High School Teacher salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$98,970/year
Middle half earns $76,440 – $126,420
Half of high school teachers in the Chicago metro area earn more than $98,970 a year and half earn less. That's 37% higher than the national median of $72,040, and ranks #8 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $60,380 |
| 25th | $76,440 |
| Median (50th) | $98,970 |
| 75th | $126,420 |
| 90th (top earners) | $140,600 |
Is your offer fair?
For a high school teacher job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $76,440. Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $76,440 to $126,420. The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $126,420. Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Teacher pay is usually set by a district salary schedule based on years of experience and degree level, so ask for the schedule.
- Pay here is yearly. BLS doesn't publish hourly figures for teachers because the school year isn't a standard full-time schedule.
- Coaching, club advising and summer school often come with extra stipends.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (SOC 25-2031). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.