Aspring DFW teachers look at a board in an education class

It Pays to Teach

It's true: teaching is a career that requires a real commitment. It’s also a career that comes with real rewards. Learn about the competitive starting salaries here in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Teaching Salaries Start High

Bar graph of DFW teacher starting salaries. The chart says: General Teacher - $58,367; Special Education - $60,727; STEM - $61,492; Bilingual - $62,517. Source: Salary schedules of school districts partnered with TeachDFW.

You probably have heard rumors about teacher salaries — but did you know that most people underestimate how much teachers take home?

Starting salaries for teachers in Dallas-Fort Worth districts might be higher than you expect. Among our 15 partner school districts in the DFW area, the average starting salary for teachers is over $58,000. (1)

And there’s more! Many districts offer annual stipends of up to several thousand dollars for teaching a shortage area subject, like science, math or bilingual education. 

How Do Teacher Salaries Compare With Other Jobs?

A bar chart of DFW average salaries. The chart says: Registered Nurse - $78K; Teacher - $62K; Paralegal - $59K; Graphic Designer - $49K; Bookkeeper - $47K; Community Health Worker - $38K. Source: U.S. Department of Labor

In Dallas-Fort Worth, average teacher salaries are competitive with many other fields that require a bachelor’s degree.

Plus, teachers usually work just 180–190 days each year — compared to 260 work days a year in most other fields. (2)

Great Growth Potential for High-Performing Teachers.

A DFW math teacher works with a student sitting at a computer. The teacher points to something on the screen, explaining a concept to her student.

You don’t have to make less to make an impact in education. Programs like the Teacher Incentive Allotment or Dallas ISD’s Teacher Excellence Initiative offer pathways to earn close to — or even over — six figures. These programs are designed to reward educators for effective teaching and high-quality student experiences.

Additionally, many teachers pursue school or district leadership roles during their careers, where they can easily earn six figures.

Benefits for DFW Teachers

The benefits you get on top of salary are part of your total compensation, and teachers tend to get a better benefit package than most other jobs.

As a teacher, you’ll enroll in your school district’s health plan. This typically includes medical, dental, vision and other insurance costs for you and your family. 

Vacation days will depend on your district, but in general you can expect: 

  • Spring break
  • December holiday break
  • National holidays off
  • Paid personal & sick days during the school year

You may also get time off during the summer. Teachers use this time to travel, explore professional development, relax or work elsewhere. Some districts offer summer positions for teachers, such as summer school or curriculum development jobs.

In Texas, you’ll receive retirement funds through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). You can receive retirement benefits if you: 

  • Are 65 and have completed at least five years of in-state teaching service.
  • Are 62 and your combined age and years of service equal at least 80.

How does teacher retirement work?

During your teaching years, you’ll contribute a portion of your salary to TRS. Your employer also makes a contribution that goes into the statewide TRS fund. 

Your contributions, your employer’s contributions and the contributions of other Texas employees earn interest over time. Those contributions add up, so you’ll be financially secure when it’s time to retire. (3)

Want to continue your teacher education? Many school districts offer tuition reimbursement and professional development funds (for things like conferences or trainings).

Building your skills can increase your knowledge and your pay. It also helps districts retain top-notch educators — so it’s a win-win for everyone.

Check out our Financial Aid Explorer to look for specific opportunities.

Stepping into a classroom could mean stepping out of debt. Loan forgiveness programs cancel your remaining student loans — meaning you don’t have to pay them back! — in exchange for a commitment to teach for several years.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program benefits public school teachers with federal student loans.

Teachers in certain shortage areas, including math, science and special education can receive up to $17,500 in forgiven loans. If you teach a different subject, you can still get up to $5,000. To qualify, you’ll need to:

  • Have a federal Direct Loan or Stafford Loan.
  • Teach in a school that serves low-income students.   
  • Teach full-time for five consecutive academic years.
  • Have taken out your loans before the end of your five years of service.    

Perkins Loan Forgiveness

You can get 100% of your Perkins loans forgiven if you teach for five years!

You’ll need to:

  • Have a federal Perkins loan. 
  • Teach in a school that serves low-income students.   
  • Teach in a state-designated shortage area.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you work full-time in a public service field — like teaching! — for 10 years, you can get your remaining student loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

To qualify, you’ll need to:

  • Have a federal Direct Loan, or consolidate your other federal loans into a Direct Loan. 
  • Work full-time (at least 30 hours a week).
  • Make 120 on-time payments while you’re employed full-time. 

Buying a house is expensive, but there are resources to help you find a home in the community where you teach.

Good Neighbor Next Door

The federal government created Good Neighbor Next Door to contribute to community revitalization and to support people in service professions.

Good Neighbor Next Door offers a discount of 50% from the list price of qualifying homes. The home inventory changes weekly — so if you don’t see something in your area right away, it’s worth checking back!

Teacher Next Door

The Teacher Next Door Program helps classroom teachers become homeowners in the communities where they work. The program offers a wide range of support, including:

  • Housing grants.
  • Down payment assistance. 
  • Home loans.
  • Preferred interest rates.

 

Homes for Heroes

Homes for Heroes assists educators by making the home buying, selling or refinancing process easier (and saving teachers money in the process)! Learn more about Homes for Heroes.

Texas State Affordability and Housing Corporation

The Texas State Affordability and Housing Corporation offers home loan and down payment assistance for professionals in public service fields. That includes teachers!

The world’s best brands offer discounts to teachers. Think J. Crew, Madewell, Apple Store, and Marriott Hotels.

That means classroom materials are cheaper. Plane tickets take you further. Cell phone bills and gym memberships cost less. Your wardrobe has more options. And new technology is so much closer. 

Discounts vary by district and state, but this national list is a good place to start. 

Confident DFW teacher standing by tree

Don't Believe It?

You don’t have to take our word for it: Talk to a TeachDFW coach to find out what it’s like to be an educator in DFW. It’s confidential, honest and free.

Talk to a Coach

Subscribe

Enter your email to get the updates that matter.

  • Career insights.
  • Teacher spotlights.
  • Think pieces on the state of education.
  • Deadline reminders.

You can always customize what and when you hear from us.

By signing up, you agree to TEACH.org’sTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. You understand that you will receive email and/or SMS communications from TEACH.org. You can opt out at any time by updating your Communication Preferences in your Profile. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.

References

  1. Composite data from various Dallas school districts. Retrieved from partner school district salary schedules. https://dallasftworth.teach.org/schools-community 
  2. Salary Finder. CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/wages/find-salary.aspx 
  3. Retirement Eligibility Requirements, Teacher Retirement System of Texas. https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/benefits_handbook.pdf