TEA 2025-2026 minimum schedule
Starting Teacher Salary in Texas
State minimum pay for classroom teachers on a 10-month contract, plus how occupational wage surveys differ from a first-year job offer.
State minimum at zero years of experience
Texas sets a minimum salary districts must pay for classroom teachers, librarians, counselors, and full-time nurses covered by the schedule. Many districts pay above this floor.
2025-2026 · 10-month contract
$33,960
$3,396/month state minimum
TEA minimum salary schedule (2025-2026)
Classroom teachers: annual pay on a 10-month contract (187 days minimum service unless furlough rules apply).
| Years credited | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $3,396 | $33,960 |
| 1 | $3,469 | $34,690 |
| 2 | $3,541 | $35,410 |
| 3 | $3,615 | $36,150 |
| 4 | $3,769 | $37,690 |
| 5 | $3,923 | $39,230 |
| 6 | $4,077 | $40,770 |
| 7 | $4,220 | $42,200 |
| 8 | $4,355 | $43,550 |
| 9 | $4,484 | $44,840 |
| 10 | $4,604 | $46,040 |
| 11 | $4,718 | $47,180 |
| 12 | $4,828 | $48,280 |
| 13 | $4,928 | $49,280 |
| 14 | $5,025 | $50,250 |
| 15 | $5,116 | $51,160 |
| 16 | $5,203 | $52,030 |
| 17 | $5,284 | $52,840 |
| 18 | $5,361 | $53,610 |
| 19 | $5,434 | $54,340 |
| 20 & Over | $5,503 | $55,030 |
BLS wages vs starting pay
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) summarize what employers report across experience levels. They are not a district’s published first-year step.
- Secondary teachers, Texas 10th percentile: $50,410 (May 2025 BLS OEWS). That is the lower end of reported wages, not the TEA minimum.
- Medians and metro comparisons live on the Texas teacher salary overview.
- HB 2 and other state allotments can require districts to raise schedules; check your district’s current pay table for an actual offer.
Texas teacher salary guides
Texas teacher salary overview : statewide medians, wage range, and metro table.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting teacher salary in Texas?
What is the beginning teacher salary in Texas under state law?
Is the BLS 10th percentile the same as a first-year teacher salary?
Can a Texas district pay less than the TEA minimum?
More calculators and guides
Texas Salary Calculator
Take-home pay after federal tax and FICA
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Net paycheck estimate for Texas wages
Hourly Salary Calculator
Hourly ↔ annual gross conversion
Texas Mortgage Calculator
Monthly PITI payment estimate
Child Support Calculator
Texas guideline percentage estimate
Nurse Salary Texas
BLS RN wages and comparisons
CRNA Salary Texas
Nurse anesthetist wage data