy or special education.
- Expand their professional network. In the process of working toward an advanced degree, teachers can get to know faculty members and fellow teachers. This can allow them to significantly expand their professional network, providing them with more potential resources for assistance and information or for new career opportunities.
- Experience personal growth. Teachers are lifelong learners and need to challenge themselves and find ways to pursue personal growth. Completing a master’s degree program is a great way for teachers to grow personally, enhance their competence and expertise, and set a great example for their students.
Getting Advanced Expertise Can Enable Teachers to Increase Their Income and Enjoy Other Benefits
Earning a master’s degree is a great way for teachers to make more money, progress in their careers, and enhance their expertise. Pursuing an advanced degree can enable teachers to move into a new role and continue pursuing their love of learning.
If you are a teacher interested in earning a graduate degree that could lead to a higher salary, explore the master’s degree programs Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) offers to learn how one of them can help you reach your goals. Students at NDNU can earn a:
With personalized attention and curricula that reflect current trends, these programs stand ready to help educators take their knowledge to the next level. Start achieving your goals in the field of education today. Fill out the form below to be connected with NDNU's Admissions team.
Recommended Readings
Master’s in Education Requirements
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Special Education?
What Is Educational Therapy and How Does It Work?
Sources:
Education Week, “Teacher Pay, Explained: Salary, Benefits, and Pensions”
Education Week, “Teaching Is Hard. Why Teachers Love It Anyway”
ETS, “Is Getting a Master’s in Education Worth It?”
National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Compensation Means More Than Wages”
National Education Association, “NEA 2023-2024 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report”
Payscale, Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree
Payscale, Master of Education (MEd) Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, High School Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers